EGYPT CHURCH PLANTING & LEADER DEVELOPMENT
Summary
The Church of God in Egypt is committed to fostering new growth and sustaining vibrant ministry. Funds given to this project provide assistance for established congregations, as well as, for newer church plants, leadership development through resources and continuing education, women’s ministries, children and youth camps, and administrative expenses for the national assembly. Leadership development begins early. Many children attend a “children’s seminary” in educational blocks throughout the year and also serve in various capacities in their churches.
Cost
The total annual funding goal for this project is $60,000.
Project # 42.30170
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
The Church of God has had a presence in Egypt for over 100 years. The work began in 1904 as visitors stopped there on their way to India. American Church of God missionaries have since served in Egypt for decades.
The past 15 years have been years of extraordinary transformation focusing on training young leaders, congregational unity, pastoral health and updating/stabilizing dilapidated church buildings.
Vision
Vision
The General Assembly of the Church of God in Egypt have an active, long-term vision. The vision is broken down into two phases:
Phase One:
- Stabilize, Update, & Rebuild church buildings, which are in very bad condition or have outgrown their current church bulding and are in desperate need of space. It is difficult for Christians to receive permits to build churches in populated communities and desirable locations. In addition, properties have the danget of being seized if the building is beyond repair.
- Unite the 12 churches in fulfilling a unified vision
- Pastoral Care, Health, & Education
Current status:
Phase One has been mostly completed, with the exception of the renovation/rebuilding of a few church buildings. The pastors and churches are united and see themselves as one family, thus caring for widows and children of deceased Church of God pastors is a Biblical mandate and has brought healing and mending of past broken relationships. A retirement fund has been created to help pastors retire with dignity, rather living their elder years impoverished, and three Biblical Education Centers have been established in the Shoubra church in Cairo, Camp Cesar church in Alexandria and Minya in Upper Egypt.
Phase Two:
- Development of a new generation of educated, spiritually deep, strong egyptian leaders
- Church planting initiative in a line along the Nile River from Cairo to Asyut.
Current status:
Phase Two vision is in motion. Many pastors under the age of 40 have been educated (many with Doctorate degrees) and continue being mentored. They are serving in pastoral leadership in various Church of God congregations in Egypt. Young leaders are being educated and mentored in preparation for the planting of new congregations along the Nile.
STRATEGY
Global Strategy is looking for people and churches to partner with the Church of God in Egypt in this exciting time of growth and renewed vision. Join us in prayer and join us in generous giving.
The Church of God in Egypt
The Church of God in Egypt
“If we do not help ourselves, then others will also not help us.”
This is the motto of the Church of God in Egypt. The General Assembly holds the strong belief that first, they raise money from the Egyptian national churches for their projects. When the need is greater, they reach out to Egyptian business owners and thirdly, they present their projects to donors outside of Egypt. Two-thirds of funds needed for ministries and the rebuilding of church buildings are raised inside of Egypt; one-third are received from outside of the country. Egyptian Christians are generous and sacrificial!
The churches are innovative and creative in how they minister in their communities. Some have day care/preschool centers, others have tutoring for school children while others provide safe places for spiritual and sensitive life conversations. Churches near universities have a vision to open cafes in their church for students to hang-out. Children are especially valued in Christian churches which offer safe spaces to play, care for their needs, and facilitate children’s camps. Connecting with parents, regardless of religious beliefs or migration status, promotes healthy, community relationships. In addition, Children of Promise supports many children and the General Assembly values this partnership. The Church of God invites all people into the family of God. In Egypt, Christians are the minority and because of that, relational and church connections are strong.
The Church of God in Egypt is strong and healthy. It has taken years of much prayer, work, tenacity, unified vision and leadership to get to this place.
Let’s pray for the leaders and pastors and let’s seize this rare moment in time to support this worthwhile project!
“The Church of God in Egypt is an amazing story of restoration and renewal in an incredibly challenging context. Empowered next generation leaders envision an exciting new future of impact and growth.” – Pastor Rod Stafford who visited Egypt in October 2024
Will you join Global Strategy in walking alongside the Church of God in Egypt?
Ways to make a difference
- Online—Visit this link.
- Check—Make checks payable to “Church of God Ministries” and specify “Egypt Church Planting - 42.30170” in the memo line.
For more information, contact Global Strategy Projects at 800.848.2464 or GSProjects@chog.org.
