We are a Christ-centered church committed to reaching the Ethiopian and Eritrean community, and the wider Denver and Aurora community, with the salvation, wholeness, and healing found in Christ.

Our Beliefs Our History Leadership Team Members

Our Heritage

Our History & Journey

Our Story

Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Denver

EECD began in 1986, when a small number of Ethiopian immigrants started gathering as a fellowship. In its early days the church found its home on South University Boulevard in Aurora, a small space that became a sanctuary of unity for people from diverse backgrounds. As the congregation grew, the church moved to University Hills Baptist Church on South Yale Avenue in Denver from 1998 to 2000, then to a middle school at 13th and Chambers in Aurora from 2000 to 2001, a season that reflected the church's adaptability and resilience. Today EECD worships at 445 S. Lansing Street in Aurora, serving adults, youth, and children of Ethiopian, Eritrean, and American heritage. Through every location, the story has been the same: perseverance, diversity, and spiritual growth, a community woven together by devotion to Christ.

Our Journey

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1986 fellowship founded ┬╖ early years on S. University Blvd, Aurora

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1998 Moved to University Hills Baptist, Denver

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2000-2001 Moved to 13th and Chambers, Aurora

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Today Worshiping at Lansing St

Foundations

Vision & What We Believe

Our Vision

To Know Christ and Make Him Known

Vision Description

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"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;" — Philippians 3:10

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"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." — Matthew 5:14-16

What We Believe

We believe in the Holy Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the authority of Scripture, and salvation through faith alone.

The Holy Trinity

The Authority of Scripture

Salvation through Christ alone

The resurrection of the dead

The Great Commission

Core Values

What We Stand For

Biblical Authority

The belief that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the ultimate authority for all matters of faith and practice.

Family

We believe family is created by God and a healthy family is the basis of a strong and functional church.

Unity

The commitment to work together in harmony and unity, recognizing that we are all members of one body in Christ.

Service

We value serving others with humility, compassion, and a desire for servanthood.

Leadership

Pastoral Leadership & Direction

Meet the pastors and leaders dedicated to providing spiritual direction, pastoral care, and biblical teaching to our church family.

Senior Pastor

25+ Years in Ministry

Senior Pastor

Endashaw Kelkile

"A servant leader with a heart for discipleship and community transformation."

Passionate shepherd dedicated to biblical preaching, spiritual growth, and nurturing a vibrant, multigenerational Christ-centered community.

🎨 Gift or Talent

Pastoral Preaching, Visionary Leadership & Spiritual Counseling

⚽ Hobby

Theological reading, gardening, and enjoying traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies with family.

💡 Interesting Fact

Has mentored ministry leaders across three continents and loves traditional Ethiopian hymns.

Family Pastor

Demoz Abebe

18+ Years in Ministry

Devoted to building strong, Christ-centered marriages and families through pastoral mentorship, discipleship, and prayer.

🎨 Gift or Talent: Marriage & Family Counseling, Discipleship, Conflict Resolution

⚽ Hobby: Mountain hiking, soccer, and spending quality time with grandchildren.

💡 Interesting Fact: Has officiated over 100 weddings and remembers the anniversary of nearly every couple.

Evangelist

Solomon Gebretsadik

16+ Years in Ministry

Driven by an unceasing passion for the Great Commission, reaching unreached hearts and training believers for personal evangelism.

🎨 Gift or Talent: Evangelism, Encouragement & Street Ministry

⚽ Hobby: Community outreach, storytelling, and long-distance running.

💡 Interesting Fact: Has shared the gospel in over 20 different dialects and regions across East Africa.

Ministry Team

Team Members & Directors

Our dedicated ministry directors, pastors, and leaders serving passionately across every age group and department.

Accounting & Admin

Sosina (Toffee)

14+ Years in Ministry

Bringing operational excellence, integrity, and warmth to church administration and financial stewardship.

🎨 Gift or Talent: Church Administration, Financial Stewardship & Organization

⚽ Hobby: Baking traditional treats, event decoration, and calligraphy.

💡 Interesting Fact: Known affectionately as 'Toffee' for her sweet, joyful personality and welcoming smile.

High School Pastor

Nathan Bamaw

8+ Years in Ministry

Empowering high school students to boldly own their faith, navigate culture, and lead with purpose in school and life.

🎨 Gift or Talent: Youth Mentorship, Creative Teaching & Community Building

⚽ Hobby: Basketball, graphic design, and discovering new coffee spots.

💡 Interesting Fact: Can solve a Rubik's cube in under 45 seconds while explaining a Bible memory verse!

Middle School Ministry

Debora Assefa (Bita)

6+ Years in Ministry

Creating a vibrant, nurturing environment where middle schoolers discover their identity in Christ and develop lifelong friendships.

🎨 Gift or Talent: Creative Arts, Youth Mentoring & Interactive Teaching

⚽ Hobby: Painting, creative writing, and nurturing indoor plants.

💡 Interesting Fact: Creates hand-drawn illustrated Bible study journals for all her students each semester.

Children's Director

Yemisrach Tsegaye (Yemi)

10+ Years in Ministry

Passionate about planting seeds of God's Word in children's hearts through joyful Sunday School lessons, praise songs, and scripture memorization.

🎨 Gift or Talent: Early Childhood Ministry, Curriculum Design & Storytelling

⚽ Hobby: Children's puppetry, arts & crafts, and family picnics.

💡 Interesting Fact: Has memorized over 200 children's worship songs in both Amharic and English.

Children's Director

Jedidiah Kassa

5+ Years in Ministry

Championing engaging kids ministry programs, energetic skits, and partnering with parents for faithful spiritual growth.

🎨 Gift or Talent: Stage Drama, Children's Engagement & Team Leadership

⚽ Hobby: Acoustic guitar, photography, and outdoor camping.

💡 Interesting Fact: Built a full Noah's Ark interactive stage set entirely by hand for Vacation Bible School!

Media Director

Ambaye Lalego (Babbie)

9+ Years in Ministry

Directing livestreaming, broadcast production, and digital creative media to extend Sunday worship across the globe.

🎨 Gift or Talent: Audio Engineering, Broadcast Production & Digital Media

⚽ Hobby: Digital audio workstations, camera tech, and gadget repair.

💡 Interesting Fact: Helped engineer the church's very first online broadcast with just a single handheld camera and laptop.

Worship Director

Kenessa Bula

11+ Years in Ministry

Leading the church into heartfelt, Spirit-led bilingual worship that beautifully weaves traditional Ethiopian melodies with modern praise.

🎨 Gift or Talent: Music Direction, Vocal Arrangement & Songwriting

⚽ Hobby: Keyboard improvisation, choral arrangement, and scenic nature walks.

💡 Interesting Fact: Plays four different musical instruments including the traditional Ethiopian Begena.

Get to Know Us in Person

We would love to welcome you this Sunday. Come experience warm fellowship, uplifting bilingual worship, and a community ready to embrace you.

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