Joseph Ngoe/Central African Republic
Pastor Joseph Ngoe graduated from the Faculty of Evangelical Theology of Yaoundé with a Master's degree in General Theology in 2000 and from the Faculty of Evangelical Theology of Bangui (Yaoundé) with a Master's degree in Missiology in 2017. He was ordained on 15 December 2000 and was first Professor and then Director of the Pastors' School from 2003 to 2005, Director of the Bible School from 2010 to 2015 and also President of the Western Region. As a doctoral candidate, he was elected President of the church in November 2020 and installed on 21 March 2021. The 64-year-old is married, the father of five children and grandfather of four.
Why is ELM important to you?
In the history of our church and within the framework of the partnership, the ELM is the second partner after the ELCA. This means that the ELM is not only a strategic partner, but also a historical partner. The co-operation and the joint implementation of activities over decades already bear witness to its importance for the EELRCA. The ELM is involved in the training of theological staff (pastors' school, Bible school and decentralised theological education), without forgetting the work of the church administration.
What role does ELM play for you as a "partner in mission"?
As a "partner in mission", the ELM plays an important role in supporting the EELRCA in its work for the country's population. As part of the mutual exchange, this support also aims to impart skills for a South-South partnership.
Was there a particular event in your church that was characterised by ELM work? If so, could you please describe this event?
At the 1994 General Synod in Mamadou-Sara in Bouar, the ELM was the only partner represented when our church had to vote on the constitution. Only the ELM held talks between the supporters and the opponents in order to reach a consensus. The EELRCA appreciates this special contribution at a special time and will remember it.
What do you hope for your church from ELM in the future?
Our hope remains mutual support in all areas (holistically) as long as we live and as long as the partnership exists.
In which areas should ELM become involved?
Within the three (training) areas that the EELRCA carries out to fulfil its mission, the ELM is primarily involved in the training of pastors, without which the church will not progress.
What else I would like to say to the mission organisation:
The partnership is like a marriage in which the partners commit to each other for the best and the worst, for good times and bad. We are planning to build a hotel in Bangui to make the church visible in the capital. The partnership between the EELRCA and the ELM is no coincidence, but God's will.
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Central African Republic:
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Central African Republic (formerly Oubanguiu-Chari) emerged from the American Sudan Mission based in Cameroon and called itself the "Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cameroon and the Central African Republic" in 1930. It separated from the Church of Cameroon in 1973. It has around 90,000 members in seven church districts and 69 pastors, three of whom are female. The church works in three areas: evangelisation, theological education and diaconia.
