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THE FIRST REV. DR. YONAS DERESSA LECTURE SERIES 
 

Tibebu Senbetu 
(Mekane Yesus Seminary 

Gudina Tumsa Research Center 
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) 

 
 
 

Mekane Yesus Seminary, the largest and oldest Lutheran Seminary in Ethiopia, has recently established a 
research center to further its mission and promote academic excellence. The center serves as a hub for 
interaction among faculties, scholars, graduate students, and churches, fostering research opportunities 
and facilitating analysis of theological and doctrinal controversies. Operating in alignment with sound 
biblical teaching and solid Lutheran theology and confession, the research center aims to generate and 
disseminate knowledge.  

In addition to research, the center organizes academic seminars, lecture series, conferences, 
training, and workshops for faculty, graduate students, and research scholars. Looking ahead, the center 
plans to establish a publication center to showcase outstanding research findings through journal articles, 
magazines, books, book chapters, and monographs. This multifaceted approach ensures that the Mekane 
Yesus Seminary remains at the forefront of academic exploration and contribution to the field of 
theology. 

In line with its annual operation plan, Mekane Yesus Seminary recently organized a three-day 
academic seminar from April 26-29, 2023. The seminar focused on the theme "Some would be Apostles" 
(Eph 4:11) and featured Dr. Mark Schuler as the guest speaker. Dr. Schuler, professor emeritus at 
Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota, delivered insightful lectures during the event. It is worth 
noting that the seminar held special significance as it was dedicated to the memory of the late Rev. Dr. 
Yonas Deressa, former President of Mekane Yesus Seminary.  

We are grateful to Rev. Dr. Samuel Y. Deressa, son of the late Dr. Yonas Deressa, for generously 
funding the seminar, and his initiative to publish the lecture series in the new Global South Theological 
Journal, where he serves as the editor. This event truly exemplifies the seminary's commitment to 
academic discourse and research in theology. 

In the first session led by Dr. Schuler, titled “The First Apostles,” the focus was on exploring the 
biblical foundation of the term ἀπόστολος (apostolos) and how it has been used by biblical authors. Dr. 
Schuler highlighted the varying usage of the term by different authors, with a specific emphasis on the 
perspectives of Paul and Luke. Paul used ἀπόστολος to refer to his own calling and ministry to the 
Gentiles, as well as to others like Silvanus, Timothy, and Sosthenes. On the other hand, Luke primarily 
confined the term to the twelve apostles who witnessed Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection. However, 
Luke also used it in a generic sense, similar to the term 'prophets.' Overall, Dr. Schuler concluded that the 
New Testament writers' usage of ἀπόστολος was inconsistent, reflecting the specific contexts and 
situations they addressed. 

Day Two of the lecture series with Dr. Schuler focused on the usage of the term ἀπόστολος 
(apostolos) in the post-apostolic period, which he referred to as “After the Apostles.” Dr. Schuler noted 
that while the self-designation of ἀπόστολος disappeared during this period, its generic use became more 
prominent. He highlighted how early Church writers such as 1 Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp, the Shepherd 
of Hermas, the Epistle of Barnabas, the Didache, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and others employed the term in 
their writings. Some used it to refer to the twelve apostles, while others included Paul and additional 
figures. However, Dr. Schuler observed that none of these writers used the term as a self-designation with 
authoritative claims. Instead, they shifted the focus to the concept of "apostolic succession," which 
emphasized the transmission of spiritual authority from the apostles to subsequent bishops and priests. 
This idea of apostolic succession provided the foundation for the unity and correct teaching of the 
orthodox church throughout history. Dr. Schuler also discussed the gradual process of canonization of the 



Tibebu Senbetu, “The First Deressa Lecture Series” 
 

 

Global South Theological Journal 2, no. 1 (2023):  2 

New Testament, which played a crucial role in preserving and protecting the teachings of the apostles and 
their successors, the bishops and priests. Thus, the articulated dogmas formulated by these early Church 
leaders were instrumental in safeguarding the Church against false teachings and heresies. 

On the last day of the presentation, we delved into the highly anticipated topic of “Apostles 
Today.” This issue has sparked ongoing controversy within the Church in Africa. As an African 
evangelical Lutheran church, the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus recognizes the need to 
respond to self-proclaimed apostolic claims by individuals and emerging churches. Dr. Schuler, 
respecting the importance of apostolicity in the African Church's mission, urged African theologians to 
critically analyze and articulate their views on this matter. 

Drawing upon his solid Lutheran background, Dr. Schuler presented several principles for 
evaluating self-designated apostolic authority in today's context. Firstly, he emphasized the ministry of 
Jeremiah in the Old Testament and Jesus in the New Testament, both cautioning God's people to be 
vigilant against false prophets (Jer. 28:9, Matt. 7:15-16). Secondly, he stressed the significance of testing 
the content of their message, asserting that content matters. 

Additionally, Dr. Schuler highlighted the importance of Christology, urging listeners to assess 
whether these self-proclaimed apostles direct their audience toward Christ and our salvation. The fourth 
principle he emphasized was to avoid quenching the Spirit by challenging excessive doubt and limiting 
the work of the Holy Spirit among believers. However, he emphasized that even new experiences should 
be evaluated through the lens of God's Word. 

Furthermore, Dr. Schuler encouraged the indigenization of Christianity within people's cultural 
and linguistic contexts, considering the needs of the weaker members within the faith community. 
Ultimately, he concluded his lecture series by exhorting the audience to make Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, 
Sola Fide, Solus Christus, and Soli Deo Gloria the core principles of their Christian faith and practice, 
firmly rooted in Lutheran teaching. 

We express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Schuler for delivering a remarkable and eloquent 
presentation at the Mekane Yesus Seminary. The research center is deeply grateful for his valuable 
insights, which have garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from both the faculty and the wider 
audience.  

By publishing these essays here, we aim to provide the reader with valuable insights into 
apostleship in our modern age, with a particular focus on its significance in the African context. The issue 
of apostleship has become a source of controversy in numerous churches, making it increasingly vital to 
gain fresh perspectives and knowledge about this topic. We hope that by delving into Dr. Schuler's 
presentation, you will gain a deeper understanding and new insights that will contribute to your 
understanding of apostleship in the current era. 

We extend our heartfelt blessings to Dr. Schuler, his family, and his ministry for their invaluable 
contributions. May God continue to guide and bless them abundantly. Amen! 


