The Rev. Gemechis Desta Buba

Denomination: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
Organization: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Dr. Gemechis D. Buba is currently serving as the Director of African National Ministries in the ELCA. He is originally from East Africa, Ethiopia and lives in Chicago, Illinois with his wife Nassisse Baro Tumsa.

Dr. Buba received a Bachelor of Theology with high distinction from Mekane Yesus Theological Seminary, where he served as a Professor for two years. After working on Masters of Theology in Church History in the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology he moved to the United States for further studies. In 2003 he received Masters of Divinity and Masters of Arts in Christian Education from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA. In May of 2006 Dr. Buba earned a Doctorate Degree from Columbia Theological Seminary, specializing in Missional Leadership.

Ordained in 2001, he has served as a Seminary professor, mission developer, Senior Pastor, Vice President of Southeastern Black Lutheran Pastors’ Conference, an assistant to the Bishop of Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, and President of the world wide union of Oromo Evangelical Churches Inc. He was pastor of St. Stephen Evangelical Lutheran Church and the African/Oromo Lutheran Church in Atlanta, GA.

In addition to academic study and ordained ministry, Dr. Buba participated in multiple international ministries through revivals, leadership development conventions and evangelical mission events.