Burkina Faso Summary Page

LCMS World Mission has supported Lutheran congregations in Burkina Faso and theological education for their leaders since 2000. Missionaries living and serving in Dapaong, Togo, have taught at the Lutheran Center for Theological Studies, which trains students from Burkina Faso and other French-speaking West African countries. A Liberian refugee who has planted churches in Burkina Faso was among one of the first groups of students to study in the three-year pastoral track at the Center.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Burkina Faso (EELBF) is an emerging Lutheran church body with an estimated 400 members. It is served by two evangelists through four preaching stations. There are four seminarians attending the seminary, the Lutheran Center for Theological Studies (CLET), in Togo.

In most areas of Africa, materials and labor are inexpensive for building the main structure of a simple church building. Often they can build much of the building themselves. But, metal roofs to protect people from the weather and to keep walls from washing away can cost more than they can afford. In many places LCMS World Mission offers to pay for a substantial roof—made of metal or shingles—if the congregation builds the main structure. These structures are also used for the training of lay leaders who gather for short but intensive teaching. For an emerging Lutheran church body like the EELBF, these structures represent a visible presence and gathering place in the country. The EELBF currently has no ordained pastors, but four men are being prepared for ministry at the CLET in Togo. Your support will help provide for travel expenses, books and health care costs for these students, and assist the EELBF in building structures for bringing together the members of this growing church.

There are no current mercy projects in this country. For more information on mercy work in the LCMS, contact us at infocenter@lcms.org or by calling 888-THE-LCMS (843-5267).