THE NATIONAL EVANGELICAL SYNOD OF SYRIA AND LEBANON (NESSL)
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Introduction
The National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL) represents the Protestant Reformed movement in the Middle East, initiated in the 16th century by the Augustinian monk Martin Luther. Reformed in theology and Presbyterian in governance, NESSL has its origins in the early 19th century, when American and European missionaries introduced Reformed and Presbyterian teachings to the region, then under Ottoman rule. These missionaries sparked a spiritual revival, and communities formed around a new understanding of the Gospel, marking the birth of the Evangelical Church in the Levant.
Early Beginnings and Official Recognition
Missionaries arrived in Syria and Lebanon around 1823, influencing both individuals and communities through their teachings and service. Many local Christians began interpreting the Gospel through direct engagement with scripture and prayer, shaping a distinct Evangelical identity. Known as “Injiliyyeh” (Evangelicals), these believers established worship practices based on scripture, distinct from traditional Eastern churches. In 1848, the first evangelical church was organized in Beirut, followed by congregations in Hasbaya, Aleppo, and beyond. By 1850, the Ottoman Empire officially recognized the Evangelicals as a denomination, with additional recognition in 1853.
Governance and Polity
NESSL operates through the Presbyterian “Mashyakha” (Presbytery) system, with each presbytery overseeing churches within specific regions. The Synod’s General Assembly, composed of pastors, elders, and representatives of youth and women’s ministries, meets every two years. In a pioneering move for Middle Eastern churches, the Synod ordained a woman pastor in 2017, reflecting its commitment to inclusive leadership.
NESSL fulfills its mission, and fieldwork of services through a General Assembly, Administrative Council, and the following competent committees:
- Executive committee
- Ecclesiastical and Spiritual Affairs Committee
- Educational and pedagogical Affairs Committee
- Medical and Social Services Committee
- Finance and Property Committee
- Media and Publication Committee
The expansion of spiritual and administrative responsibilities prompted NESSL to further reorganize its administrative structure and adapt it to the local vision regarding the Church's testimony in society and spirit of Christian stewardship, in addition to preparing and training leaders.
The Synod played a distinguished role in leading and serving the Supreme Council of the Evangelical community in Syria and Lebanon through the person of the late priest Ibrahim Melhem Dagher, who presided the Supreme Synod in 1963. He was succeeded by Rev. Salim Sahiouny in 1983. And since 2019, the Supreme Synod of the Evangelical Community is headed by Rev. Joseph Kassab, Secretary General of the National Evangelical Synod in Syria and Lebanon.
The Synod in Syria and Lebanon includes 38 churches, serving around 10,000 members, of whom 4,500 are active members. It also includes over 28 ordained pastors, along with several licensed preachers.
Educational, Medical, and Social Ministries
editEducation has always been a cornerstone of NESSL’s mission. From the very beginning of the Protestant presence in Lebanon and Syria, the Evangelical witness was closely linked to educational ministry, emphasizing the importance of Scripture for both clergy and laity. At the beginning of the 20th century, over one hundred Protestant schools were established in the region, including numerous village schools that played a vital role in advancing education in Lebanon and Syria. Although the rise of the modern state and government education diminished the significance of these village schools, many Protestants educational institutions continued to thrive, offering Anglo-phonic learning opportunities.
Today, the National Evangelical Synod operates 11 schools across Syria and Lebanon, serving more than 12,000 students from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds.
The following are NESSL schools in Lebanon:
· Beirut Evangelical School for Girls and Boys (1,110 students): Established in 1835, it was the first school to educate girls in the Ottoman Empire. In 1974, it moved to a new site in Rabieh, Maten, and became co-educational.
· Tripoli Evangelical School (T.E.S.) (1,397 students): Founded in 1873, it initially functioned as two separate schools for boys and girls, merging in 1974. Recently, it relocated to new facilities at Ras El-Ain.
· National Evangelical Institute (N.E.I.G.B.) (1,834 students): Formed by the union of the Sidon Evangelical School for Girls and the GERARD Institute for boys, this institution has roots dating back to 1862.
· Secondary Evangelical School of Zahle (S.E.S.Z.) (1,368 students): Established in the 1860s as a missionary institution, it offers daycare through Grade 12 for both Lebanese and international students.
· National Evangelical School in Nabatieh (N.E.S.N.) (1,491 students): Founded in 1925 by prominent educators, this urban school focuses on enhancing critical thinking through international programs and is undergoing an accreditation process to achieve its goals.
· National Evangelical School – Kab Elias (417 students): Founded in 1872 by American Presbyterian missionaries, this was the first co-educational institution in the Bekaa Valley. It transitioned to a secondary school in 2015, offering classes from preschool to Grade 12.
· Evangelical School in Minyarah-Akkar (605 students): Newly established in the 2017/2018 academic year as a branch of Tripoli Evangelical School, it serves preschool through Grade 6 and focuses on high-quality education with dedicated staff and excellent programs.
NESSL also co-manages with other evangelical partners (Armenian Evangelicals, Episcopalians, Lutherans) the Near East School of Theology (NEST) in Beirut, a leading seminary for theological education. The Synod is also represented on the Board of Trustees of the Lebanese American University (LAU) due to its missionary connection with LAU’s founding, management, and its development from a Presbyterian women’s college to a university.
During the Syrian refugee crisis due to the war in 2011, NESSL responded by establishing educational centers for displaced children in Lebanon, further strengthening its commitment to providing educational opportunities for all.
In addition to its schools, NESSL emphasizes medical and social services, operating elderly care homes, medical centers, and clinics throughout Syria and Lebanon. The establishment of the Compassion Protestant Society (CPS) in 2018 reflects NESSL's commitment to humanitarian aid, implementing educational and developmental projects for wider communities.
Ecumenical and International Involvement
NESSL plays an active role in ecumenical movements as a founding member of the Middle East Council of Churches, the World Council of Churches, and other global ecumenical bodies, like the World Communion of Reformed Churches. The Synod maintains a strong focus on unity and reconciliation, representing Evangelical values alongside other Christian and non-Christian communities in the region.
Evaluation of Current Situation
Despite NESSL’s impact, growth has been hindered by emigration and regional instability starting from the Lebanese Civil War to the Syrian conflict, refugee crisis, the 2019 economic collapse, the 2020 Beirut Port explosion, and recently, the conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah. However, these hardships have not halted the Synod’s mission or positive impact on the local community. Instead, NESSL has expanded its work in centers across various Lebanese and Syrian regions, adapting to these challenges.
Liturgical Language
Arabic is the primary liturgical language of the Synod, highlighting its integration into the cultural fabric of the region.
Vision and Mission
NESSL stands as a steadfast Christian witness in the Middle East, committed to peace, service, and the Gospel. Guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Synod sees its mission as one of love, truth, and reconciliation, striving to uplift communities and serve as an instrument of positive change in a region facing constant challenges.