National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon

THE NATIONAL EVANGELICAL SYNOD OF SYRIA AND LEBANON (NESSL)

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.