By Daoud Kuttab

In a historic ceremony on Friday, October 10, the Local Baptist Church in Nazareth celebrated the ordination and consecration of Botrus Mansour, one of the church’s founding members, as he is being sent to become the Secretary-General of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), a global body representing more than 600 million Christians worldwide.

The service opened with a prayer led by Pastor Boutros Gharib, head of the Evangelical Church Council in Israel, followed by a series of spiritually themed hymns performed by the church choir, emphasizing God’s call to service.

Among the attendees was Dr. Frank Hinkelmann, Vice President of the International Council of the WEA, who traveled from Austria specifically to participate in the prayer service. The gathering also included local and regional church leaders: Bishop Rafiq Nahra, Latin Archbishop of Nazareth; pastors Hatem Shahadeh and Nael Abu Rahmon representing Anglican Bishop Hossam Naoum; Pastor Boutros Gharib, head of the Evangelical Convention in Israel; Harry Tees, Secretary-General of the Evangelical Alliance in Israel; Father Bishara Warwar from the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation; Father Majdi Hashoul from the Maronite Church; and numerous clergy from evangelical and Messianic congregations across the region. Representing the government, Mr. Cesar Marjieh, head of Christian affairs at the Ministry of Interior, was also present.

In a recorded message, Dr. Jack Sara expressed the significance of the moment, saying, “The ordination of my dear brother Botrus Mansour as Secretary-General of the World Evangelical Alliance is not just a personal or family milestone; it is a moment for the Evangelical Church in our region.” He praised Mansour’s dedication: “I have witnessed your faithful service and your sincere voice for the Church and the people of Christ. You have carried the apostolic burden with prayer and humility and played a founding role in establishing the Evangelical Alliance for the Middle East and North Africa.”

Dr. Sara addressed the attendees directly: “Botrus has spared no effort or time to ensure that we, as Arab Evangelical churches, have a unified platform to amplify our voices and strengthen our witness. Today we celebrate the trust God has placed in you, especially as a Palestinian Arab taking on a global role of this magnitude.” He concluded, “This is not merely an administrative appointment; it is a living testimony that God raises witnesses from marginalized communities to the world stage. From a land full of challenges, we now have a voice in the World Evangelical Alliance that proclaims the Gospel from the heart of the Holy Land to the entire world.”

The ordination ceremony was conducted by Pastors Azar Ajaj and Dr. Hanna Katnasho, accompanied by biblical readings and personal photographs tracing Mansour’s journey. “Today, we rejoice in the ordination of our beloved brother Botrus Mansour and his consecration to a new ministry as Secretary-General of the World Evangelical Alliance,” they said. “This is a historic church moment, reflecting the grace of God that has accompanied him from his earliest days to this blessed occasion.”

Mansour’s journey began in 1979 during a missionary campaign where he embraced the salvation of Jesus Christ. He joined the Baptist Church, participating in youth gatherings, Sunday schools, and university Christian student committees. In 1996, he co-founded the Nazareth Baptist Church and contributed to its development alongside a dedicated team. By 2001, the church ordained him as an elder, and he has since served in preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and administration with integrity and humility.

He has also played a prominent role in the Evangelical Assembly in Israel, serving as its president since 2018, and has fostered unity and vision. Mansour represented the Federation of Evangelical Alliances across the Holy Land, contributing to Christian education initiatives and establishing local and global support networks. He has authored articles and lectures in three languages, sharing the Gospel from the land of Christ’s birth to the world.

During the service, the congregation and representatives of the World Evangelical Alliance prayed over Mansour, followed by individual prayers from family members. Pastors Ajaj and Katnasho highlighted the familial support that has sustained Mansour throughout his ministry. His wife, Abir, a service partner, has contributed to Sunday schools, women’s ministries, and church conferences. Their children, Dr. Ataallah, Dr. Lama, and May, have grown up in the church, along with their daughter-in-law, Dr. Shaden, and their young grandson Botrus, continuing the family legacy of faith.

In his address following the laying on of hands, Mansour expressed heartfelt gratitude:

“Thank you for your presence and support for God’s calling in my life. Special thanks to my church, particularly Pastors Azer and Hanna, who have been lifelong companions and supporters.” He explained the choice of venue: “We chose this hall rather than the larger church because it holds memories dating back to 1995, when it was our gathering place, and it is also the school hall where I served for 22 years. This place carries special significance for me and my ministry.”

Mansour shared his spiritual reflections through five symbolic images:

1. The Vine and Branches – John 15: “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.”
2. Work from the Heart – Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for people.”
3. True Fruitfulness – Service is measured by faithfulness, not material results. “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7).
4. Washing of Feet – Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, showing that true service is humble, serving the marginalized, not seeking power or wealth.
5. Love as Motivation – 1 John 4:19: “We love because he first loved us.” Genuine service stems from love, reflecting Christ’s eternal sacrifice.

Concluding his speech, Mansour urged the congregation to support him in prayer, saying, “May the Lord bless you all and guide us in this blessed calling.” The ceremony ended with the congregation singing the Lord’s Prayer, marking a moment of unity, gratitude, and inspiration.