by Daoud Kuttab, Milhilard.org

The General Assembly of the Baptist Convention in Jordan approved, on November 7th, the Board of Pastors’ recommendation to renew Rev. Dr. Nabih Abbasi’s leadership of the denomination for the next three years.

In a statement to Milhilard.org, Rev. Abbasi affirmed that his priorities for the coming period include: “Preserving the conservative doctrine of the Baptist Church, strengthening the bonds of love and unity among ministers, providing scriptural support for any decision issued by the Council, and meeting the educational needs of ministers and their churches.”

The meeting, at the Baptist School in Amman, which began with a prayer led by Reverend Samer Batarseh, and after confirming a quorum, resulted in the formation of the new council as follows:

Reverend Dr. Nabih Abbasi – President

Reverend Kamal Mansour – Vice President

Reverend Dr. Rami Halsa – Secretary

Reverend Dr. Imad Shehadeh – Member

Reverend Samer Batarseh – Member

Dr. Nizar Haddad – Member

Brother Kamal Iskandar – Member

Reverend Dr. Abbasi also praised His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein’s wisdom in leading Jordan to safety despite the surrounding challenges and circumstances. He also expressed gratitude to the Jordanian government, the armed forces, and all security agencies—the vigilant guardians of the security we enjoy. , Reverend Dr. Nabih Abbasi affirmed the congregation’s supplication to God to support His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and his Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, in their leadership of our beloved nation.

Reverend Ziad Al-Nimri delivered a speech on the challenges facing evangelical churches, many of which are external. Therefore, “We must focus on internal ‘unity, learn to treat and honor one another with humility and love, and cease our negative behavior of fighting amongst ourselves.

The meeting included the presentation of administrative, financial, and church reports. Engineer Murad Hannoun presented the administrative report for the Baptist institutions, Mr. Tariq Samawi presented the financial report, and Reverend Samer Batarseh presented the church report, calling for prayers that God would bless this new phase and grant everyone wisdom to serve the church with humility and love. A show of hands approved all reports.

Abbasi also thanked the Board of Trustees, which includes: Reham Tadros (Chair), Murad Hannoun, Amal Qawar, Nisreen Hawatmeh, and Amer Mutalqa.

Reverend Abbasi welcomed the directors of the Baptist institutions present: Ms. Suha Ju’aneh, Director of the Baptist School in Amman, and Engineer Rasha Masharbash, Director of the Baptist School in Ajloun. Ms. Iman Awais, Director of the Conference Center, was unable to attend due to travel.

During the meeting, the newly elected head of the convention expressed his gratitude to the previous council, represented by Reverend Dr. Shukri Shorush and Reverend Philip Sahawneh, acknowledging their efforts. He also thanked the general assembly for its trust and support. The meeting concluded in a spirit of camaraderie and positivity, with participants emphasizing the importance of strengthening collaborative work in service to the church and the Baptist community in Jordan.