January/February 2024 Anglican Commentary
This month’s writer, Saba Kerry, is a native of Nablus, Palestine. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Divinity at the Near East School of Theology in Lebanon. Actively engaged in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, he serves as a postulant and youth leader, currently at All Saints Episcopal Church in Beirut, following stints at St. Philip’s Church in Nablus and St. George’s Cathedral in Jerusalem. Saba is one of the 9 young leaders in the Diocese of Jerusalem Anglican Communion Young Scholars and Leaders Program, a partnership with Virginia Theological Seminary’s Center for Anglican Communion Studies, funded by Trinity Church, Wall Street. The leadership program provides a 7-session online course on a variety of topics central to leadership in the Anglican community of churches, such as Theology and Leadership, Anglican Identity and Interfaith Relations, Congregational Leadership, as well as others. Online learning is reinforced through local mentors and through the development and implementation of local projects. In this Commentary, Saba reflects on several topics addressed in the course.
Leading with Purpose Amidst Adversity
The Anglican Communion Young Scholars and Leaders Program seamlessly integrates the principles of servant leadership, congregational dynamics, the interface between faith and science, and insights from family system theory into a rich tapestry that shapes our emerging leadership roles. The theological underpinnings serve as a resilient foundation for navigating the landscape of leadership within the Anglican context, specifically in the midst of the challenges faced by our communities in the Middle East.
Servant Leadership and Congregational Dynamics:
The core tenet of servant leadership resonates profoundly with me, especially amid challenges such as war and adversity. The idea that leadership is fundamentally a service to others echoes the Christian ethos. Through the lens of servant leadership, we learn to uplift and empower those we lead, fostering an environment where everyone’s potential is realized for the greater good. The congregational leadership component takes on added significance as it provides insights into navigating and fostering unity within communities facing external pressures.
Faith and Science Integration:
In a region where communities grapple with both spiritual and tangible challenges, the exploration of the interplay between faith and science becomes particularly poignant. The harmonious coexistence of these realms equips us to engage meaningfully with the unique struggles of our communities, fostering a holistic approach to leadership that addresses both spiritual and material needs.
Family Systems Theory and Leadership:
We incorporate family systems theory into our leadership toolkit for a nuanced layer of understanding, especially in a context where communities are tightly knit and interconnected. Understanding the dynamics within a community as akin to a family unit becomes crucial when faced with external challenges. This insight enables us to approach leadership with a relational mindset, acknowledging the collective resilience required in times of adversity.
Confidence Building and Practical Application:
The course emphasizes building confidence among emerging leaders, which has heightened significance in areas with pervasive challenges. The practical guidance on launching initiatives in our local communities becomes not only a leadership development tool but a means to initiate positive change in the face of adversity. It instills a sense of agency, inspiring leaders to make a tangible impact on the difficulties faced by their communities.
Theology of Leadership:
The theological exploration of leadership through Biblical narratives gains added depth when viewed through the lens of communities enduring hardship. Drawing leadership characteristics from these stories becomes a source of strength, mirroring the endurance and faith we find in the face of our present challenges.
In conclusion, this course has equipped us with a profound understanding of leadership that transcends the theoretical, addressing the unique challenges faced by Anglican communities in the Middle East. The amalgamation of theological insights, servant leadership principles, congregational dynamics, faith-science harmony, and family systems theory empowers us to lead with purpose, compassion, and resilience, making a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.