Paul Sanders: A tribute to 14 years of service at OC’s partner in Lebanon

The Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS) in Lebanon says that for over a decade, they have been blessed by a leader that “inspires those around him to move above and beyond their expectations” – Paul Sanders. He is a leader well known for investing in aspiring leaders and coming alongside to empower them to be leaders in the local Church, and he has done so for 14 years at ABTS. “[Paul] believes that investment in local leaders is crucial to long-term change in the Church in the Middle East and Arab World, and that the local, indigenous people…understand their land and culture better than anyone else.” Paul says when given the chance, locals can do “head and shoulders above what any foreigner can dream.”

At the end of this month, Paul and his family will be pursuing other ministry opportunities in France while staying linked internationally. With ABTS and the Tahhadi Association (founded by Paul’s wife, Agnes, to work with the poorest of the poor) in the hands of local Lebanese leaders, “Paul and Agnes feel that their mission in Lebanon is nearly complete.”

Elie Haddad, Paul Sanders, Martin Accad, Hikmat Kashouh

ABTS says Paul has empowered a number of prospective leaders during his time at ABTS: Paul invited Martin Accad to join ABTS as Associate Academic Dean and professor, and soon after, the Institute of Middle East Studies was born. Hikmat Kashouh stood out to Paul as a night student whom OC supported and eventually became Academic Dean in addition to his teaching role and leading ABTS’ publishing track. Always looking for local leaders, Paul pursued Elie Haddad to take on his role of Provost. ABTS says that Paul’s vision all along has been that the legacy one leaves behind is found in the people who remain. “There are many who have already taken up the baton and started running in the steps of Christ, just as Sanders did in these years.”

OC President and CEO David Baer remarks on the kind of leader OC invests in, one much like Paul Sanders. “We are particularly invested in the lives of those leaders who will teach the teachers, mentor the mentors, and influence the influencers of their countries and regions over a lifetime. We sometimes use the term ‘thought leadership’ to describe the kind of formative influence such people have on their environment. They don’t merely accomplish things. They shape the way people and communities live together. They shape how people think.”

Paul’s professional experience and responsibilities in the Middle East and North Africa:

• ABTS – Director of Institutional Development; Provost and Academic Dean
• European Evangelical Accrediting Association (EEAA) – Chairperson
• International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE) – Administrator
• Middle East Association for Theological Education (MEATE) – Chairperson, Accrediting Commission

Agnes, Paul and Lucille Sanders