On June 12, 2026, nearly 250 people from ABC churches and the wider Evangelical community, together with family and friends, gathered at the Evangelical Baptist Church in Nazareth to celebrate a significant moment in the life of our Association: the ordination of Rani Issa Saba, General Director of the Association of Baptist Churches (ABC), as a Baptist pastor.
It was an evening of worship, gratitude, prayer, and commitment—a celebration not simply of a new title, but of God’s calling and of a life dedicated to serving Christ and His Church.
The invitation to the service carried the words of Jeremiah 3:15:
“And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
Those words beautifully reflected the heart of the evening as pastors, church members, family, friends, and ministry leaders came together to affirm God’s call upon Rani’s life.
A Calling Affirmed by the Church
The service was led by Rev. Khaled Dalleh, Ministry Officer of ABC, and opened with prayer by Rev. Suheil Saad, followed by a time of worship.
An important part of Baptist ordination is that a call to pastoral ministry is not recognized by an individual alone. It is discerned and affirmed within the community of faith.
During the service, words of commendation were presented from different parts of that community: Youssef Abu Al-Nasser spoke on behalf of the local church, Rev. Azar Ajaj represented the ABC Board of Trustees, and Rev. Khaled Dalleh spoke on behalf of ABC’s Ministry Committee.
Rev. Ziyad Farraj then shared a word addressed both to Rani and to the congregation. He encouraged Rani concerning the responsibility and ministry he was about to carry as a pastor, while also reminding the congregation of its responsibility to stand behind, encourage, pray for, and support its pastor. The moment reflected an important truth about pastoral ministry: while a pastor is called to faithfully shepherd the church, the church is also called to faithfully walk alongside its pastor.
Rani then presented his covenant statement before the congregation, publicly expressing his commitment to the calling God had placed upon his life.
The central moment followed as ordained pastors gathered around him for prayer and the laying on of hands. He was then given the right hand of fellowship and formally declared an ordained Baptist pastor by Rev. Khaled Dalleh.
Surrounded by hundreds of brothers and sisters from across our churches and the wider Evangelical community, it was a visible reminder that pastoral ministry is never meant to be carried alone.
A Journey of Faithfulness
Following his ordination, Rev. Rani Saba reflected with gratitude on the journey God had led him through. He shared how his service had begun years earlier with the simple task of wiping dust from the pews of the same church where he was now being ordained, and how, over time, God entrusted him with greater responsibilities.
He thanked his wife, Rasha, for being a faithful partner in life and ministry, as well as his family, church, pastors, leaders, and all those who had prayed for and invested in him along the way. His desire was simple: that Christ would remain at the center and that everything would be for the glory of God.
The Mind of Christ and the Towel of a Servant
As one of his first acts following his ordination, Rev. Rani Saba shared a message centered on “the mind of Christ”from Philippians 2 and John 13. He reminded the congregation that Christian ministry is not ultimately about titles, positions, or recognition, but about following Jesus in humility and service. Using Christ washing His disciples’ feet as a powerful picture, he challenged everyone to be willing to “carry the towel”—to see the needs of others and serve faithfully, even when no one is watching—because great ministry begins with the towel.
A Celebration of God’s Faithfulness
One of the most personal and meaningful moments of the evening came when Rani played the piano and joined Rasha in singing “Goodness of God.” Together, they offered a heartfelt expression of gratitude for God’s faithfulness throughout their lives, their marriage, and their journey of service.
The service concluded with the Lord’s Prayer and the apostolic benediction given by the newly ordained Rev. Rani Saba, followed by a time of congratulations and fellowship with Rani and Rasha.
Strengthening the Church for the Future
Yet the significance of the evening reached far beyond one person’s ordination.
Seeing approximately 250 believers from ABC churches and the wider Evangelical community gathered in one place was a beautiful expression of the unity of the Body of Christ. Pastors, leaders, churches, friends, and families stood together to recognize a calling and commit themselves to supporting another servant entrusted with the responsibility of shepherding God’s people.
For the Association of Baptist Churches, raising up, equipping, affirming, and supporting pastoral leaders is an essential investment in the future of our churches.
Strong churches need faithful shepherds—but faithful shepherds also need churches, leaders, friends, and partners who will stand beside them, pray for them, encourage them, and help equip them for the calling God has given them.
As we celebrate Rev. Rani Saba’s ordination, we also look ahead with prayer and expectation. May God continue to raise up men and women throughout our churches who know who they are in Christ, carry His heart for people, and are willing to take up the towel of service wherever He calls them.
Because Christian leadership is not ultimately about a title, a platform, or a position. It is about becoming more like Jesus—the Servant King—and faithfully serving the people He loves..
