GLOBAL MISSIONS & IMMIGRANT ASSISTANCE TEAM  (GMIA) (Formerly Refugee Concerns Team)--works with local and international migrants seeking refuge in a violent world.

         * Syria/Lebanon Partnership Network (SLPN) a PCUSA ministry:  Ministers to Protestant missions in Syria and Lebanon through the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL) 

         * Local support for recently settled refugees in our community--funds shared with Claremont Canopy and Newcomers Access Center     

          *Near East School of Theology (NEST)--Training students for Pastoral leadership in Protestant churches of Syria and Lebanon       

          *Local Immigrant Assistance--Supports visitation and basic necessities for undocumented detainees in local detention   

National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL)

In 1920, the work of the Evangelical churches in Syria and Lebanon was reorganized under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church USA to form a single Synod: the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon. The Synod’s field of work in Syria and Lebanon includes 38 churches comprising more than 4000 communicant members among its broader community of 12 to 15 thousands Presbyterian peoples. The Synod is served by 24 Pastors, besides six theology students are trained to join the field later. 

From the outset, the Presbyterian presence in the Middle East has laid the groundwork for a sound education in the region. Naturally, the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon focused its efforts on developing educational institutions in Syria and Lebanon, where Synod schools today serve more than 10,000 students. The early Synod educational work progressed well and in 2017 expanded to the Lebanese town of Minyara, where the Synod’s seventh school in Lebanon, Minyara Evangelical School, opened its doors to students. Of great significance is the fact that these eight schools in Syria and Lebanon serve students from Christian and non-Christian backgrounds alike. This Evangelical legacy of interaction, harmony, and reconciliation is a testimony to the Synod’s commitment to its mission of inclusiveness and openness to all regardless of race, religion or gender. 

In addition to its full ownership of the eight schools in Lebanon and Syria, the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon serves, along with other Middle Eastern mainline Protestant churches, on the Board of Trustees of the Near East School of Theology in Beirut. Likewise, six Synod delegates also serve as permanent members in the two Governing Boards of the Lebanese American University (LAU), an internationally accredited comprehensive university with campuses in the two Lebanese cities of Beirut and Byblos. 

Near East School of Theology

The Near East School of Theology (N.E.S.T.) is an interconfessional Protestant Seminary serving the evangelical churches of the Middle East.

The primary purpose of the School is to train pastors and church workers for ministry in the churches and other evangelical organizations in the Middle East. It is also concerned with continuing education for pastors and church workers in active service and with theological education of the laity.

The N.E.S.T. welcomes candidates from other Middle Eastern churches, as well as any person seeking to learn about Protestant theology and faith, irrespective of his or her religious affiliation. Students from beyond the Middle East, who have a special interest in Biblical Studies against the cultural background of the Middle East , in Islamics or Oriental and Orthodox churches, are also welcome.

The N.E.S.T. is a member of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (A.T.I.M.E.) and cooperates closely with the Fellowship of the Middle East Evangelical Churches (F.M.E.E.C.) and the Middle East Council of Churches (M.E.C.C.).