Beni Suef – Friday, August 14, 2026

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of the Province of Alexandria of the Episcopal Anglican Church, participated in the activities of the Third Conference for Sudanese Priests and Ministry Leaders, held at St. George Guest House at the Monastery of St. George in Sedment, Beni Suef Governorate, from August 12 to 15. The conference was held under the theme, “Being diligent to preserve the unity of the faith,” with the participation of leaders and ministry workers from various Sudanese denominations.

Alongside Archbishop Samy Fawzy, the conference was attended by Bishop Andudu Adam Lenil, Bishop of the Diocese of Kadugli; Bishop Moneim Abdullah, Supervisor of the United Nizamia denomination; and Bishop Christo Charles, General Pastor of the Global Ambassadors of Christ Churches. The conference addressed a number of topics related to ministry in the Sudanese Church, including the challenges of pastoral care, addressing contemporary issues, the future of the Church, conflict management and peacebuilding, as well as studying the First and Second Epistles to Timothy and the role of the family in the life of a ministry leader.

During the conference, Archbishop Samy Fawzy delivered a presentation entitled “The Identity and Mission of the Ministry Leader,” in which he addressed the concepts of pastoral care and discipleship from a biblical perspective. He explained that the responsibility of a pastor is not limited to preaching and teaching, but also includes caring for people and nurturing their spiritual growth, with the pastor’s life serving as an example before the congregation.

The Archbishop emphasized that a ministry leader is a “faithful steward” of what God has entrusted to him, noting that what is required of a ministry leader above all is faithfulness, rather than success according to human standards or the scale of visible results.

He added that the flock does not belong to the ministry leader, but is God’s flock entrusted to his care. This calls for humility and requires avoiding a spirit of competition and division.

Archbishop Samy explained that true discipleship is built on a direct spiritual relationship and is not limited to providing instruction. Rather, it encompasses love, loving correction, example, teaching, and discipline. He noted that the goal of ministry is for a person to grow in Christ and become capable of passing on what they have learned to others.

He pointed out that the life of a ministry leader is an essential part of his mission, emphasizing that people may forget much of what they hear from the pulpit, but they do not forget how the ministry leader lived before them. A ministry leader’s example begins with the way he relates to people, his family, and his ministry.

The Archbishop added that the true fruit of ministry is seen in the people who have been discipled. He explained that a ministry leader is not called to make the ministry dependent on his own person, but rather to prepare faithful people who are capable of continuing the mission and serving others.

Archbishop Samy concluded his address by emphasizing that, regardless of how the circumstances or locations of ministry may change, ministry leaves a lasting impact on the people whom the ministry leader has served. Those whom he has loved, taught, lovingly corrected, and led by example can carry the work and mission forward through their own lives. He affirmed that what has been entrusted to the ministry leader is the Gospel of Christ, and that he is called to remain faithful in carrying this stewardship and passing it on faithfully.

Issued by
The Media Office of the Episcopal Anglican Church in Egypt