St Luke’s Church, Abbottabad

Situated in the scenic yet challenging landscape of Abbottabad, within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, St. Luke’s Church stands as a steadfast symbol of hope, resilience, and faith. In a region often marked by socio-political complexities, this Church serves not merely as a place of worship but as a beacon of empowerment for its community. With the kind support of St Luke’s Chelsea, UK, and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Anglican Communion Fund, UK under the auspices of the Diocese of Peshawar, Church of Pakistan the project transcends the traditional roles of the Church, focusing on fostering a community that thrives with dignity, peace, and a profound sense of identity. Through its initiatives, St. Luke’s Church, Abbottabad aspires to be more than a spiritual sanctuary — it seeks to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of those it serves.

Empowering the Church Community

At the heart of this project is the belief that the Church is not just a building, but a vibrant community with the potential to shape lives and promote a harmonious society. This initiative was meticulously crafted to fortify the Church’s role in advocating for freedom of belief and nurturing peaceful coexistence in a diverse region.

By honing in on vital segments within the

Church—such as Youth Fellowship, Women Fellowship, Junior Church instructors, and Parish Committee members — the project aimed to cultivate leadership, deepen spiritual
engagement, and inspire active participation in the Church’s broader mission. This multidimensional approach ensures that the Church is not just a passive presence but a dynamic force for social and spiritual transformation.

Strategic Planning Sessions with the Management / Implementing Team:

To achieve these ambitious goals, the project was both comprehensive and strategic in its execution. From insightful sessions with the Diocese’s leadership to hands-on workshops tailored for each focus group, the initiative was designed to be impactful and sustainable. The involvement of key leaders—including the Bishop, Diocesan Vice President Clergy, and members of the St. Luke’s Parish committee was pivotal in driving the project’s success. These workshops were designed not merely to be instructional but transformative, equipping Church leaders with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to lead with vision and purpose. The ripple effect of this training ensures that the impact of the project will resonate far beyond its initial implementation, as empowered leaders continue to inspire and train others within their communities.
During the strategic planning sessions, the leadership team thoroughly discussed involving different key groups within the congregation to enhance the Church’s mission. The focus was on empowering the Women’s Fellowship, Church Youth Fellowship, and Junior Church Teachers, and developing a plan to equip these groups to become strong pillars within the community.

A central concept emphasized was

1. Preserving the dignity of the Church in Pakistan
2. Dealing with challenges posed by a hostile environment
3. Emphasizing the identity of being faithful Christians and patriotic Pakistanis.

These sessions aimed to prepare the Church to not only survive but to thrive and contribute positively to the nation. In this collaborative spirit, it was agreed that the Parish Committee would play an instrumental role in supporting the Priest In-charge in successfully implementing this project. Their efforts would be carried out in close coordination with the Diocesan Centre Team at Peshawar, ensuring that the vision discussed in these sessions would translate into meaningful, on-the-ground impact.

Workshop for Women Fellowship:

Dedicated Women Leaders gathered to participate in this transformative workshop, under the esteemed guidance of Mrs. Sarophina Asghar, the Diocesan Vice Chair (Women). The workshop delved deep into the pivotal theme of “Women’s Role in Leading the Church with Dignity.” Through a series of interactive sessions, the leaders explored the multifaceted responsibilities of women in church leadership, emphasizing their dignity, strength, and influence in fostering spiritual growth within their communities.

The workshop also highlighted the importance of women being active agents of change, ensuring their voices are heard and respected in all areas of church life. These leaders left the workshop empowered to take on new challenges, armed with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of their role in shaping the future of the Church.

Workshop for Youth:

In a time when young Christians face increasing challenges, passionate Youth Leaders came together for a crucial workshop led by The Rev. Alexander Mehbob, the Diocesan Youth
Coordinator.

The theme was, “ Youth as a source of Joy and Blessing ” with a focus on

strengthening the existence and Identity of the Church in a Hostile Environment resonated deeply with the participants. This workshop served as a beacon of hope and resilience, equipping youth leaders with practical strategies to reinforce their faith and Church identity amidst adversity.

The sessions provided a safe space for leaders to discuss the difficulties they face and collaborate on innovative ways to maintain the Church’s relevance and presence in their communities. The emphasis on unity, courage, and unwavering faith inspired these young leaders to stand strong and lead their peers with confidence, ensuring that the Church remains a pillar of strength in their lives.

Workshop for Junior Church Teachers:

The dedicated Junior Church Teachers gathered for this impactful workshop, co-facilitated by Mr. Insar Gohar, the Coordinator of the Diocesan Counselling Desk, alongside Rev. Yousef T.M. Azam, Mission & Ministry Secretary (Acting). The focus of the workshop was on “Preparing Our Children, Faithful Pakistani Christians, for the Good of the Church & Country.” Recognizing the critical role of educators in shaping the next generation, the workshop aimed to provide teachers with the tools and insights needed to nurture strong Christian values in young minds. They delivered a powerful and insightful address during the sessions, skilfully weaving together the themes of identity, navigating a hostile environment, and the steadfastness of Pakistani Christians in the face of challenges. The sessions emphasized the importance of instilling a deep sense of faith, patriotism, and social responsibility in children, ensuring that they grow up to be faithful Christians and conscientious citizens who contribute positively to their country. Their motivational approach deeply resonated with the Junior Church Teachers in attendance, inspiring them to move forward with renewed courage and determination and also to take proactive steps in their leadership roles and continue to advocate for their community with confidence and hope.

Overcoming Challenges through Resilience in Project Implementation:

No journey is without its hurdles, and this project was no exception. Security threats necessitated a venue change, while an abnormal price hike and changes in resource personnel added complexity. However, these challenges only highlighted the Project Team’s resilience

and commitment. Plans are in place to address the need for more training sessions, with additional workshops in the future.

The Road Ahead:

As the first phase of this project concludes in the middle of August 2024, the groundwork has been laid for future growth. The upcoming phases, which include refresher courses and training

different groups are poised to solidify the impact of this initiative further. A follow-up is
planned for October and November 2024, ensuring the momentum continues and St. Luke’s Church, Abbottabad remains a pillar of strength in its community.

St. Luke’s Church Abbottabad
Diocese of Peshawar, Church of Pakistan. 17 August 2024