Biography

Dr. Elie Haddad, President of the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS) in Beirut, Lebanon, has significantly influenced theological education and church leadership in the Middle East. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to contextualizing theology, emphasizing reconciliation, and navigating the seminary through multifaceted crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beirut explosion, Lebanon's economic downturn, and war.

Born and raised in Lebanon, Elie immigrated to Canada toward the end of the civil war in Lebanon in 1990, working in Toronto as a senior consultant in the area of Information Systems and Management, where he became involved in the Middle East Baptist Church. In 2005, he and his wife Mireille felt called to return to Lebanon, where – as global field staff with Canadian Baptist Ministries (CBM) – he joined ABTS, serving as Provost until 2008, when he became President.

Under his leadership, ABTS underwent a comprehensive curriculum redesign to make theological education more contextual, holistic, and integrated. Recognizing that traditional curricula often addressed questions pertinent to Western contexts, he spearheaded efforts with the faculty and others in the leadership team to develop a curriculum that engages contemporary issues facing the Middle Eastern church.

Central to his theological vision is the concept of reconciliation; the church should function as a priesthood, mediating between God and humanity, and embodying reconciliation in its mission.

Elie exemplifies the highest ideals of theological education and church leadership. His dedication to equipping the Arab church, his contributions to missional theology, and his compassionate leadership make him a truly inspiring example for all members of the Acadia community.