Oldal 24 [24]
GHADA BARSOUM — EMAN SHENOUDA
church leaders. The level of support was naturally determined by the church’s
capacity to provide support to these families.
Table 3. Services targeting those economically affected
Service Number of churches
provided
Providing temporary financial assistance 91%
Guidance and assistance in finding a job opportunity 37%
Distributing in-kind assistance “food boxes” 11%
Table 3 highlights the severity of the economic situation during the pandemic.
These local churches had to respond to the people’s real needs at a time of great
hardship.
CONCLUDING REMARKS: WHAT LEADERSHIP LESSONS
CAN BE LEARNED FROM THE COVID EXPERIENCE?
The leadership approach during the COVID-19 crisis postulated an organic
“quiet” leadership approach that was manifest at two levels. At the level of the
Pope and the Holy Synod, the decision to open, partially open, or close churches
in different dioceses was left to be made by each metropolitan or diocesan
bishop based on the local situation. This delegation of the decision allowed for
a more localized response to be made to the needs and situations of different
congregations. The decisions made at the level of the Pope and the Holy Synod,
such as changes in communion methods and adjustments to face-to-face
Sunday School meetings, were not uniformly implemented but rather were
adapted to the specific contexts of each diocese. This approach acknowledged
the diversity of experiences among congregations, allowing bishops to evalu¬
ate their local conditions and the needs of their communities.
At the level of the local church, another form of leadership was evident, as
marked by a number of characteristics. There was a clearly organic approach
to the formulation of service, determined by the talent within the community
and the available resources. As is common in the Coptic church, the service
relied on the labor of the laity, whether in providing medical care, support to
the needy, or support with the adoption of technology. The very unusual nature
of these services opened the door for a stronger presence of youth and women.
New and innovative services were developed, emphasizing a partnership model
within church communities. The empowerment of lay members allowed for a
more inclusive participation in the church’s mission and activities. With this
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