Middle East: Growth brings fears of ‘discipleship gap’

Despite much turmoil across the Middle East, reports indicate that the gospel is advancing rapidly throughout the region, so much so that a “discipleship gap” could be looming if more church leaders are not found.

Local church leaders say that this “spiritual awakening”, which kick-started during the Covid pandemic, is growing at such a rate that positive problems are appearing, including the need for more spiritual leaders, as people increasingly search for meaning amidst the difficulties facing the region, according to the Church Mission Society (CMS).

CMS’s regional manager for Europe, Tanas Alqassis told en that the pandemic presented locals with safe spaces to investigate matters of faith as evangelistic efforts moved online, reaching people who had never engaged in such ways before.

Alqassis revealed that the gospel’s unique “message of love, hope and relationship” has been crucial in drawing people in. He said: “Christianity speaks about a God who is close: a God who knows people personally and cares about their lives. That matters deeply to those who feel tired, hurt, or searching.

“What often stands out to people is love and grace. Christianity doesn’t begin with rules. It begins with God’s love and sacrifice through Jesus. For many seekers, this is something they have never encountered before.

“In Islam, Jesus is respected and honoured, but many people don’t really know what Christianity teaches. When they begin to ask questions and seek for themselves, they often discover a faith that speaks directly to their pain, questions, and longing.”

CMS has committed to working with local churches to equip more leaders and advance evangelistic efforts in light of the challenges brought about by the number of people who are coming to faith.

Speaking about how they will be able to provide effective support amidst continued warfare and increasing hostility towards believers across much of the Middle East, Alqassis revealed that CMS partners will work alongside existing local churches and “support what is already happening”.

He said: “CMS doesn’t come in with big programmes or outside control. The focus is on empowering local believers: training local leaders from within their own communities and using a ‘trainer of trainers’ approach so discipleship can multiply safely and organically.

“Many of our partners are stretched. There is real openness and hunger, but not enough trained leaders. Many of our partners are facing a significant opportunity gap. There is great openness and demand for discipleship, and we want to help meet this need. CMS helps by supporting more trainers, strengthening local partners, and helping movements become healthier and more sustainable.”