Middle East: Growth brings fears of ‘discipleship gap’

Luke Randall  |  World
Date posted:  2 Mar 2026
Share Add       
Middle East: Growth brings fears of ‘discipleship gap’

Tanas Alqassis

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.

Share
< Previous article| World| Next article >
Read more articles on:   Middle East
Read more articles by Luke Randall >>
Comment
Jamie Murray's humility is an example for all of us

Jamie Murray's humility is an example for all of us

The era of Murray Mania is officially over. Jamie Murray has followed younger brother Andy into the sunset following his …

World
Iran: Church is ‘alive... underground... and courageous’

Iran: Church is ‘alive... underground... and courageous’

The church in Iran may have largely been forced underground, but it continues to meet together for worship and provide …

About en

Our vision, values and history

Read more

New here?

Register and get three free articles each month!

Register