Spiritual hunger in the Middle East
Huge movement of new disciples but who can nurture them?
Photo: “In their pain, people are truly searching for God.” – S, a CMS partner whose identity we have protected
Spiritual hunger in the Middle East leading to “discipleship gap” say local Christian leaders
Behind today’s worrying headlines, and amid turmoil, displacement and deep trauma across the Middle East, Christian leaders in the region report an extraordinary spiritual awakening – one they say is gathering momentum at a pace not witnessed in generations. Now, many of these leaders are calling upon their counterparts throughout the world to join with them and “prepare for the harvest”. They caution that without joint efforts, there’s a risk of a “discipleship gap” developing.
In a recent interview with Church Mission Society (CMS), S,* a regional leader who serves with a CMS partner organisation, describes a “massive and genuine search for God” emerging from the heart of crisis. She explained war, migration, political instability and global shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic have created a moment of unprecedented openness to Jesus: “Although the world is in chaos, God has been preparing the scene for the biggest revival ever. People have been dragged out of the normal rhythms of life and into deep pain – and in their pain, they are truly searching for God.”
Shaking leads to awakening
According to S and others, the spiritual hunger now visible across the region began during the global pandemic and continued amid tumultuous world events and ensuing instability: “Everything is shaking,” she said. “But in the unseen, God has been preparing hearts.” In several Middle Eastern nations, people displaced by war and/or disillusioned by corruption are encountering faith in Jesus for the first time. One woman told S that if she had not lost her home and been forced to flee from Syria, “I would never have met Jesus.”
A surging movement – and a massive challenge
As large numbers – reportedly tens of thousands – of people living in the Middle East begin exploring Christian faith, the need for support structures is becoming acute. As crackdowns on religious freedom and missionaries in some countries increase, many new believers, especially those from Muslim backgrounds, cannot safely or comfortably attend traditional churches. “They need love, acceptance, a safe community,” said S, adding, “They need help discovering their identity in God. And many churches in the region simply aren’t equipped for this.” This reality has led to a rapidly expanding network of house churches and online Bible study groups across the region where believers live out their faith more secretly. Yet, a frequent question these days is, with such demand, who will lead these groups and guide these men, women and children in following Jesus?
Andy Roberts, CEO and previous mission director of CMS, said, “Though people are turning to Jesus in large numbers, the risk is that without steady, contextual, locally-led discipleship, a huge portion will turn away due to pressures they often face from their communities. There is in a very real sense, a discipleship gap growing in the Middle East, which means that if we don’t act at this pivotal moment, this could adversely affect the future of the body of Christ there.” In light of this, CMS is currently making it a mission priority to equip and encourage believers in places where they are still in a pressured minority.
Making the most of this moment
Roberts outlined four key strategic efforts being put into place so as not to lose momentum:
- Equipping and Discipleship – Training local believers to disciple the growing number of seekers and new Christians.
- Raising Quality Local Leaders – Empowering young, skilled leaders who understand the culture, trauma and challenges faced by new believers from another faith background.
- Innovative Digital Outreach – Using social media and modern communication tools to reach audiences who cannot access physical churches.
- Planting Home Churches – Establishing safe, discreet communities where people can explore faith and grow spiritually.
S emphasised that the key to sustaining the movement lies in unity, humility and collaboration across Christian organisations. She also says, “We cannot continue with ‘business as usual. The harvest is huge. We must work together in new ways. God is connecting modern day Esthers, Josephs and Daniels – ordinary people with an extraordinary purpose.” She added: “Revival will come from the nameless and faceless, grassroots; small groups are good but they need to be connected.”
S concluded: “This is a unique opportunity. We are about to witness the biggest harvest the world has ever seen. We believe churches and individuals in the UK have a vital role to play. We need partnership. Each organisation has an edge – something they do best. If we bring those strengths together, we can meet the enormous needs on the ground.
“Evangelism and salvation are important but growth in Christ is just as important if not more so. We have to nurture the seeds that have been planted or they will get snatched away.”
[* Name withheld for security reasons]
