The Christian Church was born in the Middle East, yet today Christians number only about 5% of the population. Western missionaries have often found it difficult to gain a foothold, and the Christian minority has been marginalized and persecuted for many years. For example, in 2007, the Jordanian government expelled many long-time foreign residents, most of whom are Christians. This was a surprising move in this country widely viewed as the most tolerant in the region. While concerning, this development increases the importance of partnering with indigenous believers.

While it is true that many branches of Christianity in the Middle East appear to be in numerical decline, new movements are springing up with confident vision for God’s purposes in the region. Some traditional churches such as the Coptic Church in Egypt have embraced a vision to evangelize their Muslim neighbors, while many evangelicals are losing their fear of “waking the giant” of Islam.
Islam’s traditional values are under assault, and the younger generation is searching for a new way to understand the world.

Courageous indigenous believers are stepping out in faith in a variety of ways from media evangelism to prison ministry to caring for the disabled. We believe their boldness will pave the way for a stronger and more relevant Middle Eastern Church in the years to come.

Vision & Strategy

Our strategy in the Middle East is to invest in evangelism and discipleship of the 325 million people in the region. We also seek to assemble believers for mutual training and encouragement, helping the many seedling churches to strengthen and mobilize.

Because of tremendous physical need coupled with a repressive religious environment, we emphasize holistic ministry.

How You Can Be A Partner

We invite you to partner with us in building the Church in the Middle East. Develop relationships with Partners International staff doing ministry in the region and with the leaders of our indigenous partners there. Pray for the region. Join our initiative that focuses on the needs of women. Use your professional skills. Join a short-term ministry team from your church. Financially sponsor a ministry outreach. Working together, we’ll see God build His Church in the least Christian regions of the world.