The Christian Church was born in the
Middle East, yet today Christians number only about five percent 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.
Yet, we believe God has a special love for the Middle East, as it was here that He chose to stage the great events which culminated with the death and resurrection of Jesus. From the holy city of Jerusalem the Gospel has spread forcefully, continuing its march to the ends of the world.
Starting in the last century and continuing to the present, the number of Christians in the Middle East has plummeted. Through demographic changes, wars, immigration, and persecution, Christian communities have been increasingly marginalized or even eliminated.
Amazingly, in the midst of this crisis of demographic and political weakness, many evangelical Middle Easterners are experiencing a new wave of confidence and power. They are wakening to their role as salt and light and reaching out to their non-believing neighbors.
Some traditional churches such as the Coptic Church in Egypt have embraced a vision for outreach, while many evangelicals are losing their fear of “waking the giant” of Islam. Bold ministries and churches willing to take the risk are seeing more Muslim background believers come to faith than ever before. We believe their courage and faith 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 sharing the Good News 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.
