5 Ways of Engaging with Muslims Through the Local Church
- Posted by Editorial Staff
By John Klaassen
I believe in the local church! I believe that it is God’s vehicle to reach the nations with the gospel of Jesus Christ. While we are not perfect, even in our imperfection, God desires to use us. The Scriptures clearly maintains the local church is to be used of God to reach the nations. In our day and age, there are a lot of biases and confusion over Islam and Muslims in general. I would like to suggest 5 things the local church can do to reach Muslims in their community.
1. Learn about Islam and Pray for Muslims around the world. The church must be educated about Islam. It is a World Religion, like all others, that traps people in a false truth, but Jesus can save the Muslim. God’s power to save is ultimate and He can and will bring Muslims out of Islam and into the Kingdom of God.
2. Engage with Muslim Refugees. This engagement is a process and it takes time and energy. If you have refugees in your community, find out who the resettlement agencies are and go volunteer to help. You can do anything from being a tutor for kids, to helping resettle a family. If you choose to work with refugees, try not to meet every single one of their needs! We have been given much and they have so little that it can be overwhelming. However, we have seen church members burn out trying to do everything. Remember: they need to grow and learn. Help them succeed, but don’t do it for them.
3. Start an ESL (English as a Second Language) program in your church. Our preference is to have it on Wednesday nights when there is childcare. Our Muslim friends appreciate the childcare, seeing their friends, making new friends, and improving their English. Every Wednesday we have anywhere from 20-40 Muslims in our church. Many have commented on how loved they feel when they come to church, they like to see the community of believers and know they are in a safe, welcoming place.
4. Host holiday parties in church members homes. Most Muslims come from places where a premium is put on being together. Celebrating holidays with them is a great way of developing and deepening relationships and helping them find community with believers. Celebrate big and share what the holiday is all about! Don’t forget to respect dietary restrictions. They are usually happy to bring food.
5. Don’t be afraid to say you are a Christian and explain what that means. They don’t understand the Trinity and probably think you worship God the Father, Mary, and Jesus. They most likely believe that Christianity is what they see on TV. Help them understand what it means to truly follow Jesus: how it affects the way you raise your children; how it affects your commitment to your spouse; and how it affects your daily life. Most Muslims consider faith to be a part of everyday life. We have sadly assigned it to Sundays. Make sure you are living for Jesus 7 days a week.
Enjoy your new relationships. Your Muslim friends have things to share with you. Don’t be afraid to learn and grow in your knowledge and understanding of their world. Ask honest questions and look for opportunities to share the truth that lives inside of you. Invite them to your church and help them get to know people in your small groups. Have your small group adopt a refugee family. The more Christians they meet, the more opportunity they will have to know the truth: Jesus is the only way to the Father in heaven (John 14:6). Love them as Christ has loved you!
John Klaassen, Ph.D. is professor of Global Studies at Boyce College and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He directs the Doctorate in Missiology program for the Seminary and is Program Director of Global Studies at the college. He is also the Missions Pastor at Highview Baptist Church. John and his wife spent almost 20 years working with Muslims in North Africa and they currently work with refugees in Louisville, KY. For more on how to engage Muslims read his book, Engaging with Muslims, by the GoodBook Company.