Strategic Plan for Discipling Arab Christians

By Dr. Tim Orr

Discipling Arab Christians is a unique journey filled with both challenges and incredible opportunities. Whether we’re talking about believers in the Middle East, the United Kingdom, or the United States, the goal remains the same: to help them grow in their faith, connect deeply with their communities, and lead with courage and conviction. This journey is not a one-size-fits-all process. It requires a thoughtful, gospel-centered approach that addresses the specific needs of each context. By rooting our efforts in the transformative power of the gospel, we can create a strategic plan that nurtures spiritual growth, builds strong communities, and develops effective leaders. In this article, we’ll explore how we can do this by sharing personal stories, expert insights, and some eye-opening statistics.

Understanding the Unique Challenges

Let’s start by stepping into the shoes of Arab Christians living in the Middle East. Imagine Sarah, a young woman from Egypt, who faces daily persecution simply because of her faith in Jesus. When Sarah decided to attend a Bible study group, she did so knowing the risk of being found out by her neighbors or even her own family. In many parts of the Middle East, converting to Christianity can mean losing your job, being cut off from your family, or even facing imprisonment. According to a 2019 report by Open Doors, a Christian non-profit organization, 1 in 8 Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution, with a significant number of these individuals living in the Middle East and North Africa (Open Doors, 2019). These stark statistics remind us of the harsh realities many Arab Christians face, making the work of discipleship both challenging and incredibly important.

But here’s where the gospel shines. Paul’s words in Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes," offer a powerful reminder of the hope and strength found in Jesus. For Arab Christians like Sarah, the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection is not just a promise of eternal life; it’s a source of courage and resilience amid daily trials. A gospel-centered approach to discipleship helps believers like Sarah find the strength to endure and grow stronger in their faith, no matter the circumstances.

Beyond persecution, access to Christian resources is another major hurdle in the Middle East. Strict regulations and societal norms often make it difficult to get hold of Bibles, discipleship materials, and even connect with trained leaders. This lack of resources makes effective discipleship a challenge. Additionally, the dominant Islamic culture in the region puts immense pressure on Christians to conform to Islamic practices, creating a hostile environment for those who want to deepen their faith and engage in discipleship.

Moving over to the United Kingdom, the challenges look a bit different but are no less significant. Take Ahmed, a young man from Lebanon who recently moved to London. Ahmed attends an English-speaking church but often feels like he’s caught between two worlds. He finds it hard to fully engage in church life while staying connected to his cultural roots. According to the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, over 230,000 people of Arab descent were living in the UK as of 2011, and many of them face similar struggles in balancing their Arab identity with their new cultural surroundings (Migration Observatory, 2011). To disciple Arab Christians like Ahmed, we need an approach that respects their heritage while helping them grow in their faith in a new environment.

For Ahmed, a gospel-centered discipleship approach emphasizes the unifying love of Christ, which goes beyond cultural and ethnic differences. As Paul wrote in Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." By focusing on the common ground all believers share in Christ, discipleship can help Arab Christians like Ahmed integrate into new cultural settings without feeling they need to leave their past behind.

Arab Christians in the UK also face challenges related to language barriers and church dynamics. Many find it tough to participate fully in church life due to language differences, and cultural misunderstandings can lead to feelings of isolation. There are also significant generational differences within Arab Christian families in the UK. Younger generations may feel more at home in British society, while older generations might hold onto traditional practices, leading to tensions that impact discipleship efforts.

In the United States, Arab Christians face yet another set of challenges. Think about Leila, a second-generation Palestinian Christian living in Chicago. She goes to a predominantly American evangelical church but often feels like her unique cultural background is overlooked. According to the Pew Research Center, about 63% of American adults identify as Christian, but this group is incredibly diverse (Pew Research Center, 2015). For Arab Christians like Leila, finding their place in the church can sometimes feel like a balancing act between honoring their Arab heritage and embracing their American identity.

For Arab Christians in the U.S., balancing cultural identities is no small feat. They often find themselves trying to fit into American society while holding onto their cultural and religious roots. Many American churches may not fully understand or address the unique needs of Arab Christians, which can lead to feelings of marginalization or neglect. As a result, Arab Christians may feel isolated from both their ethnic communities and the broader Christian community, making it tough to engage fully in discipleship and spiritual growth.

Challenges in Discipling Arab Women

Arab Christian women face their own unique set of challenges that require specific attention within discipleship strategies. In many Middle Eastern cultures, societal expectations and traditional roles can limit women's participation in church activities and leadership. Consider Noor, a young Christian woman from Jordan who feels a deep calling to serve in her church but encounters resistance due to traditional views on gender roles. Noor’s story is echoed by many Arab Christian women who face barriers to active discipleship and leadership based on cultural norms.

In Western contexts, like the UK and the US, Arab Christian women often find themselves caught between the cultural expectations of their families and the broader society. Women like Noor may struggle with reconciling traditional values with the freedoms offered in Western societies, especially regarding their roles in church and ministry. Moreover, women in these contexts can also experience isolation and a lack of representation in leadership positions within their churches. A Pew Research Center report found that women are often underrepresented in leadership roles in many religious communities, which can create a feeling of marginalization and discourage participation in discipleship programs (Pew Research Center, 2016). This is particularly true for Arab Christian women, who may already feel isolated due to cultural differences and expectations.

Addressing the Challenges of Discipling Arab Women

To effectively disciple Arab Christian women, we need to create environments where they feel valued and empowered to grow in their faith and serve their communities. One practical step is to develop women-specific discipleship programs that provide mentorship and support from mature Christian women who understand the cultural nuances and challenges faced by Arab women. Mentorship groups led by older Arab Christian women can offer a safe space for younger women like Noor to share their struggles and receive guidance.

A gospel-centered approach to discipling Arab women emphasizes the inherent worth and dignity that God has given to all people, regardless of gender or cultural background. The Apostle Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 3:7 that men and women are "heirs together of the grace of life." This perspective affirms that women have an equal role in God’s kingdom and are called to be active participants in the life of the church.

Encouraging women’s leadership within the church is also crucial. Providing leadership training specifically designed for women can focus on skills relevant to both their cultural context and their faith journey. Dr. Lisa Chaney, an expert in women’s ministry, emphasizes, "Empowering women to lead within their cultural and church contexts not only enriches the community but also affirms the diverse gifts that God has given to all His people." By creating pathways for women to serve in various capacities, churches can foster a more inclusive environment where Arab Christian women feel seen, heard, and valued.

Churches can also host events and workshops addressing topics relevant to Arab Christian women, such as balancing cultural expectations with personal faith, understanding their identity in Christ, and navigating challenges related to family dynamics. These events provide opportunities for women to connect, share experiences, and grow together in their faith.

Providing resources that address the unique needs of Arab Christian women is also vital. This includes translating existing discipleship materials into Arabic and developing new resources that reflect the experiences and challenges of Arab women. For instance, Bible studies that incorporate stories of women in the Bible and relate them to the contemporary experiences of Arab Christian women can be powerful tools for discipleship.

A Gospel-Centered Approach to Discipleship

Fostering spiritual growth among Arab Christians requires discipleship materials and programs deeply rooted in the gospel. Dr. Miriam Adeney, a professor of intercultural studies, says it well: "The Gospel is like a seed that needs to be planted in the soil of each culture." This means developing Bible study guides, devotionals, and other resources that resonate with Arab Christians’ experiences and languages while always pointing back to the core message of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.

Small group discipleship plays a crucial role in fostering spiritual growth. Small groups provide a safe space where Arab Christians can share their experiences, ask questions, and grow in their faith together. When Leila joined a small group led by an Arab Christian couple in Chicago, she found a community that understood her background and challenges. Such groups, especially when led by individuals who share the same cultural and linguistic background, can be powerful tools for spiritual growth. Through studying Scripture and sharing life together, these groups reinforce the truth of 1 Corinthians 12:27: "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."

Building a sense of community is another critical aspect of discipleship for Arab Christians. Many feel isolated, either due to geographical distance from other believers or because of cultural differences. Hosting culturally sensitive fellowship events can help bridge this gap. For example, churches in the UK and the US might host Middle Eastern-themed dinners or celebrate cultural festivals that resonate with their Arab Christian members. These events provide an opportunity for Arab Christians like Ahmed and Leila to connect with others who share similar backgrounds and to feel a sense of belonging within their church community.

Mentorship programs also play an essential role in community building. Pairing mature believers with newer Christians can provide valuable support and guidance. Dr. Kenneth Bailey, a New Testament scholar who spent 40 years living and teaching in the Middle East, often spoke about the importance of understanding cultural context when mentoring Arab Christians. He noted that "mentorship in the Middle East is often viewed through the lens of familial relationships," suggesting that mentors should act more like spiritual parents than teachers. This relational approach can help build trust and foster deep, meaningful connections within the community.

Leadership development is another cornerstone of effective discipleship among Arab Christians. Identifying and equipping emerging leaders within the community is vital for sustainable growth. Dr. Fouad Masri, founder of the Crescent Project, emphasizes the need for culturally relevant leadership training. "Arab Christians bring unique perspectives and experiences that are invaluable in leadership roles. We need to invest in their development to see the church thrive in these communities," he says. This investment can take the form of workshops, seminars, and hands-on training that focus on leadership skills relevant to both their cultural context and their faith journey.

Encouraging participation in local and global mission opportunities is also crucial. For many Arab Christians, their cultural heritage gives them unique insights and empathy that can be highly effective in cross-cultural ministry. By engaging in mission work that aligns with their background and experiences, Arab Christians like Ahmed can become powerful ambassadors for their faith, both within their own communities and beyond.

Contextualized discipleship is essential to meeting the diverse needs of Arab Christians. This involves understanding the specific cultural, social, and theological contexts in which they live and developing resources and programs that address these unique needs. For instance, in the Middle East, where public expressions of faith can be dangerous, online discipleship programs can provide a safe way for individuals to grow in their faith without fear of reprisal. In contrast, in the UK and the US, where issues of cultural integration and identity are more pronounced, discipleship resources that address these themes can be particularly valuable.

Collaborating with local churches and ministries that have experience working with Arab Christians can provide valuable insights and enhance discipleship efforts. Churches can be encouraged to integrate contextualized discipleship into their regular ministry activities, ensuring that Arab Christians like Leila feel seen, heard, and valued.

Implementation and Evaluation

Implementing this strategic plan requires a phased approach over several years. The first year might focus on developing culturally relevant discipleship materials and forming small groups, while subsequent years could see the launch of online programs, mentorship initiatives, and leadership training. Regular assessments and feedback mechanisms will be essential to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs and make necessary adjustments.

Conclusion

Discipling Arab Christians is not just about following a plan—it’s about loving people well and pointing them to Jesus in every circumstance. Whether they’re facing persecution in the Middle East, navigating cultural integration in the UK, or balancing identities in the U.S., Arab Christians need discipleship that’s rooted in the gospel and tailored to their unique experiences. By focusing on spiritual growth, community building, leadership development, and contextualized discipleship, we can help these believers grow in their faith and make a meaningful impact in their communities. As Dr. Adeney wisely notes, "The Gospel must take root in the soil of each culture to flourish." Let’s commit to planting those roots deeply and thoughtfully, helping Arab Christians thrive as disciples of Christ.

References

Migration Observatory. (2011). Arab population in the UK. Retrieved from Migration Observatory.

Open Doors. (2019). World watch list report. Retrieved from Open Doors USA.

Pew Research Center. (2015). Religious landscape study. Retrieved from Pew Research Center.

Pew Research Center. (2016). Women in church leadership. Retrieved from Pew Research Center.