L i s b o n – In Muslim countries, nominal Christians are one of the greatest impediments to evangelism and other people accepting faith in Jesus Christ. The leader and founder of one of the first Baptist congregations in a Near Eastern Muslim country reported on this at Council sessions of the European Baptist Federation (EBF) convening in Lisbon/Portugal from 24 to 27 September. In order to keep from endangering the registration process, the church planter, who is active as a medical doctor, requested that neither his name nor the name of his country be mentioned.

Most foreign workers active in the country come from countries formally recognised as ‘Christian’ nations and are therefore regarded as Christians by the local people. Yet these people’s lifestyles do not impress Muslims – they are usually seen as “immoral”. Muslims hold themselves to be ethically superior to these Christians and therefore see no reason to pay attention to the Christian message. It is therefore of vital importance that born-again Christians convince others through their example. He himself is asked repeatedly why he is “different”. Many months are usually required before the trust of Muslim acquaintances is won. The Baptist congregation in this country grew out of a four-person house group of foreign workers. The church met privately for seven years before the growing group of 15 members rented a house three years ago. Worship services are now being held in this building. As long as the congregation is without official recognition, all forms of public advertising are forbidden. Yet, thanks to word-of-mouth “propaganda”, the group has grown to 40 members. A few of them are formerly-Muslim. For these converts, life remains extremely difficult – they are pressured and even threatened by their families.

The Baptist leader criticised the pastors of some already-registered congregations. A number of such pastors leave the impression of being concerned primarily about their own well-being and the well-being of their families. The welfare of their congregations and propagation of the Gospel appear to be of less significance. The congregational leader remains confident that his congregation will experience further growth. “The first Christians 2.000 years ago had worse conditions in the beginning.”