Faith Underground
God is at Work in Iran in the Middle Eastern World
The story of the underground church in Iran is one of remarkable faith, resilience, and courage. In a country where Christianity faces legal and social obstacles, a vibrant and determined community of believers continues to flourish beneath the surface. Their perseverance is an inspiring testament to the power of conviction and the workings of God in places where hope often seems out of reach. The purpose of this article is to delve into the strength of Iran’s underground church and into how God is moving among the Arab world.
Faith Underground
Iran is officially an Islamic Republic, and conversion from Islam to Christianity is forbidden by law. According to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Christians—especially converts from Islam—face harassment, arrest, and imprisonment simply for practicing their faith or attempting to share it with others (USCIRF, 2023). Public worship outside of state-registered churches is strictly prohibited, pushing most vibrant Christian communities underground.
Yet, in the face of such adversity, the underground church in Iran has not only survived but thrived. Patrick Johnstone, in his influential book "Operation World," describes Iran as home to one of the fastest-growing Christian movements in the world (Johnstone, 2010). This assertion is echoed by Open Doors USA, which ranks Iran as the ninth most dangerous country for Christians, yet also notes the remarkable growth of the church despite such dangers (Open Doors, 2024).
Estimating the precise number of Christians in Iran is difficult due to the clandestine nature of their gatherings and the inherent risks of self-identification. However, multiple reports suggest that the Christian population, particularly among former Muslims, is expanding rapidly. According to the research organization Operation World, the number of Christian converts has grown from fewer than 500 known believers in 1979 to potentially as many as one million today (Operation World, 2023).
A 2020 academic study by GAMAAN (The Group for Analyzing and Measuring Attitudes in Iran), in partnership with the University of Tilburg, found that approximately 1.5% of adult Iranians self-identified as Christians—a figure that, if accurate, would translate to nearly one million people (GAMAAN, 2020).
There are several reasons for the underground church’s extraordinary growth:
Disillusionment with the Regime: Many Iranians are increasingly disillusioned with the political and religious authorities. The strict religious laws and lack of freedom have fostered a spiritual hunger for alternatives, leading many to explore Christianity.
Personal Encounters and Testimonies: Testimonies abound of individuals encountering Christ through dreams, visions, or contact with underground believers. A 2016 survey by the University of Notre Dame found that dreams and visions played a significant role in conversion narratives among Iranian Christians (Notre Dame, 2016).
Media Outreach: Satellite television, social media, and online Bible resources have enabled Christian teaching and fellowship to cross borders and reach into Iranian homes. Ministries like SAT-7 PARS and Mohabat TV provide Christian programming in Farsi that has proven influential (SAT-7, 2023).
Discipleship Networks: Small house churches and discipleship groups provide intimate and supportive environments for worship, Bible study, and mutual care, which aid in the development of strong communities of faith.
The strength of Iran’s underground church is not merely measured by numbers, but by the profound commitment and bravery of its members. Believers often gather secretly in homes, at great personal risk. Arrests, detentions, and even torture are not uncommon. Open Doors USA reports that dozens of house church leaders have been imprisoned in recent years (Open Doors, 2024).
Yet, stories of perseverance abound. For example, Ebrahim Firouzi, an Iranian Christian convert, spent years in prison for charges related to "propagating against the Islamic regime" and "insulting Islamic sanctities." Despite the hardship, he continued to share his faith with fellow prisoners and wrote letters of encouragement to believers worldwide (Christian Solidarity Worldwide, 2022).
Such courage is echoed in countless unnamed believers who continue to meet, worship, and evangelize in the shadows. Their resilience is often grounded in their understanding of suffering as a path to deeper faith and a testimony to the reality of their hope.
Remarkably, women play a prominent role in the Iranian underground church. Contrary to traditional expectations, many house churches are led by women who teach, pastor, and disciple new believers. Scholar David Yeghnazar of Elam Ministries notes, “The Iranian church is arguably the most women-led church in the Muslim world” (Elam Ministries, 2022).
Despite intense persecution, the Iranian underground church continues to display a contagious faith that draws others into the fold. Martyrs are honored not only for their sacrifice but for their witness to the transformative power of Christ. The church’s vibrancy is seen in worship, acts of kindness, and a relentless pursuit of justice and reconciliation.
The resilience of Iranian believers is often undergirded by a strong sense of community. House churches function as families, where members care for each other spiritually, emotionally, and materially. When one member is imprisoned or persecuted, others step in to support the family and keep the fellowship alive.
International Christian organizations provide prayer, advocacy, and humanitarian support. Efforts such as Bible smuggling, legal aid, and letters to prisoners continue to demonstrate global solidarity with the persecuted church.
God Is At Work in the Middle East
The remarkable growth and resilience of the Iranian underground church is not an isolated phenomenon. Across the Arab world, there is a growing movement of people coming to faith in Christ. In countries like Egypt, Algeria, Iraq, and the Arabian Peninsula, reports of conversions, discipleship movements, and church planting are increasing.
A 2015 study by the Pew Research Center highlights the growth of Christianity in North Africa and the Middle East, amidst ongoing persecution and hardship (Pew Research, 2015). Organizations such as Arab World Ministries and Frontiers report that digital evangelism, satellite TV, and personal encounters are leading to unprecedented openness to the gospel.
One of the most striking trends is the number of testimonies involving dreams and visions. In many parts of the Arab world where traditional evangelism is impossible, God is reaching people through supernatural encounters. According to the book "Miraculous Movements" by Jerry Trousdale, entire communities have come to faith in regions previously unreached (Trousdale, 2012).
A New Dawn
Despite significant risk, believers in Iran and other Arab nations are forming underground fellowships, translating Scriptures, and living out their faith in acts of love and service. This quiet revolution testifies to a spiritual hunger and a move of God that transcends borders and political barriers.
The strength of the underground church in Iran is a beacon of faith and hope for all who long for freedom and transformation. Against all odds, this movement not only endures but grows, fueled by courage, solidarity, and an unshakeable conviction that God is at work—even in the darkest places.
As we witness the spread of the gospel across Iran and the wider Arab world, we are reminded of the words of Isaiah 43:19: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” May these stories inspire us to pray, support, and join in what God is doing among nations hungry for truth and redemption.
Sources:
USCIRF, 2023. Annual Report: Iran. [uscirf.gov]
Open Doors USA, 2024. World Watch List: Iran. [opendoorsusa.org]
Operation World, 2023. Iran Country Profile. [operationworld.org]
GAMAAN, 2020. Iranians' attitudes toward religion: A 2020 survey report. [gamaan.org]
SAT-7 PARS, 2023. Impact in Iran. [sat7.org]
Christian Solidarity Worldwide, 2022. Iran: Prisoners of Faith. [csw.org.uk]
Elam Ministries, 2022. Women in the Iranian Church. [elam.com]
Pew Research Center, 2015. The Future of World Religions: Population Growth Projections, 2010-2050. [pewresearch.org]
Trousdale, Jerry. "Miraculous Movements." Thomas Nelson, 2012.
Notre Dame, 2016. Conversion Narratives in Iran. [nd.edu]
