Where is Christianity in Iran’s history, and where could it be in its future?

The implications of the current Iranian conflict are far-reaching and go well beyond the geopolitical discussions you might hear discussed on social channels or cable news. While our media is focused on international trade outcomes, the White House’s foreign policy, and the prospects of stability for the region, an underrated impact is being felt by the Christian community in Iran. Though it may appear inconsequential on the surface, the Iranian church’s future is intertwined with the nation’s future and ultimately carries eternal significance.

Christianity is a persecuted minority today, but has a pivotal presence in Iran’s history, dating back to the Apostolic days of the church. Tradition holds that Thaddeus and Bartholomew visited modern-day Iran in the decades after the resurrection, even establishing a since-reconstructed monastery around 68 AD. Over the next two millennia, the church took a roller coaster ride. From the Muslim conquest, Ottoman rule, the modern missions movement, and the Iranian revolution to today, the church expanded and contracted, but always persisted.

While God has preserved a remnant of believers since the earliest days of the church, being a follower of Christ in Iran has not been an enviable position. Islam-sanctioned persecution has marked much of Persian history for believers. It is only by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit that anyone would leave behind the “comforts” of Islam for the dangers of Christianity.

The official numbers vs the real numbers

As of 2016, official state numbers record that 117,700 Iranians identify as Christian, but outside estimates push the number as high as 800,000. However, Iran’s population is roughly 93 million, demonstrating how Christianity is still a tiny—though growing—-minority.

The official numbers come from the historical Armenian Orthodox and Assyrian churches that are state-recognized and “protected,” but receive second-class treatment through lawful discrimination in the realms of jobs, marriage, and property rights. From an evangelistic standpoint, language and cultural differences from the Iranian majority prevent these two churches from growing outside of their ethnic minority populations.

The circumstances are far worse for the unrecognized Protestant denominations, which are largely comprised of Muslim converts.

It is illegal to leave the Islamic faith. Being disowned by family is a guarantee, but the consequences could range all the way up to the death penalty in extreme circumstances, especially if the convert is accused of espionage against the state–an increasingly common charge under the sentiment that Christianity is a Western threat to Islamic rule.

A February report revealed that 254 Christians were detained for their faith last year, nearly double that of 2024. Dozens face prison sentences, forced labor, or exile. 43 detainees were imprisoned for sentences totaling over 280 years.

All-in-all, Iran ranks as the tenth most dangerous country for Christians, according to Open Doors. It receives a 0 out of 4 on the scale of religious freedom, according to Freedom House. But persecution doesn’t get the last word.

God’s people can thrive under persecution

Today, ex-Muslim believers worship in secret church settings and are part of a sweeping movement. Several sources and experts in recent years have identified the underground church in Iran as the fastest-growing in the world.

History reveals that God’s people can thrive under persecution, despite the pain. Christians in pressure-cooker environments remain steadfast by living out the many New Testament commands to the saints who suffered for their faith. Though none of us desire persecution, there is no doubt that it can be a source of refinement.

David Nasser, a well-known speaker and Tennessee-based Pastor, shared his hope for his home country of Iran on Fox News Sunday, stating, “My prayer for Iran is that ultimately this will bring about more than the liberation of a nation…but that this will actually bring out revival.”

A country the size of Iran may feel insurmountable for an evangelistic faith representing less than one percent of the population. However, Dr. Phil Hopkins pointed out in a January interview with the Baptist Press that Christianity has already come a long way since the 1979 revolution, when there may have been as few as 3,000 believers outside of the Armenian and Assyrian churches.

Hopkins, a Gateway Seminary professor and expert on Iran, was speaking amid the extreme unrest and riots that bubbled up in recent months. He shared his concern, which is different from the average observer: “How do we as Christians, as the body of Christ, as the church universal, and as a church local, help our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering? That’s the perspective that I think sometimes is lost when it comes to all these geopolitical conflicts.”

What could the future bring?

There is no clear indication as to who will take power in Iran for the long term, and there is certainly no guarantee that the next regime will be more friendly to Christians than the previous one. Yet, should religious freedoms emerge in the near future for Iran, it would seemingly open up the fields for harvest.

Not only could the current believers in Iran worship without fear, but missionaries could be sent under the assurance of safety, and conversion for Muslims would no longer be unlawful. Idealistic as it may be, we can pray for it, and God is certainly capable of making it happen.

God is sovereign, no matter the political outcomes in Tehran. He has been faithful to strengthen the Christian community in Iran amid intense persecution, so there is no reason to doubt that he could continue to do so. Simultaneously, a new horizon may be emerging for Iran and its Christian population. God’s faithfulness to his children will be evident either way.

The value of persecution

In the West, it is easy to compartmentalize our lives so that our work, hobbies, and relationships do not overlap with our faith. We can avoid the humbling parts of being truly devoted to Christ by only practicing at church and at home. But the humbling parts are critical for our spiritual maturity.

We grow when we face the consequences of being shameless ambassadors for Christ. We begin to understand true sacrificial living when we surrender our time, talents, and treasures to God for the sake of advancing his kingdom.

And yet, most of us will never face the level of persecution experienced by Iranian Christians who do not have the “luxury” of compartmentalization. Their circumstances limit their ability to live a lukewarm life. Be encouraged by their boldness, make much of Christ in every corner of your life, be willing to suffer, choose perseverance, and pray for those who are persecuted and imprisoned (Hebrews 13:3).

Though chaos ensues in Iran, God is doing something incredible for his church. One day, I pray, we will look back and see his fingerprints all over this struggle as we celebrate a continued awakening in one of the most spiritually dark nations in the world.

Note: See Dr. Jim Denison’s Daily Article from Tuesday for great insight into how we can pray for Iranian Christians and the overall state of affairs in Iran. Christians can also care for and support fellow brothers and sisters in Iran through organizations like Transform Iran and Iran Alive. You can also listen to our podcast episode with Dr. Hormoz Shariat, the founder of Iran Alive. 

 

Denison Forum