Islam & Your Church

Written by Darren Hewer

What does your church’s response to its Muslim neighbors say to your community? No doubt you’ve heard about the so-called “ground zero mosque” (also referred to as a Muslim community center) which is planned to be built near the site of the 9/11 attacks in New York City.

Regardless of what your opinion is about the construction of this building in NYC (which, honestly, will have very little direct impact on you unless you live nearby) the question remains: How does your church reachout in love to your community?

An post titled “Opposing or Embracing Muslims: What’s Your Story?

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” on the popular Christian culture blog Church Marketing Sucks explores this issue by presenting the stories of two contrasting churches:

The opposition for the Muslim community in Southern California includes Bill Rench, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, which is located near the site of the potential mosque. Says Rench, “The Islamic foothold is not strong here, and we really don’t want to see their influence spread.” Not only that, but Christianity and Islam “mix like oil and water” he said. According to the Times, Rench predicted a “confrontational atmosphere” if plans for the new mosque move forward.

On the other end of the spectrum is Reverend Williamson, pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Columbia, Tennessee. Williamson’s story is revered by professor Akbar Ahmed in the NPR story. A local mosque had been burnt down and some had vandalized the remaining property with graffiti and swastikas. Instead of condoning the opposition and wishing Muslims to get out of town, Pastor Williamson gave the Muslim community the keys to the Presbyterian church. “This from now on can be used as your house of worship.”

I tend to agree with some of the commenters on the post that the most appropriate response is somewhere inbetween these two extremes: Reaching out to others in love, but not quite going as far as to hand over the keys to the church.

What is your approach? What about your church’s approach? Can you see your church or others in your area taking the “billboard” approach, and is that the most appropriate way to witness to our neighbors? On the other hand, does handing over the church keys and welcoming people to worship there also miss the point?

Related reading:
Religious pluralism – Briefly considering the idea that “all paths lead to God”
Seeing God Face to Face – The story of a Muslim man whose life was changed through his encounter with Jesus

Tags: 9/11, church, evangelism, faith, mosque, muslim, religion, spiritual, World, world religions

One Response to “Islam & Your Church”

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manuel says:

September 8, 2010 at 7:16 pm

I live in a community where a lot of Muslims (moderate, not radical)live. Our church has had a dialog with them regarding the peace and order situation in our community. I remember a time when our church held a prayer and fast for a day when some of the Muslims joined us. I agree with the position of taking the middle road.