The killing of one of Iran’s top leaders by US forces may cause a “tsunami” of problems for Christians in Iran. The turmoil may also create new opportunities for sharing the gospel, believes one of the most influential leaders among Iranian Christians.

“Christians in Iran react with uncertainty and anxiety to the liquidation of Iran’s military leader Qassem Soleimani. In case of escalation of hostilities and engagement in war, Iranian Christians will suffer more than any other segment of society,” says Lazarus Yeghnazar in an interview with Christianity Today. 

Wide network

As the founder and leader of what has become 222 Ministries, Yeghnazar has been one of the most influential leaders among Iranian Christians. According to Christianity Today the network he has built up, includes satellite TV broadcasts and more than 50 underground churches in Iran.

Yeghnazar is sure that Iran sooner or later will be at war with western nations. 

“The regime in Iran is going to provoke the West to attack. Who knows how long that will take? When it comes it will create a tsunami of disaster and a tsunami of opportunities. Today the church is ill-prepared to meet those opportunities. That is why we are so committed to leadership development for Iran,” says Yeghnazar.

Ask for commitment – not numbers

In the interview he sends a clear message to Western Christians. “Don’t go after numbers. You should rather ask how deep the church is growing and how committed the growing church is. The tsunami will come, and if the seeds have not gone deep in the hearts of the believers, it will wash away.”

Global Intent and Tent have followed up several professionals in Iran over the past decades. Iran hires professionals with needed skills and there are available jobs in a variety of sectors including healthcare, education and IT. 

By Steinar Opheim