Churches Being Transformed into Mosques in the US: A Call to Action
Updated: 3 hours ago
As Christians, we need to understand the reality of Islam’s teachings and its growth in the world. This is not for us to be scared or angered, but instead to have a truth-based perspective when prioritizing missions to Muslims, especially those who live in our backyard.
The Growth of Islam and Mosques in America
In just ten years, the United States saw a 31% increase in mosques, bringing the total to over 3,000. The Muslim population in the U.S. is growing twice as fast as any other religious group due to immigration and birth rates.
Wealthy Muslims often build new mosques in populated areas to gain favor with Allah and earn respect within their communities. Yet, the number of mosques is quickly growing in another way—by taking over the space of abandoned churches.
There are numerous instances of this happening all around the country. For Muslims, this is more than the signing of a deed passing from one group to another. This is exactly what their end goal includes. They believe they are destined to rule the world and all people will come to be Muslims.
What is the Difference between a Church and a Mosque?
While both are viewed as places of worship, a mosque functions very differently than the local church buildings we know. Understanding these distinctions helps us see why a building's transition from a church to a mosque is a significant spiritual and cultural shift:
Weekly houses of worship vs. daily local anchors: While a church serves primarily as a house of worship organized around weekly services and community fellowship, a mosque is strategically placed to anchor the daily routine—ensuring believers have immediate local access for their daily prayers and establishing an enduring Islamic presence on every street.
Architectural symbolism: Unlike the welcoming steeple or open doors of a church, mosques often feature minarets specifically designed to broadcast the Islamic call to prayer over the surrounding neighborhood.
Gender dynamics: In contrast to the inclusive nature of the Church where men, women, and children worship together, Islamic tradition prioritizes the mosque as a space for men, teaching that women’s prayers are more meaningful at home. If women do come, they are seated separately.
Political and mission expansion: A mosque serves as a declaration of "territory," acting as a symbol of political expansion and a base for da’awa (world mission). Its purpose is to gain a foothold and convert non-Muslims, directly replacing gospel-centered churches.
For more information on the purpose of mosques, read this blog: Mosques explained for Christians: What you need to know about their purpose and meaning
Why Are Churches Being Converted into Mosques?
When a Muslim da’awa group seeks to reach a new neighborhood, they often look for pre-built structures. Purchasing an old church building is highly symbolic to them because it is a statement of taking over Christian influence and Islam’s expansion, which is Islam’s goal.
We are seeing these church-to-mosque conversions increase in states like Connecticut, Florida, New York, and Michigan (source). The process involves:
Removing Christian symbols: Stripping stained glass and removing altars.
Replacing the Cross: Installing Quranic verses over Christian art and symbols.
Public fundraising: Imams often frame these purchases as "victories" for Islam to encourage generous giving from the Muslim community.
What can Christians do about the Increase of Mosques in the US?
The trend of churches turning into mosques should serve as a wake-up call for the body of Christ. Here is how we can respond proactively:
Support local congregations: Pray for every church in the U.S. to remain active and Spirit-filled so that properties are not abandoned.
Be proactive in real estate: If a church goes up for sale, alert local networks or other churches looking to expand to ensure the space remains a lighthouse for the gospel.
Prioritize evangelism: Most Muslims follow Islam because of their upbringing and have never heard the true gospel. Go tell them the good news!
Spiritual discernment and prayer: We must commit to strategic prayer against the spiritual powers at play, recognizing that Islam’s organizational goals are centered on expansion and power. To overlook the influence of Islam is unwise.
By boldly proclaiming the gospel and building relationships with our Muslim neighbors, we can impact the spiritual landscape of our communities far more than any building ever could.
Prayer
Dear Lord, give me the boldness to proclaim Your truth in a world that desires comfort over anything else. Please allow me to see the traps of the enemy in my life and the life of Muslims, and help me overcome victoriously and help my Muslim neighbors to move from the darkness of Islam into Your light. Amen.
