Why Is Evangelism To Muslims So Important? How To Start Reaching Muslims With The Gospel Today

Scripture confirms again and again our duty to participate in and support mission work. In fact, it is so important that Jesus’ last words to His followers before His ascension were about sharing the gospel.

After three of the darkest days in history, Jesus walked out of the tomb alive. He had defied the laws of nature and overcome death. Shortly after, as Matthew 28:18-19 says, He was with His disciples for the last time when He declared to them: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...” 

Here are a few Bible verses that emphasize being part of God’s mission to bring the gospel to the nations:

“For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have placed You as a light for the Gentiles, That You may bring salvation to the end of the earth.’” Acts 13: 47

“Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.” 1 Chronicles 6: 24 

“But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:4

Don’t we sometimes treat the Great Commission more like a suggestion rather than a command?

Possibly, the greatest area in which we have failed in the Great Commission is in not sharing the gospel with Muslims. 

Samuel Zwemer, a great Christian evangelist known as “The Apostle to Islam,” highlighted this sad truth when he said: “One might suppose that the church thought the Great Commission did not apply to Muslims.”

Many Muslims are coming to know Christ as Lord, and they often tell us how grateful they are that someone shared the gospel with them.

Quotes from Muslim-background believers

These following quotes are from new believers who heard the gospel on Glory TV:

“Why didn’t anyone tell me about Jesus before? I have been worshiping a god who doesn't hear all my life.”  - Yasmina, a young woman from Yemen

“A few months ago I watched the life story of Jesus on your TV channel. I was amazed! I began to get deeper into Islam to find this same love and grace, but instead I discovered that ISIS was obeying the true commands of Mohammad and the Quran. After being a devout Muslim for all my life, today I declare Jesus my Lord and Savior!” - Hassan, 27, professional athlete in Baghdad, Iraq

“A few months ago, I started watching your channel on satellite. I learned for the first time that Jesus Christ is the light in the middle of darkness. Today I am declaring that I have accepted Christ in my life as my Savior. Now I can sleep peacefully at night.”​​ - Mohamed in Saudi Arabia

“I had no idea I was loved and honored as a woman and that I am truly equal to men in God’s sight. Oh, that is amazing!” Magda, divorced woman, Egypt

Let’s talk about the reasons we should support missions to Muslims. As you read through them, ask yourself, “What is God calling me to do about this?”

Why should Christians support missions to Muslims? Breaking down walls that prevent Christians from obeying the Great Commission

1. The majority of Muslims are unreached and have not heard the gospel

Islam is not only the fastest-growing religion globally, but it has nearly 2 billion followers. Statistics show that only 1 percent of Christian missionaries are evangelizing Muslims, and a staggering 80 percent of Muslims have not heard the gospel message yet (Source).

“How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14

Many Muslims are now immigrating to western countries, and we have absolutely no excuse to hide our light.

Why don’t we share the gospel with Muslims? Oftentimes, the church does not have compassion toward Muslims or see them through the eyes of Christ. Few Christians have a true understanding of Islam or of their Muslim neighbors, so many avoid it altogether out of fear or sometimes feeling “It's not my job, I don't know how”.

On the other hand, some Christians who understand the truth about the violence of Islam hold this against Muslims. In reality, most Muslims are victims of a destructive ideology; they are people who need Jesus like the rest of us. Learn more about how Islam is an Ideology of Death.

2. Muslims are often victims of Islam, not perpetrators

Being Westerners and Christians, we are accustomed to freedom, which makes it hard for us to understand oppression. But the life of a Muslim is not filled with freedom – it is dark and oppressive.

From childhood, all a Muslim knows is submission to Allah and the contradictory morals of Mohammed. If a Muslim’s every action does not perfectly align with Mohammed’s lifestyle and the teachings of the Quran, they can risk losing Allah's favor and the hope of paradise.

From the time they are born, they are Muslim. And they are not allowed the freedom to choose for fear of brutal persecution and death. 

An Obedient Response to the Great Commission

James 4:17 tells us that failing to do what we know is right is a sin.

We must take the Lord’s command to make disciples of all nations seriously. Let us be like Prophet Isaiah, who answered the Lord’s call with, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8  

How can I support missions to Muslims? 

We should always be Great Commission-minded, whether it is living missionally or supporting missions. With hearts burdened for the Muslim people and the great commission, our compassion needs to fuel action. A great way to start is by committing to praying for Muslims every day of the year. Pray for families– for the men, women, and children of the Islamic world.

Giving financially to ministries like Call of Love is another way you can help bring the Gospel to Muslims worldwide. Ask the Lord to give you clarity on your part in supporting missions.

It will look different for everyone. If the Lord has placed giving on your heart, you can become a Missions Champion here. Islam is indeed dark, but the Light of the world Who overcame darkness, dwells in us.  

Let us advance the Gospel with obedience, compassion, and faithfulness, together.

Dear Lord, thank you that we get to be a part of sharing the good news of your Son to the ends of the earth. Embolden our hearts for evangelism and prepare the minds of Muslims to receive the gift of salvation. Amen!