Ministry in Iran Continues, Despite Persecution
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Support the WorkIn the weeks after a series of airstrikes shook Iran this summer, a house-church pastor organized a small team to deliver hot meals to neighbors. In the war’s aftermath, many Iranians were overwhelmed by food scarcity and mounting debts.
A bowl of hot soup may seem small compared to a stew of global conflict, but to struggling families in Iran, the practical help pointed to a powerful gospel: Jesus is the living bread that came down from heaven. The kindness of believers pointed to the compassion of Christ.
Sam Ahmadi, a ministry partner with Radical, spoke with the house-church pastor and came away deeply encouraged: “It was a vivid reminder that a bowl of soup can become a bridge to someone’s soul.”
It’s a bridge Iran needs, even if it’s a risky one for Iranian Christians to build. Since the July conflict, Iranian authorities have arrested more than 50 believers, falsely accusing them of spying. Many remain in jail. Others wonder what’s next.
But still, ministry continues.
A WAVE OF DETENTIONS IN IRAN
Iran is home to a growing underground church, but following Jesus can be dangerous for those who leave Islam. Believers face threats, opposition, and harassment. Even attending a house church is risky: It only takes one person to expose others to authorities.
The Iranian believers detained in August certainly weren’t the first. Earlier this year, a court sentenced three Iranian Christians to a combined 40 years in prison. One of the believers was a pregnant mother.
In June 2024, authorities arrested five Christians in cities near Tehran on charges that included “propaganda against the system.” This summer, a court sentenced each Christian to seven-and-a-half years in prison.
Vicky Hartzler, chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, said her organization abhors the believers’ sentences: “Their plight reinforces how Iranian Christians are at severe risk for their religious beliefs and converting from Islam.”
A MINISTRY THAT CONTINUES IN IRAN
How does the gospel keep spreading, even in the face of such risk?
Sam Ahmadi says digital evangelism and discipleship remain important avenues for reaching Iranians with the gospel, and for discipling those who embrace faith in Christ.
Radical’s work with Iranians includes online discipleship groups, with the hope of helping new believers form churches in the country.
Many Iranians have access to Christian content through digital media, but there’s an ongoing need for greater depth and theological soundness. And there’s a need to continue encouraging Christians to gather in person, even when it’s risky.
Sam says all this requires wisdom and working with trusted people on the ground who know the language, culture, and needs firsthand.
“By investing in local leaders, we are empowering them to disciple others, care for the needy, and plant house churches that can grow even under pressure and persecution,” he says. “This is not about outside control, but about raising up healthy, self-sustaining church communities from within.”
A HOPE THAT ENDURES IN IRAN
Meanwhile, efforts to meet physical needs have included supplying food packages and health supplies through trusted contacts. “Our goal is not just to respond to crisis, but to build a foundation for spiritual growth and multiplication,” says Sam. “Healthy churches led by local believers will be the key to lasting transformation in Iran.”
For Iranian believers, that means trusting Christ, even as they suffer. Sam writes: “The suffering of the Iranian church is not a sign of God’s absence but a call to draw closer to him.”
He asks the global church to pray that the Lord will draw more Iranians to saving faith in Christ, and that God will protect believers who continue to make Jesus known to those around them. He asks prayers for comfort and relief for those who are suffering in prison. And he prays the global church will stay awake and engaged with gospel efforts in Iran. “The church in Iran is our family,” he says. “Its suffering is our suffering, and its hope is our hope.”
