Muslims are here among us. Indifference is not an option. How will we build bridges of friendship and love?

How far are you from the nearest Islamic center? Perhaps closer than you think. North America alone is home to approximately 2700 mosques,  900 Islamic centers, 300 Muslim Student Association chapters, and hundreds of Arabic and Middle Eastern clubs.

Despite the growing presence of Muslims in our communities and the increasing awareness of and interest in the Muslim world, Christians have not yet fully awakened to their biblical responsibility of including the Muslim world in fulfilling the Great Commission. The number of North American missionaries sent to the Muslim world remains minimal compared to those sent to other countries.

This trend is often attributed to visa restrictions for entering Muslim countries and the difficulty of relating to Muslims due to theological and cultural roadblocks. Result-oriented Western Christians are frequently discouraged by the meager response of Muslims to their ministry.

An expert on world religions once asked me, “Why is it that working with Muslims breaks all the rules used when working with all other religions?” Perhaps the similarities of Islam and Christianity make it hard to communicate the crucial differences.

This difficulty has caused many Christians to give up on Muslims, saying, “It’s a waste of time” or “Muslims are resistant, difficult to befriend, unreliable, and uninterested.” A couple who have worked with international students for many years told me, “You may assign us any student from any country, but do not give us a Muslim.”

Resilience Pays Off 

Must we write off a fifth of the world’s population who do not know the salvation of God through Jesus Christ just because they are difficult to reach? Jesus warned us that there would be perils along the way, that we might be rejected and even persecuted. Instead of looking for the easy way, we must be resilient in our approach to Muslims.

If we give up too soon, we may waste all the preparatory time we have invested in the relationship. “Let us not grow weary in doing well, for in due time we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9). Too often, we expect Muslims to respond immediately and do not allow the Holy Spirit time to work in their hearts as they investigate the claims of Christ. In my experience, some of the converts I have worked with took years to finally surrender to Jesus. We must walk alongside them in this difficult journey of total transformation of mind, heart, theology, and even culture.

As we interact with Muslims, they watch our lives and hear our words, and yet they may not be able to respond openly. But below the surface, they may be asking deep questions. We must pray that the Holy Spirit would convict them and draw them to Himself. We till, plant, and water, but God causes the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6). As we are faithful in our witness and are patient in waiting for God’s time, we will reap.

Muslims Are More Open Than Ever

Just as we saw the Soviet Union open in the late 1980s, we now see the Muslim world on the brink of a great opening. With over 7 million in North America and 50 million in Europe, Muslims are easily within our reach. It’s ironic that American churches pray for the Muslim world and support missionaries in Muslim countries, yet they do very little to reach Muslims in their communities. Perhaps they are unaware of their presence, or they simply do not know how to reach out to them.

It’s ironic that our churches pray for the Muslim world and support missionaries going to Muslim countries, yet they do very little to reach Muslims in our communities!

Build Bridges of Friendship 

The first step in Muslim evangelism is to show hospitality. As Christians, we are instructed to be hospitable to strangers and people from other countries and to treat them as we would our own people. In the Old Testament, God’s people were told that “The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself” (Lev. 19:34). God also reminded the early Christians not to “neglect to show hospitality to strangers” (Hebrews 13:2).

Muslim students are seeking friendship from anyone who will offer it. If you extend unconditional love and friendship, you may be able to introduce him to Jesus, the eternal Friend.

When you are talking with a Muslim friend, do not be argumentative. Most books written to teach Christians how to share their faith with Muslims center on arguments defending strong convictions. Try to avoid futile debates about the nature of God, the necessity of Christ’s atonement on the cross, the Trinity, and the deity of Christ. Instead, concentrate on what is important for the Muslim from his viewpoint.

First, be an example of a person who walks with God. Most Muslims have erroneous ideas about Christians. They think that Christians do not worship, fast, or give. While avoiding giving the impression that Christians depend on good works rather than grace for salvation, we must show Muslims that we are spiritual people who spend daily time with God, pray, fast, and tithe. Of course, the purpose is not to be self-righteous, but we do this as a testimony to our relationship with Jesus.

Second, share your testimony. When the blind man in John 9 was questioned about the credibility of Jesus, he simply stated, “I was blind and now I see.” No one can argue with personal experience.

Third, tell the gospel story. The message of the good news of God’s love is very simple. The more complicated we make it, the less likely a Muslim will respond. Muslims need to know that God loves them, that they can have a personal relationship with Him, that their sins can be forgiven, that they can have eternal life through Jesus, and that they can become children of God and join His international family of believers.

The second step in Muslim evangelism is to get involved. At least some Muslims probably live in your community. If you live near a college campus, there is likely already a church or organization reaching out to international students. 

By contacting the international student office at a college or university, you may find meaningful avenues for interaction with Muslim students.

The third step in Muslim evangelism is to learn more about Islam. Seminars and publications are available to help you deepen your understanding of Islam.

Of course, it is always helpful to subscribe to the mailing lists of mission agencies engaged in ministries to Muslims.

The fourth step in Muslim evangelism is prayer. This should really be the first step. Anyone involved in Muslim ministry knows that there is a spiritual battle raging. Pray that God will open the eyes of Muslims to see His revelation. Consider joining or starting a prayer group that focuses on Islam and the Muslim world.

It is no secret that much of the Muslim world has been closed to the gospel. But God in His grace has now opened that door by bringing Muslims to us. It is both our privilege and our responsibility to reach out to them. Christians can impact the Muslim world with the gospel without ever having to leave their homes. Only recently have some churches awakened to this long-neglected field. As we work together to share the gospel message with the Muslims in our communities, we will see hundreds and even thousands of people coming to Christ before the close of the century.

Reprinted from Action, July-Aug. 1990 issue of United Evangelical Action, the official publication of the National Association of Evangelicals. Updated in September 2025.