Have A Hard Line Against Islam

Have A Hard Line Against Islam,
But An Open Welcome Toward Muslim People

By Bruce Cameron

“A hard line against Islam; an open welcome toward Muslim people.” This was the phrase Dr. Adam Francisco used in his presentation to the pastors of the Southern Illinois District on “The Challenge of Islam.” He told us we need accurate information about Islam in order to respond to Muslim teachings, and we need a mission heart to realize the need of our Muslim neighbors for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This session at the SID Pastors’ Conference was only one of several events in recent months to highlight the challenges and opportunities that the people of our Synod face in 21st century America. Professor Francisco also led a workshop in April at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne on “Christians and the Challenge of Islam.” Topics ranged from the “Origins of Islam” to “Political Islam Today.” One of the presenters at the Fort Wayne workshop, on the topic of “Muslims and the Gospel” was Pastor Karim Baidaoui of Texas, who works with POBLO of the Texas District. His congregation’s purpose is “to reach, teach, and live among Muslims and others, to raise up spiritual leaders from them, and to establish Christ-centered communities among them.”

“POBLO” stands for “People of the Book Lutheran Outreach,” an LCMS Mission Society, based in Dearborn, Michigan, that reaches out to Muslims in the United States and South Asia. The theme at their April Conference was, : “The Friendship of Jesus and Muslims.” Topics included “A Training Manual for Ministry among Muslims” and “Models for De-Radicalizing Christian-Muslim Relations.” This was also one of the few places where you could choose between a Tamil (South India), Urdhu (North India, Pakistan), or an Arabic worship service.

Exciting things are happening, but more needs to be done. In January Concordia Seminary in St. Louis hosted its first-ever multi-ethnic symposium, “Expressions of Hope.” The two-day conference brought together people from missions with and to African immigrants, Muslims, Asians, blind and visually impaired people, those on college and university campuses, international students, deaf people, Jewish people, African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and those in urban centers—all coming together to address how each group handles the challenges of Christian ministry in their own unique settings.

At this meeting, it was noted that—although our Synod has done a good job of electing board and commission members from all parts and varieties of the membership of the Synod—we could do better at receiving input on the appointed boards (such as the Task Force on Structure) which also affect the specialized missions and varied communities of the Synod. The point was well taken and some suggestions were offered on how to address this concern in the future.

It is a constant challenge for a church body to be all things to all people.” We need to keep our eyes open to the opportunities around us; we need to keep our hearts and congregations open to the people around us; and to keep an open mind about the need for possible changes in the way we do things “so that, by all possible means, we might save some, for the sake of the Gospel” (cf. 1 Cor 9:22 – 23).

Rev. Bruce Cameron is Pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Sparta IL.