From Conflict to Hope

CONTENTS:

GVMB Series Preface vii
Acknowledgements ix

1 Introduction 1

2 Background Reflections on Discipleship: Conflict and Transformation 5

3 Communication: Can We Just Say What We Mean? 19

4 Honour and Shame: Living in the Shadows 31

5 Conflict from Toxic Leadership: “Someone Needs to Control the People” 41

6 Mediating Conflict Resolution: Can We All Just Get Along? 63

7 A Way Forward: Turning the Upside-Down Right Side Up 93

Abbreviations 113
Glossary 113
References 115

ABOUT THE EDITORS:

Roy Oksnevad, Ph.D., has been an urban pioneer church planter, a cross-cultural missionary, and founder and director of COMMA (Coalition of Ministries to Muslims in North America). He is an author, speaker, educator, and on faculty at Pars Theological Centre.

Sama Adam, MRel, is a bourgeoning young scholar from the Middle East whose Muslim heritage shapes her understanding of the BMB experience in the MENA region. She works with various church and educational ministries, and with the Hikma Partnership.

Paul feared that he would find “quarrelling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder” in the Corinthian church (2 Cor 12:20). Little has changed, especially in communities of Muslim background followers of Christ! Oksnevad and Adam’s thoughtful work, From Conflict to Hope: Voices from North African, Middle Eastern, and Iranian Christians, tackles head-on the chronic conflict seen in these fledgling communities. Having lived for 35 years in the Middle East, I resonated with the difficulties exposed by the church leaders whose presentations form the backbone of the book. I wished it had been available decades ago. It overflows with insight into problems stemming from poor communication, distorted honor and shame, and toxic leadership. Pursuing qualities like accountability structures, transparency, willingness to ask forgiveness, and embracing weakness will help overcome these problems. This is a book that should be carefully read by anyone involved in church-planting among Muslim background people, particularly those from North Africa, the Middle East and Iran.
George Bristow, PhD; Senior Research Fellow, Institute for the Study of Religion in the Middle East

From Conflict to Hope invites us into a 2022 consultation on leadership among believers from a Muslim background from Iran, the Middle East and North Africa together with intercultural workers in the region. Grace, hope and candour shape conversations about miscommunication, toxicity, conflict and shame. The contributors affirm that they are not alone but need the global church to both learn from and stand ready to help this emerging movement of followers of Jesus. This book’s important lessons extend far beyond the geographic homelands of
the contributors.
David Greenlee, PhD; missiologist, Operation Mobilisation

Tackling the most critical issues found within both Arab and Iranian cultural communities, this book is a crucial guide to understanding how to effectively minister within the Middle Eastern context. The numerous experts who contributed to the content of this book gives assurance to the reader that issues presented have been knowledgeably dealt with. A must read for those engaged in the praxis of ministry in the MENA region of the world.
Dr Marvin J Newell, Ambassador at Large, Missio Nexus, author of A Third of Us: What it Takes to Reach the Unreached

This rare and excellent compilation of voices from the BMB community is crucial both for their flourishing and that of the broader Christian family. The contributors grapple with the overidentification of Christianity with Western culture (a problem for all Christians) while exploring various aspects of conflict and conflict resolution. Insightful discernment to be contemplated by believers of all backgrounds!
Todd M Johnson, Eva B. and Paul E. Toms Distinguished Professor of Mission and Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

The vast region covering North Africa, the Middle East and Iran is beset by diverse challenges and multiple conflicts. Christian churches of all kinds have to negotiate their way through difficult contexts which often involve not only discrimination but also active persecution. This is especially the case for churches consisting of Background Muslim Believers. Furthermore, conflict without can easily trigger conflict within. This present volume, carrying the voices of editors Oksnevad and Adam as well as a range of anonymous contributors from the region, serves as an invaluable signpost for all seeking to address conflict within BMB communities. The book skilfully mixes deep reflection with practical action. Diverse sub-themes relating to conflict are discussed: issues of communication, considerations of honor and shame, authority structures and the challenges of toxic leadership, methods of mediation, and many other concepts. The volume concludes with a presentation of practical steps that BMB churches in MENA and Iran, and beyond, can take to address the diverse challenges that they face. This book should not only provide guidance, but it should also give a sense of hope to BMBs in challenging contexts.
Professor Peter G Riddell, London School of Theology

For those praying that Muslims would turn to the Lord Jesus – thank God, your prayers are being answered! As might be expected, these new believers from Muslim background (BMBs) face an array of challenges as they serve in highpersecution contexts marked by intense spiritual warfare. From Conflict to Hope addresses one of these challenges – conflicts in the local church. This brief and readable book amplifies BMB voices as recorded in interviews and workshops. Readers will find From Conflict to Hope chocked full of practical advice and reflections in dealing with issues such as discipleship and communication, as well as toxic leadership and shame avoidance. Conflict mediators may provide a helpful role in restoring wholesome relationships in such settings. From Conflict to Hope comes to us in a timely manner.
Fred Farrokh, Director, Wasla Media Project