Underground Church Movement Expands in Iran Despite Government Crackdown
In the midst of persecution, God is moving powerfully in Iran. Despite the regime’s attempts to silence Christianity, a vibrant underground church is flourishing. In hidden gatherings across the nation, hundreds of Iranians are finding hope in Christ and declaring their faith through secret baptisms.
Elam Ministries recently shared that more than 200 Iranians and Afghans were baptized just beyond Iran’s border. Mani Erfan of CCM Ministries calls it “an awakening,” noting that most of these new believers are young people hungry for truth and freedom.
Disillusioned by the harsh rule of the regime, Iran’s youth are turning to Jesus. Christianity has become a counter-culture, a movement of hope and renewal in the face of oppression. “It’s a counter-revolution to the 1979 Revolution,” Erfan explained.
What began after 9/11 has now grown into a wave of revival. By 2020, experts believe Iran’s Christian population could reach 7 million—nearly 10 percent of the nation. Imagine the transformation when millions of hearts are set free by the Gospel.
Though the government declares house churches illegal, believers continue to gather in homes, worship in secret, and share the Word through satellite TV and social media. As David Yeghnazar of Elam Ministries said, “They are forced to meet in these gatherings, which the regime deems unlawful.” Yet the church endures.
This underground awakening is a reminder that no power on earth can stop the spread of the Gospel. In the darkest places, the light of Christ shines brightest.
