Umut is the General Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance in Turkey and pastor of a church supported by Danish European Mission improvers and donors. It's great to talk to him as he speaks with nuance about the situation of the church in Turkey.
Is the church in Turkey being persecuted?
I do not think it is correct to say that the Turkish convert church is being persecuted, but rather that it is under pressure. It would be wrong for our brothers and sisters in countries like Pakistan and Iran who are being physically attacked and imprisoned because of their Christian faith.
What kind of pressure is the church under?
In recent years, several missionaries have been expelled from Turkey, for example. There are also examples of people who convert to the Christian faith losing their jobs.
In their families, Christian converts can experience resistance. Two weeks ago, I helped a young man whose parents were retired police officers. When he came to faith in Jesus, his parents disowned him. Last week he married a Christian girl. In our culture, it is a tradition for in-laws to visit each other before a wedding, talk about their children's relationship and congratulate each other. But his parents didn't want to. Therefore, as a pastor and a woman from the congregation, I had to act as parents for him and carry out the tradition. Many young believers keep their faith secret for fear of the family's reaction.
Is the church growing in Turkey?
Yes, the church is growing throughout Turkey, but it's also becoming more mature. At a time when many are spiritually searching, it is crucial to focus on training so that new believers have a biblical and healthy faith. Many missionaries with great biblical knowledge have been expelled from the country, so the responsibility now lies with us, Turkish pastors and leaders, to make the church biblically grounded. We are very grateful for the support from the Danish European Mission, which ensures that new leaders can be trained and equipped to take responsibility for leading the church.
People are interested in the church. Last December we had a flea market and up to 5000 people showed up. We handed out a thousand copies of the Injil (New Testament) and other books about Christianity. We shared the gospel face to face with people. People also shared on Instagram that there was a flea market. There were hundreds waiting to get in.
At Christmas events, many new people came to the church, not only ours, but also other churches. Our church is open every day, so people can come in from the street. People respect the church.
Read the interview too: Turkish convert church expects revival
What do you mean people respect the church?
20 years ago, Christians were seen as a threat to national security, but this perception is changing. The attitude that Christians are enemies and a threat can still be encountered, but young people in particular are looking towards the church. It is time to normalize the relationship of the convert church with society.
If I said I was a Christian 20 years ago, people would wonder. They would say: You are a Turk, you should be a Muslim, but now it has become more normal to be a Turk and a Christian. We are waiting for the harvest, but we are not waiting passively, but actively. We are preparing the church for revival.
While some people in the West may be philosophical, in Turkey we understand more with our emotions
- Umut, Secretary General of the Evangelical Alliance in Turkey
Why has this change happened in Turkey?
There is not just one reason, but many. Firstly, people have seen Islamic leadership for the last twenty years in politics. Secondly, people are searching for something spiritual that is real. A third reason is evangelization through media, meetings in churches and the relief work of churches. A fourth reason is the economic crisis. In church, people can find peace.
Why is it important?
First, people need to experience God's presence and peace, for example in worship or prayer at a church service. Secondly, people can gain knowledge about the Christian faith. I think this is the best approach for Turks and people in the Middle East in general. Where some people in the West might be philosophical, in Turkey we understand more with our emotions. Therefore, we don't use apologetics or philosophy in evangelism. People need to see the hand of God, his intervention in their lives and healing. The Holy Spirit touches people's hearts and changes everything. The Kingdom of God is not words, but power. The kingdom of God is peace, joy in the Holy Spirit," says Umut with a quiet smile.
