Learning to be the Church together

Due to natural disasters, war and other crises, there are many refugees from throughout the world in North Africa.  

The OM team in one of these North African countries includes a group of believers who are refugees themselves. Some of them have lived in their host nation for many years. “After COVID-19, we saw a lot of house churches form amongst refugees, all of whom were from a Muslim background,” remembers OM field leader, Astrid*. “As people came to believe in Jesus, they shared their new faith with their neighbours while looking for ways to help them.”  

Their desire to help their neighbours comes from a deep, personal place, and God has used their experiences and pain to help others experiencing displacement in a way many locals and foreigners cannot. Through these relationships, Jesus followers invited their fellow countrymen to Discovery Bible Study (DBS) groups. These groups, made up of an average of six people, meet together, discuss a passage from the Bible and then members share what they learnt with someone else during the week. Slowly, the groups have grown and multiplied. As of early 2025, many groups have multiplied several times over. 

OM’s role is to support this network of believers, especially the leaders. This includes not only relational support, but training as well. The increase in the number of DBS groups influenced a shift in OM's approach as well, changing from one-on-one discipleship training to teaching leaders how to disciple groups of believers, with a goal of moving from a network of small groups to house churches.  

Baptism 

With each new stage, new questions arise. One question was regarding baptism. In a Muslim-majority country and culture, a public declaration of faith such as baptism could be dangerous. There were many questions among the leaders about the theology and practice of baptism. Group leaders worked together to discuss and study the Bible, before composing a document outlining what is meant by baptism, who can be baptised and how it will be done. 

From there, it quickly went from theological obedience to practicalities. With such an important event needing to be in a discrete location, there were many things to consider; for instance, where could they find water? In this modest culture, what should people — particularly women — wear to be baptised? Who would bring towels? How would everyone get to the baptism? Everything had to be carefully thought out to ensure safety and accommodation for all.  

Finally, the day was set: a DBS group went to a community centre with a pool for an entire day. They planned for the baptisms to be in the morning before the pool got busy. However, when the day came, people were late, and some people brought friends along who weren’t known to the whole group, which made others nervous for their safety. In the end, the group waited until evening, when the centre was less busy. Despite the challenges, three people were baptised.  

Having done baptisms once, the group leaders realised the plan needed to be adjusted as the first event took a lot of time, money and effort to carry out. The believers now have a small inflatable pool they can set up and fill in an apartment. Each house church will decide how they will celebrate baptisms based on the agreed-upon statement formed by the network leaders. 

Through the lens of Scripture 

The next practice to figure out is communion. With a now-established methodology for study and discussion, the leaders will go through the same process, focusing on what is biblical, practical and sustainable. With each issue that arises, whether spiritual, cultural, or practical, the group asks: “What does the Bible say?” 

“Every next step is new territory,” shares Astrid. “This continually raises new questions for the teams pioneering this ministry, taking everyone deeper into the Bible. It’s exciting to witness.” 

Please continue to pray for these believers who, while living in crisis, are sharing their faith within their displaced community. Pray the new believers will grow in their faith, for wisdom for the leaders and for more to know the love of Jesus for themselves. 

*name changed