I still remember the conversation like it was yesterday. I was with my friend Mahmoud when he leaned in and asked, “Why do Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God?” It was a question loaded with cultural and theological weight, and I knew that my response could either open a door or build a wall between us.
For many Western Christians, discussing faith is natural, even encouraged. But in the Middle East, where religion is intertwined with identity, history, and family honor, a poorly handled conversation can shut down a relationship before it even begins. So how do we talk about faith without creating barriers? Here are four key principles that I’ve learned through years of ministry among Muslims.
1. Honor Before Debate
In Arab culture, honor is everything. If your words cause someone to lose face, they will likely become defensive rather than open. Instead of diving straight into apologetics, affirm the other person’s sincerity in their faith. Statements like, “I see how deeply you value God and want to honor Him,” show respect and set a tone of mutual appreciation. Honor first; then truth can follow.
2. Ask More, Speak Less
One of the biggest mistakes Western Christians make is assuming that they need to “explain” Christianity. Instead, shift your approach by asking good questions. When Mahmoud asked me about Jesus, I responded with, “That’s a great question! What do you think about Jesus?” His answer gave me insight into his beliefs, allowing me to respond in a way that resonated with him instead of debating him.
Jesus Himself often answered questions with more questions. Why? Because people process truth best when they discover it themselves rather than being told outright.
3. Use Stories, Not Arguments
In the Middle East, storytelling is an art. Arguments may win debates, but stories win hearts. When discussing faith, avoid rigid theological explanations and instead share testimonies or parables.
For example, when talking about God’s love, I often share the story of the prodigal son. Instead of debating doctrine, I simply say, “There’s a story Jesus told that I love…” and then recount it. Stories bypass intellectual defenses and speak directly to the heart.
4. Be Patient—Trust the Process
Many Western Christians expect immediate conversions, but in the Middle East, spiritual change happens slowly. Muslims often take years to consider the gospel, not because they aren’t interested, but because following Jesus carries deep personal and social consequences.
When you plant a seed, you don’t dig it up the next day to see if it’s growing. Instead, you trust the process. The same applies to spiritual conversations—faithfully plant seeds, nurture relationships, and let God bring the growth in His time.
The Result? Open Doors, Not Closed Ones
That day in the café, my conversation with Mahmoud didn’t end with a conversion, but it ended with an open door. He felt heard, respected, and intrigued. For those wondering how I ended up explaining Jesus being the son of God, here’s how I did it. I used a story and an analogy. In the Middle East, if you come from a certain city, you are the “son of that city”. For example, my Syrian friend Mahmoud was from Damascus. So, I said, Mahmoud, are you the son of Damascus, meaning, did you grow up there? He answered, yes, I am the son of Damascus. I said in the same way, Jesus is the son of God! He came of God, from God, and he shared His nature. It does not mean that God was married and had a son, it simply means that Jesus came out of him, He is His word. Weeks later, Mahmoud initiated another conversation, this time asking, “Can we read some of Jesus’ words together?” That’s the power of handling faith discussions wisely.
If we approach these conversations with humility, honor, and patience, we won’t just win arguments, but we’ll win people. And that’s the true goal of missions.
The Basin and Towel 