History

An Underground Movement

Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations. And yet, despite its rich cultural heritage, today dis-ease and dis-harmony tear at its social fabric. High rates of drug abuse, corruption and suicide reveal the true colours of a nation sinking into hopelessness.

Amidst this fragile spiritual and socio-political landscape, God is working powerfully in what many believe to be one of the greatest movements to Christ today. The Beatidudinal gospel of Jesus Christ is capturing the hearts of many Iranians as they choose to follow Him as their Lord and Saviour. Underground house fellowships are rapidly mushrooming all over the country, forming worshipping communities that radiate Christ’s light both in rural and urban regions of the country. Iranian churches are also forming across the growing diaspora in Europe, North America and the Far East.

Persecution

Believers from a Muslim background in Iran can experience tremendous suffering for their faith in Christ. Underground house fellowships are regularly raided, and believers are often harassed, thrown out of their jobs and expelled from universities. Leaders of house fellowships are frequently arrested, imprisoned, and forced to leave the country. Currently, Iran is positioned at number 8 on the Open Doors World Watch List of places where it is most difficult to be a Christian.

Pars

Pars was founded in 2010 by an interdenominational group of Iranian theologians, pastors and counsellors who were dreaming of a hub for deep, holistic and contextual leadership training for Iranians.

In January 2013, we matriculated our first small group of students and held our first Formation Conference. Now, 10 years later, the Lord has shaped us into a dynamic ministry, home to a blended Persian-language School of Theology and Leadership, the Iranian Leaders Forum, Pars Counselling Centre, a Publishing house and multiple online platforms devoted to discipleship and leadership formation.

Throughout these 10 years, we have been committed to cultivating a community of faithful and effective leaders who would bring the light of God’s presence to Iran and beyond.