Christian-Muslim relations comprise one of the momentous challenges of the 21st century. The relationship between Christians and Muslims is supercharged by terrorism and exacerbated by the fact that western countries are perceived as "Christian" by many Muslims. Negative stereotypes of Muslims, and ignorance has caused the church to shrink back from Jesus' commands to love and to make disciples. How then can the Vineyard be agents of peace and faithfully bear witness to Christ in such a polarized world? What does a Vineyard approach to blessing Muslims look like?
God has blessed the Vineyard with a unique impartation of power, a heart of compassion and a desire to bless people. We have a stewardship. We are blessed to be a blessing. Or more accurately, we are blessed to bless all nations (Gen 12:1-3; Ps 67). When we think of a Vineyard approach to blessing Muslims we can't help but picture Vineyardites laying hands on Muslims all over the world. Praying for healing, deliverance, and blessing them in Jesus name. Muslims are highly receptive to prayer in Jesus name since Jesus was a great miracle worker in the Qu'ran.
A brief look at some of our core values shows how God has prepared the Vineyard for "such a time as this!" We are uniquely poised and prepared to bless Muslims: Our commitment to being a "reconciling community" means that we build bridges between Christians and Muslims. We seek to become peacemakers -- in our attitudes toward Muslims and in our relationships with Muslims. As one expression of this, a number of Vineyard pastors, burdened for the plight of the Palestinians are seeking ways to work towards peace and a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Our commitment to "compassionate ministry" compels us to bless Muslims.
Approximately 60% of the world's poor and 80% of the world's refugees are Muslim. As those who have received mercy, we cannot help but demonstrate the mercy of Christ to these needy neighbors - no strings attached. Our commitment to "culturally relevant witness" means that we promote creative, entrepreneurial, and innovative approaches to blessing Muslims. We are committed to demonstrating and declaring the beauty and power of Jesus in ways that make sense to Muslims. Our commitment to "kingdom theology and practice" moves us to bear witness to the kingdom among all peoples, including Muslims. Thus, we seek to manifest the kingdom in our words and deeds, through physical and emotional healing, doing justice, and exalting Jesus among the world's 1.3 billion Muslims.
For more information contact Tim McDonell, Executive Assistant to Rick Love
Updated 4/21/11
