The Rise of Islam in America— Answering the Unasked Questions

Many Christians may not realize that Islam affects them personally, as well as their communities, their churches and the nation.

The American Pastors Network (APN, www.americanpastorsnetwork.net) is aiming to share more information about the rise of Islam in America, answering the questions that many may be fearful or too intimidated to ask.

Several weeks ago, APN debuted its new weekly television program, “Stand in the Gap,” which considers transcending cultural issues, seemingly difficult to navigate, from a biblical worldview perspective each Sunday afternoon.

On yesterday’s program, which will be rebroadcast at 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 24, and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 26, Rohrer and co-host Isaac Crockett welcomed Dr. Mark Christian, a former Egyptian Imam with family ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. On a series of three programs, the second and third airing July 29 and Aug. 5, respectively, Christian and Rohrer will discuss how Islam has infiltrated the American culture, what the implications are, and what pastors and churches must know to respond appropriately.

“Islam has already shown its intention to destroy America by any means necessary,” said APN President Sam Rohrer. “But are we aware of all the ways this insidious invasion is already taking place? We hope this new effort from APN and ‘Stand in the Gap’ TV will help Christians learn behind-the-scenes details from those who know: Christians who are devoted American patriots, but who were once Muslims, and are sometimes very close to the decision makers and influencers behind the global caliphate strategies.”

Dr. Mark Christian is now the founder and president of the Global Faith Institute. He is a former Muslim from Cairo who served as an Imam from the age of 13. Christian left Islam at the age of 25 after researching the life of Muhammad and the teachings of the Quran and became convinced that his Muslim faith was a lie. He wandered spiritually for the next 10 years, ultimately discovering that Jesus Christ was the answer he was seeking.

“Islam has targeted America and is spreading through deception as to what it believes, its goals and its strategies,” Rohrer said. “We are honored to welcome Dr. Mark Christian to help establish the historical and the political foundations of Islam, the goals of Islam, the definition of Sharia, the distinctions between Islam and ‘radical Islam,’ whether Islam is compatible with the U.S. Constitution and much more. An expert on Islam, Dr. Christian provides his testimony as well as his insight on how Islam is spreading, details about the Muslim Brotherhood, who the average Muslim person is and what they believe and why America has been targeted.”

View more about each of the three programs:

* The Rise of Islam in America—Part I: “Answering the Unasked Questions”—establishing the foundation clarifying points about Islam. View the full program.

* The Rise of Islam in America—Part II: “The Crumbling American Church”—identifying the Islamic strategy to infiltrate and silence the American church. View the promo.

* The Rise of Islam in America—Part III: “The Complicit American Culture”—identifying the Islamic strategy to infiltrate and silence the American culture. View the promo.

“This is perhaps the issue of greatest threat to America and our freedom as we know it,” Rohrer added. “Yet it is an issue very few talk about for fear they be identified and labeled as ‘haters.’ But to every American citizen, and particularly to every American Christian, Islam will not, through ignorance or false hope, simply go away. In fact, this is the one driving issue that if not properly understood—and very soon—will destroy America and snuff out the light of truth and freedom in our shining city on the hill and usher in incredible persecution.”

Photo by Senor Sosa on Unsplash

Churchgoers Stay for the Theology, Not the Music or the Pastor

The results of a new survey from Lifeway Research may come as a surprise to pastors and worship leaders.

The study found that most churchgoers will put up with a change in music style or a different preacher, but they will choose to leave a church if the foundational beliefs are tampered with.

These findings can serve as a wake-up call, says the American Pastors Network to pastors who may be trying to reach people through music, programs, or style rather than the substance of the Gospel.

“It is crucial that American churches return to the core of the Gospel—the true focus of who and what the church should be,” said APN President Sam Rohrer. “Today’s pastors can get caught up in the style of music, programs offered, the environment, and even how leaders dress. While these things may deserve some attention, they should not be the focus. The foundation of the church must be its theological position and how strongly it is rooted in the Word of God. Rightfully so, the people in the pews realize this.”

According to the survey, most churchgoers are committed to staying at their current church for the long haul, but more than half of respondents (54 percent) said they would strongly consider leaving if the church’s core beliefs or doctrine changed.

Perhaps the reasoning for staying at a current church is that, for the most part, churchgoers say they agree with their church’s teaching. About half (52 percent) say their beliefs are completely aligned with those of the church; 42 percent say their beliefs are mostly aligned.

“We see many churches today wrestling with what should be foundational beliefs for any church, such as God’s definition of marriage, his design for sexuality and gender, and many other cultural and societal issues,” Rohrer added. “While churches must maintain biblical positions on these matters and address them from the pulpit, it is a grave mistake for them to change their foundational beliefs in order to welcome more people, appease more members, or otherwise engage the culture.”

Of the 1,000-plus surveyed, 35 percent have been at their church between 10 and 24 years, and 27 percent have been there for 25 years or more—meaning that most church members have been at their church longer than the pastor. Just under 40 percent have been at their current church for nine years or fewer. Overall, 15 percent of churchgoers say they have thought about going to another church in the past six months. Eighty-five percent say they have not.

Besides a change in church doctrine, churchgoers say several other reasons might cause them to switch:

  • 48 percent would change churches if they moved to a new home
  • 19 percent if the preaching style changed
  • 12 percent if the pastor left
  • 10 percent if a family member wanted a new church
  • 9 percent would leave over politics
  • 6 percent would leave if they didn’t feel needed
  • 5 percent if the music style changed
  • 4 percent if they had a conflict
  • 3 percent if a friend stopped attending

Photo by Jonathan Simcoe on Unsplash