A Plan for Discipling a Believer of Israeli Muslim Arab Background

Because of special cultural, religious, historical, and political difficulties, evangelism among Muslims in the Middle East has produced little numerical growth.

This thesis deals with this quandary by proposing a strategy of one-on-one discipling aimed at a specific people group. It begins by reviewing the historical background of the problem and the culture, nature, and situation of the Israeli Sunni Muslim Arab. It explores some of the most formidable barriers to growth in the area. A theoretical base is set by presenting a strategy of modeling based on the apprenticeship and imitation models. This is followed by a recent history of discipling among Baptists in the Galilee. Finally, based on results and conclusions drawn in earlier chapters, the author proposes a comprehensive one-on-one discipleship program from disciple-making through high-level leadership training.

The thesis concludes that, especially for the cross-cultural discipler, this approach offers the best long-range strategy for evangelism among Muslims and for the development of an indigenous, “culturally” Muslim church in the Middle East.

Groseclose, Leslie David. 1986. “A Plan for Discipling a Believer of Israeli Muslim Arab Background.” Th.M., United States — California: Fuller Theological Seminary, School of World Mission.