Turkey: Churches Seeking Independence

First published in Magasinet Stefanus #2 2024 Txt: Jon- Geir Dittmann Photo: Stefanusalliansen

In the heart of the Turkish metropolis of Izmir, Pastor Alperen Yildirim* proudly shows me his church. But aside from a small cross at the entrance, there's little to indicate that this is a church building. The five-story block that houses the church's many activities is squeezed between commercial buildings and shops. The congregation has about 200 Turkish members. There's activity almost every day. 

There are four services every Sunday, says Alperen Yildirim, the senior pastor. In addition to one service in Turkish, two Iranian congregations hold services in Farsi (Persian). And an Arabic-speaking congregation also uses the building. 

 

Making an effort for refugees 

Turkey is home to more than 4 million refugees, most of them from Syria. Izmir has received more than 200,000 refugees from Syria since the civil war broke out in 2011. 

Alperen’s church has made extensive efforts to alleviate the suffering. In Turkey, refugees are largely left to their own devices to find work and housing. Among other initiatives, the church has started a small laundry where refugees can wash their clothes for free. After school, children can play and get help with their homework. 

"The activities are not meant to be a lure for evangelization. Only when the refugees ask about faith do we share our faith with them. The vast majority of Syrians are Muslims and we have to respect their faith," says Pastor Alperen. 

 

The Church lack leaders 

Alperen is the head of the 'Smyrna Project,' which is supported by the Stefanus Alliance. Smyrna, the ancient name for Izmir, is mentioned in the Book of Revelation, but the city's name was changed by the Turks when they conquered the area from Greece over a hundred years ago. 

The project aims to address the lack of leaders in Protestant churches in Turkey. Missionaries from the USA and Europe have helped to start congregations, often as house groups, for many years. Foreigners have sometimes been leaders in Turkey due to the ban on pastoral and priesthood training for all churches. Although foreigners have often wished to hand over responsibility to Turks, some were expelled in the wake of the 2016 coup attempt. Some were wrongfully accused of colluding with the movement of Fetullah Gülen, whom the authorities claimed was behind the coup attempt. Others chose to return home due to the uncertainty. 

"Some have come back. But as Christian Turks, we can use this opportunity to learn to stand on our own feet. That's why leadership development becomes a main task," explains Alperen. 

Michael Hertlein (35), from Seattle, USA, and married to a Turkish woman, shares that the seven individuals currently in leadership training are in their 30s and have been Christians for at least five years. The training program, which involves teaching, practice, and mentoring, lasts for one year. 

Michael believes that students can assume significant roles as church leaders. It is crucial to train and empower Turkish Christians to lead the churches for them to be credible and sustainable. 

 

Foreign missionaries met with suspicion 

Foreign missionaries are often met with suspicion, as they are sometimes accused by the media and authorities of attempting to destroy Turkish culture and combat Islam. However, much of this suspicion is based on misinformation and rumors. It is crucial to maintain a balanced and objective perspective on this issue. 

Michael emphasizes the importance of the young church taking root among the population, as this can help to overcome suspicion and conspiracy theories. 

"Young Turks tell us they had many misconceptions when they first came to the churches, but the reality was completely different from what they thought. They say they met open and honest people who showed care and interest without pressuring them into anything," Alperen shares. 

 

*Changed name due to security reasons.