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Ministry among Farsi Speakers
Farsi, also known as Persian, is spoken primarily in Iran, where it is the official language. Variants are also spoken in Afghanistan (Dari) and in Tajikistan (Tajik). Significant Farsi-speaking communities can also be found in other Persian Gulf countries.
In recent years many UK churches have welcomed significant numbers of Farsi speakers who wish to explore the Christian faith. Many have already been exposed to the faith in Iran, which has one of the fastest growing underground churches in the world. In the UK, we sense the Lord’s call to disciple new believers and raise up future faith leaders.
In Southwark Diocese, Christ Church Gipsy Hill is working as a hub church for Farsi Ministry, developing bilingual resources for the wider community and offering a monthly Farsi Fellowship.
If you are welcoming Farsi speakers at your church, you may find the following resources helpful. If you would like to talk to someone, contact [email protected]
Image credit: Mahtab Karami
Discipleship Resources
Bibles and other Resources
We recommend the NMV translation (New Millennium Version) of the Bible. It is available on the Bible App and copies can be purchased here along with other resources in Farsi.
Kalameh Shop – Best Christian books & DVD’s in Persian
Pars Theological Book Store: Home
Bible Resources in Farsi Translation The Bible project has many videos explaining the Bible in Farsi.
Home | The Chosen The Chosen video series – turn on Farsi subtitles. Go deeper with these bi-lingual discussion questions.
Exploring Faith and Baptism
Run Alpha — Alpha UK – Stay Curious. Try Alpha. The Alpha course – available dubbed into Farsi. At present Alpha does not offer a bilingual handbook – this bilingual booklet offers a complementary set of discussion questions tailored for Farsi speakers and leading towards baptism.
Homepage – Al Massira Al Massira – Video course with app and discussion groups introducing the golden thread of faith through the Bible prophets all the way to Jesus.
Homepage | Safar Safar – discipleship journey for 1-2-1 settings.
Home – Come Follow Me Come Follow Me – book-based group course covering key topics for converts from Islam.
Prayer
Home | The Prayer Course – The Prayer Course The 24/7 Prayer Course can be explored in Farsi. Turn on the YouTube subtitles to translate to Persian and use the following session slides adapted for a bilingual group.
Confirmation
Becoming Members of the Body of Christ – a 6 week bilingual Bible study course leading towards confirmation.
Marriage
Marriage Affirmation Course – 5 week course exploring the Christian marriage vows with questions for couples to discuss together.
Worship Resources
- The Official Farsi/English Order One Holy Communion Liturgy
- Other forms of Holy Communion and Morning Prayer
- What is Holy Communion? A short explanation
- Teaching sheet for composing and leading intercessions
- Songs, hymns, Christmas carols (you will need to request access to these resources)
Christmas Resources
- Three bilingual Bible studies exploring John 1
- Christmas Pardeh-Khaany – a uniquely Persian way of telling the Nativity story through readings, poems and song
Lent, Easter and Pentecost Resources
Ash Wednesday bilingual service liturgy
What is Holy Week? An explanation of the major services and celebrations in Farsi:
Good Friday Meditations. The 7 last words of Jesus on the cross
Easter and Pentecost Pardeh Khaany – a uniquely Persian way of narrating the Good News of the Resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit.
