Holston Muslim Outreach Team

Yesterday I was able to attend the first program of the Holston Muslim Outreach Team at a local church, Hixson UMC.  The Holston Muslim Outreach Team has been in existence since 1991, but has primarily been focused on other countries.  Due to life changes, they have shifted their perspective for now to help educate, inform, and equip us about Muslims and Islam from their years of experience.

Though I didn't get an exact head count of all who attended, between the two sessions there were about 31 attendees. Most of the folks stayed for the entire day (10am--3pm). 

The majority of the team was there, with one exception, Steve M.  He made his presence known, however, through a film he produced (available at the end of this blog post).  Though it would have been good to meet him in person and hear from him too, life doesn't always work out perfectly.  Seeing the film he produced was a great start.

team member Bruce P. speaking with an attendee



team members Bruce P. and Bex S.

team member Emy P. (on right) speaking with an attendee

Each of the sessions provided helpful information, as did Q&A (Question and Answer) time.  Though there was official Q&A time set aside for the afternoon, there was some in the morning.  In the afternoon time, some questions that had arisen out of the morning session, but hadn't been asked had been written down and were addressed by the team.  That was good.

Here are the sessions and some links for further information.  I hope you will find something here helpful to you or to someone you know.   If you're wondering why I'm interested in this topic, I'll address that in a separate post.

Rev. Paul Longmire, Associate Pastor at Hixson UMC opened up the program with a greeting and prayer.  I learned during the program that he is on the Holston Muslim Outreach Team.

Rev. Paul Longmire

Yesterday's sessions:  (basic information from the provided program schedule, edited slightly)

Introduction and overview of the day
   Who is the Muslim Outreach Team and why do we care about Muslims?

Session 1: Who are Muslims and what do they believe?
   We'll explore the basic beliefs and values in Islam, a Muslim understanding of Jesus, Muslim populations around the world, similarities and differences in Christian and Muslim spiritual history and beliefs, and significant cultural and political values of Muslims worldwide.  Presented by Bex S.

Session 2: "Islam in America: The Christian Truth" film
   Rev. Steve M.'s documentary shows the lives, beliefs, and challenges of Muslims living in America.  The film shows Christians who were initially suspicious of Muslims, but formed life-long friendships.  We will discuss how reconciliation work can overcome misconceptions of both Muslims and Christians.

Lunch and discussion groups

Session 3: Muslims and the good news of Jesus
    We will explore the good news of Jesus specifically for Muslims, how to break down barriers of culture and prejudice between Christians and Muslims, how to build friendships with Muslims, what Muslim ministry looks like worldwide, and ways we can respectfully and purposefully share our faith with Muslims.  Presented by Rev. Bruce P.
   
Session 4: Q&A and looking ahead
    This is the time for unanswered questions and going deeper into particular issues of interest.  We will also explore possible next steps for people who want to keep learning and/or get involved in Muslim friendship building and reconciliation work.


Resources:

Holston Muslim Outreach Team Website

"Islam in America: The Christian Truth" film by Steve M.

Carl Medearis' Website (his books were recommended)

Carl Medearis on YouTube

Where There Was No Church, E.J. Martin (recommended)

GBOD Studies about Islam (There are quite a few resources listed here.)

Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships (scroll down to download a brochure entitled "Basic Facts About Islam")

Articles from Mission Frontiers: (These are resources I found.  I don't know if the Holston Muslim Outreach Team would recommend these or not, so these aren't endorsed by them yet.)

Start a Disciple-Making Movement Among Your Muslim Neighbors (July 2013)
The Story-Teller, the Dhow, and the Fishers of Men: Orality in Relation to Muslim Communities Coming to Faith (May 2014)



This is only a brief highlight of what you can actually get by attending one of the Holston Muslim Outreach Team programs.  Hopefully there is something here that can help you in the present and connect you to more information and help in and for the future.

Whether you are seeking information for yourself or others, may there be opportunities in your journey to share peace and make steps toward reconciliation with each and every neighbor in your path.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

NOTE:  The Holston Muslim Outreach Team has a brochure available, but I couldn't find it on the website currently.