Iran, war, and the surprising growth of Christianity

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Gerald Griffin and Dr. Hormoz Shariat, founder of Iran Alive Ministries, to discuss the Iran–Israel–U.S. conflict and what’s happening spiritually inside Iran.

Dr. Shariat shares how life in Iran has changed since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and describes the growing persecution Christians face today. Yet amid the hardship, he points to a surprising spiritual awakening as many Iranians are turning to Jesus through underground churches, dreams, and personal encounters with Christ.

The episode closes with ways believers can pray for the people of Iran and support the growing church there.

Topics

(0:00) Introduction

(3:13) Iran before the revolution

(10:20) Persecution and revival

(15:50) War and regime change

(23:13) Views on America and Israel

(28:42) Iranians seek spirituality

(31:38) Outlook after regime change

(32:42) Where Christianity is growing

(38:19) How to pray for Iran

(43:30) Call to join the movement

(49:08) Closing prayer 

Resources

• 2Cultivate 
• Iran Alive Ministries
• Text “Iran” to 85789
• Ask Us Anything: info@denisonforum.org
• Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

About Gerald Griffin

Gerald Griffin is the founder and leader of 2Cultivate, a ministry dedicated to strengthening pastors through free coaching, mentoring, and counseling. With 30 years of experience pastoring Preston Ridge Church in Frisco, Texas, Gerald also serves as a trainer for the North American Mission Board, equipping church planters for the work ahead.

About Dr. Hormoz Shariat

Dr. Hormoz Shariat is the founder and president of Iran Alive Ministries (IAM), a Christian ministry that uses satellite broadcasting and the internet to reach Iranians with the gospel. He is an Iranian Muslim convert who has a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Southern California and a BA in Bible and Theology from Jessup University.

Dr. Shariat has been featured in Christianity Today, Charisma, and other publications. He has also been a guest on various radio and TV stations, such as the 700 Club, TBN, Daystar and the Inspiration Channel. IAM is a growing ministry that is making a significant impact in Iran. Dr. Shariat is a passionate leader who is committed to sharing the gospel with the people of Iran.

About Dr. Mark Turman

Dr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

About Denison Forum

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.