Iran's Underground Church: Growth, Persecution and Hope

What is really happening inside Iran right now, and how should the Church respond?In this episode, Ted and Matthew sit down with Sasan Tavassoli, an Iranian pastor and leader who came to faith in Christ after being raised in a Shiite Muslim home. Now serving the Iranian underground church, Sassan shares firsthand insight into one of the most significant spiritual movements in the world today.Despite decades of oppression, suffering, and unrest, many Iranians are searching for truth—and encountering Jesus in powerful ways. This conversation is a needed reminder: God is at work in places we often overlook—and the Church must learn to listen before it speaks.The Mission Matters Podcast is a place to talk about the importance of our Mission as Christians. The Mission Matters is a partnership of Missio Nexus and Sixteen:Fifteen, who have a shared passion to mobilize God’s people to be a part of His mission.https://www.instagram.com/drsasantavassoli/?hl=enwww.youtube.com/@pastorsasanhttps://sasantavassoli.com/Chapters00:00 Intro01:34 Sassan’s journey from Islam to Christ05:01 Why many Iranians are disillusioned with the current regime08:30 The surprising growth of the underground church08:46 The role of media and discipleship in reaching a closed nation13:19 How Iranian believers view the current conflict18:58 What the global Church often misunderstands22:12 How we can pray, support, and stand with our brothers and sisters in Iran23:48 Challenges to the Iranian Church in a regime change28:21 How to get connect with Sasan