MISSIONS IN

Iraq

God is moving in Iraq

The State of Missions in Iraq

Missions in Iraq reflect an ancient Christian land where modern evangelical churches serve amid war, displacement, and an overwhelmingly Muslim population. Presbyterian and Congregational workers opened a mission in Mosul around 1850 and emphasized education and Scripture. 27 UPGs remain, totaling about 45,465,500 unreached people; Arab, Iraqi is the largest listed group.

  • 47M POPULATION
  • 0.5% CHRISTIANS
  • 79.7% LITERACY
  • 27 UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUPS
  • Arab Iraqi LARGEST UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUP
  • 45M UNREACHED POPULATION
  • Baghdad CAPITAL CITY
  • Baghdad Mosul Basra LARGEST CITIES
  • Iraqi Dinar CURRENCY
  • Mostly hot arid climate, with very hot summers, mild winters, and cooler wetter conditions in northern. CLIMATE
  • Arabic Kurdish PRIMARY LANGUAGES
  • Islam LARGEST UNREACHED RELIGION

Explore Iraq

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God Is at Work. You’re Invited Into the Story.

God Is at Work. You’re Invited Into the Story.

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Explore by Category

Bible Translation Bible ministry in Iraq should prioritize clear Scripture access and meaningful engagement.
Church Planting The Reformed Church in America's Arabian Mission later established work from Basra in southern Iraq.
Disaster Relief Church planting remains urgent among Somali, coastal Muslim.
Education Church planting remains urgent among Somali, coastal Muslim.
Gospel Access Iraq has 27 UPGs and about 45,465,500 unreached people; Arab, Iraqi is the largest listed community.
Human Trafficking Church planting remains urgent among Somali, coastal Muslim.
Medical Missions Church planting remains urgent among Somali, coastal Muslim.
Orphans & Vulnerable Children Church planting remains urgent among Somali, coastal Muslim.
Persecuted Church Believers in Iraq need prayer for faithful witness, wise leadership, and endurance under local pressures.
Poverty & Justice Churches in Iraq can address poverty through dignifying help that strengthens families and livelihoods.
Unreached People Groups Millions still have little or no access to the gospel in their language and culture.

Active Projects across Iraq

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A History of God's Faithfulness in Iraq

Iraq’s evangelical missions history explains much of its present church landscape. Presbyterian and Congregational mission began in Mosul around 1850, and the Reformed Church in America’s Arabian Mission later worked from Basra; schools and congregations survived repeated political upheaval and post-2003 displacement. Over time, responsibility moved increasingly toward local pastors, evangelists, teachers, and congregations.

  1. Early Beginnings

    Presbyterian and Congregational workers opened a mission in Mosul around 1850 and emphasized education and Scripture.

  2. 1900s

    The Reformed Church in America's Arabian Mission later established work from Basra in southern Iraq.

  3. Independence Era

    Evangelical schools and congregations developed in several cities while remaining a small part of Iraq's Christian population.

  4. Modern Movement

    Wars after 1980 and especially violence following 2003 displaced Christians and shifted ministry toward Kurdistan and diaspora communities.

  5. Today

    Iraqi evangelicals now combine church rebuilding, refugee care, and careful witness amid continuing political and religious instability.

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