In 1996, after the murder of Pastor Mohammad Yusefi, Christian leaders decided the church had to move into people's homes. The government would never allow a church with Muslim background believers to flourish. 

House churches spread rapidly. They are now all over Iran. Nobody knows exactly how many groups there are, but a cautious estimate would be thousands of fellowships in large and small networks. Through friends and family the house churches are growing naturally.

When someone from outside the family wants to join a house church, security is a concern. Seekers are first seen separately to ensure they are sincere – not government infiltrators. The small size of the group does not just help security: it helps spiritual maturity. There can be no hiding on the back pew. Everyone gets involved.