Muslim Background Believer Attrition Study

Abstract

A mixed methods study of about 100 church leaders working with Muslim Background Believers (MBBs) estimates that about 7% of known MBBs later return to Islam. This estimated percentage is a significant contrast to past reports of very high rates of return to Islam. A key issue in coming to this figure is differentiating between those who actually return to Islam and those who do not continue with the existing church for various other reasons. Although many MBBs find fellowship in local churches, the study suggests that integration into MBB fellowships is both a key factor in the strong individual faith of MBBs and a primary element of support against the great pressures on them to return to their former faith.