Churches of Christ Once Existed in Iran and Libya Thanks to Missionary Albert Bryan

Albert Bryan, a man described by his grandson as “the sweetest man I ever knew,” played a significant role in establishing Churches of Christ in Libya and Iran during the mid-20th century. Born in 1892 near Lebanon, Tennessee, Bryan was the son of a farmer and schoolteacher. His brothers pursued higher education, with one becoming a medical missionary in China. Bryan, however, remained on the family farm, eventually taking over the school and studying civil engineering through mail-order courses. He later worked for the Tennessee Highway Department and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which led to his relocation to Libya in the early 1950s.

At Wheelus Air Force Base, near Tripoli, Bryan became involved in evangelism, helping to establish a congregation of Churches of Christ. His efforts extended to Iran, where similar congregations existed in the 1950s and 1960s. These churches operated in secret, as Iran’s government has historically persecuted Christians, arresting over 250 individuals in 2025 on charges of “propaganda contrary to the holy religion of Islam.” The number of such arrests nearly doubled from the previous year, according to reports from organizations like Open Doors and Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

Despite the challenges, Bryan’s ministry in Libya and Iran reflected the Restoration movement’s emphasis on simplicity, biblical fidelity, and community. His work was part of a broader effort by U.S. servicemen and missionaries to share the faith in regions where Christianity was often suppressed. The presence of Churches of Christ in these areas was a testament to the movement’s adaptability and commitment to spreading its message, even in hostile environments.

Today, the number of Christians in Iran is estimated to be fewer than 150,000, with many practicing in secret. However, unofficial estimates suggest that at least 1 million Iranians worship in secret, and their numbers are growing. The persecution of Christians in Iran continues, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in the country. Bryan’s legacy, though largely forgotten, represents a chapter in the history of the Churches of Christ and the Restoration movement’s global outreach.

The story of Albert Bryan and the Churches of Christ in Libya and Iran serves as a reminder of the courage required to share the faith in difficult circumstances. It also underscores the importance of protecting the vulnerable and standing for truth and fairness, as seen in the biblical call to “do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

Source: Read the original report