Nasr City Church members minister in a city where 90 percent of the population is Muslim.

Set in Cairo, Egypt, Nasr City Church strives to minister to the needs of all seekers. “We studied the program [Purpose Driven model] in the light of our society conditions – Christians and Muslims – with open minds and hearts. We didn’t want our church to be limited to Christians only,” said Ezzat Shaker, pastor of the 3-year-old congregation.

Two church members attended a Purpose Driven conference in Turkey and “were touched by the Spirit of God to transfer this study to our church,” Shaker said. More than 400 people gather at the young church weekly and ministry leaders use a registration system to keep up with visitors and members.

“We have a registration system for all the members and attendants of the church where they are classified according to age and residence,” Shaker said. “The names are given to the follow-up team with all necessary details of how to contact the guests by phone. We also visit them and encourage them to have a role in different church activities.”

One mark of a healthy church is that they encourage members to participate in ministry opportunities. At Nasr City Church, more than 308 people are committed to the Purpose Driven philosophy and 40 percent have become members since the church became purpose driven. More than 60 percent are committed to the Purpose Driven model and 10 percent of church members are involved in short-term missionary work.

Living out the Great Commission also is a priority for Nasr City. Members have ministered in Morocco, Yemen, Sudan, and Spain.

Nasr City also presents programs in a way that encourages Bible study participation. “Our program of Sunday services for six weeks was altered to invite and encourage people to study and live according to the Purpose Driven philosophy,” Shaker said. “We developed a plan that involved all attendees. The small groups that formed as a result of the Purpose Driven study will continue as Bible study groups.

“The inaugural study groups that were formed during the first session were so successful that the group members decided to continue on in Bible study groups, which is a positive event in our church,” he added.

Looking forward, Nasr City Church will continue to minister to a community using the power of the Holy Spirit – and Purpose Driven principles.

All 2006 Church Health Award winner information is correct as of Jan. 1, 2006.