The Church in Turkey: Gospel Witness, Cultural Cost, and Christian Hope w/ Göksel Erdoğdu

In this episode of The Westminster Podcast, Nate Shannon speaks from Istanbul with Göksel Erdoğdu, the first—and so far only—graduate of Westminster Theological Seminary from Turkey. Göksel shares his remarkable personal story as a second-generation Christian in a predominantly Muslim context, recounting how the gospel first came to his family amid social pressure, cultural shame, and political instability. From his upbringing in the Turkish church to his theological formation at Westminster, Göksel reflects on God’s faithfulness in sustaining both faith and witness across generations.

The conversation explores the present state of the church in Turkey, including the legal challenges facing Protestant congregations, the need for sound theological resources, and the growing hunger among younger believers for serious engagement with Scripture. Göksel also describes his current ministry work as a pastor, publisher, and translator, and explains how Westminster’s emphasis on biblical foundations, apologetics, and cultural engagement has shaped his approach to ministry in a Muslim context. The episode concludes with a call to prayer and partnership, inviting listeners to consider how God may be at work in Turkey—and how the global church can faithfully support that work.

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Thanks for listening!