Controversial Christian Islam expert, Colin Chapman says Sydney Anglicans will have to replace anxiety with awareness if they hope to reach the Islamic heart.

In his "Cross and Crescent' course, running tonight and tomorrow at Ryde Anglican Church Centre, Mr Chapman is expected to promote a prayerful attitude to Muslims and urge attendees to learn about Islam with a view to sharing the gospel appropriately.

The Rev Bruce Hall has a strong interest in reaching Muslims and increasing the Christian awareness of Islam, having served as a missionary in Pakistan, given lectures on Islam at Moore College, and set up ministry to Muslims in his Carlingford parish.

"A number of friends have been gathering over the last couple of years to think about how we might teach Christians about Islam and become more involved in explaining the Jesus of the Bible to Muslims."

He says he has appreciated Mr Chapman's ability to encourage Christians to think sensitively about Islam.

"He has developed a clear and compassionate model of interacting with Muslims that I've greatly appreciated," says Mr Hall.

Considerate, but not consumed by terrorism

Some of Mr Chapman's key points will also address the current political situation in the world, says Mr Hall.

"Colin's method and theology is entirely orthodox, however it is marked by an acknowledgement that all evangelism needs to take into account political realities in the Middle East."

Mr Hall believes this insight is much needed in Western Societies, which are often influenced by fear and suspicion.

"His approach is very significant for Sydney Anglicans who may be caught up too readily with the anger and fear of Islam that is promoted in the secular media," he says.

"This is the time for us to be prayerful, not fearful."

When Mr Chapman last visited Australia in 2005, he insisted that Christians should play the role of "interpreters, peace-makers and bridge-builders" " helping Muslims and Western culture to understand one another.

Mr Chapman is in Sydney at the invitation of Moore College, and is teaching students in the postgraduate MA program at Moore College.

He has been teaching on the subject of Islam in England, Egypt and Lebanon for more than 40 years.

CMS NSW is putting together a DVD and workbook of the Cross and Crescent course, which will be available at CMS Summer School 2008.

Cross and Crescent starts tonight at 7:30pm at St Anne's Ryde. For more information, phone St Paul's Anglican Church, Carlingford on 9871 6077.