What comes to mind when you think of Nashville? If you’re like most people, you probably picture a vibrant music scene. Perhaps you think of Vanderbilt, Lipscomb, or Belmont universities. As a Christian, you might think of the many churches making up the “Bible Belt” landscape of the Tennessee city.
However, Nashville is a growing global city. In addition to various people from around the world, including over 7500 Egyptians, Nashville is home to a dynamic Somali community. From the coffee shop to the mosque, restaurants, grocery stories, Middle Eastern fashion, soccer fields, and other spots reflect an interconnected Somali community in Southeast Nashville. Furthermore, in recent years Bantu people from Somali have also arrived as new additions to Tennessee’s Somali community.
Somalis are among one of the unreached & unengaged nations in the world. Somalia is nearly 100% Muslim, and many have never really processed the story of Jesus. Despite tremendous infrastructure challenges in their home country and facing uphill struggles as refugees in the U.S., Somalis have developed global networks, sending $1 billion dollars through remittances every year.
Disciples desiring to make disciples among unreached people will need to be patient, relational, and communicate the gospel contextually. With a community of at least an estimated 5000 people, Southeast Nashville represents a global crossroads where building friendships among this people group is within reach.
How many Somalian’s are here in 2026? What percentage have been removed by ICE?
As of May ’25, a report showed less than 200 total people (of various backgrounds) were detained in Nashville.