European Congress on Evangelism Brings Christian Leaders Together in Berlin
More than 1,000 pastors and ministry leaders from 56 countries and territories across Europe will gather in Berlin this month for the European Congress on Evangelism, a historic event uniting Christian leaders and marking the largest gathering for evangelism in the region since the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Amsterdam conference in 2000. As highlighted in the Berlin Christian conference, the European Congress on Evangelism signifies a pivotal moment for the church in Europe.
The upcoming congress in Berlin marks a historic return to the city where Billy Graham held the first World Congress on Evangelism in 1966. During his opening address, he said, “The city of Berlin has influenced the world in every field. What a place from which to shout to the world, Christ is the savior.” This legacy continues as evangelistic events in Europe sustain momentum.
The European Congress on Evangelism will bring more than 20 speakers and contributors from 13 countries to Berlin. Sessions, which will be interpreted into 10 languages, will encourage and equip believers from dozens of denominations to reignite the church with a passion for bold and biblical proclamation evangelism.
“It was the Christians in Europe who crossed the ocean and brought the gospel to the United States four centuries ago, and I am grateful for the believers in Europe who continue to be a bold and faithful witness for Jesus Christ,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the BGEA. As Franklin Graham’s European ministry continues, his commitment to evangelism resonates with leaders throughout the continent.
Graham is the convener of the upcoming congress. He has a heart for evangelism and has preached 30 times in 19 countries throughout Europe since 1999.
“Proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ and the truth of God’s word is the greatest need in the world today, and it’s an honor for BGEA to come alongside and encourage believers in Europe who are taking the Gospel to their communities and to the ends of the earth,” he said. This commitment is part of the broader Billy Graham’s global legacy that continues to shape global ministry efforts.
Marc Van de Wouwer, an evangelist and retired member of Belgium’s Federal Judicial Police, remembers attending the last Congress on Evangelism in Amsterdam.
“When I see the impact of congresses in my own life and ministry, as well as in the lives of many ministers I know, I believe they are essential to encourage and boost evangelists,” he said. “The world without Christ needs dedicated and sent evangelists who can spread the good news of salvation and their passion for Jesus. Congresses for evangelists on a global scale play a vital role in this goal.” For more on the impact of such gatherings, see Impact of evangelism conferences.
–Dwight Widaman
Photo courtesy of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
