Franklin Graham Calls for Bold Evangelism at European Congress in Berlin

A renewed call for evangelism in Europe was made by Franklin Graham, highlighting a need for dedicated evangelists unafraid to spread the Gospel. The appeal was delivered to over a thousand Christian leaders gathered in Berlin, marking a significant moment at the European Congress on Evangelism.

Organized by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), with Graham at its helm, the congress aimed to inspire a recommitment among European Christians to evangelize the continent. In his concluding remarks, Graham invoked the legacy of his father, Rev Billy Graham, urging delegates to “preach the Gospel” regardless of adversity.

“Do the work of an evangelist — preach the Gospel. Don’t be ashamed,” he emphasized to the attendees. “Don’t compromise. Be strong. Fulfil your ministry. We know there is going to be suffering. We know there are going to be challenges. We know there are going to be some fights. Let’s be strong and preach our Saviour who we know is coming back.”

As the congress concluded, Graham pledged to return to European shores, stating, “I’m not going to say goodbye, but I’ll say, ‘See you again.'”

During the event, Graham encouraged Christians to boldly proclaim their faith amidst Europe’s growing secularism. “If we’re going to reach Europe, we’re going to need an army, an army of evangelists — unafraid, unashamed, unapologetic, uncompromising — standing on the Word of God,” he declared.

Graham also took the opportunity during his stay in Berlin to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, offering a moment of prayer for peace. “I prayed for President Putin, I prayed for him [Zelensky], and I prayed for President Trump—that God would give them wisdom and that God would give them a path forward for peace,” Graham shared, acknowledging the complexity of the Ukraine-Russia situation and expressing hope for divine intervention.

Among other speakers, German evangelical leader Rev Ulrich Parzany called on church leaders to adhere to the authority of Scripture despite societal pressures. “The Bible must be the foundation of our preaching, not the decoration,” he asserted, emphasizing the Gospel’s content as centered on Jesus Christ as testified by the Bible.

British theologian Dr Amy Orr-Ewing highlighted the spiritual thirst in younger generations, particularly Gen Z, urging the Church to respond with the Gospel. “I’ve been in ministry for over 25 years and I haven’t known a moment like the moment we are in, in terms of the hunger that we see among Gen Z for truth,” she noted, stressing the need to address this spiritual yearning.