Berlin is set to become a hub for evangelism this May, marking a significant moment for faith leaders across Europe. This large-scale event represents the most substantial evangelistic gathering on the continent in 25 years.
The European Congress on Evangelism is scheduled from 27 to 30 May, drawing 1,000 pastors and ministry leaders from 56 different countries and territories. Central to this gathering is the passage from Romans 1:16, which declares: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), is the convener of the congress. He emphasized the event’s significance, stating, “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 honour 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.”
Franklin Graham’s efforts echo the legacy of his father, Billy Graham, known for his global evangelistic missions. Between 1947 and 2005, Billy Graham conducted over 400 crusades worldwide, including many in Europe, with a notable visit to what was then West Germany in 1954.
In recent years, Europe has become increasingly important for Franklin Graham, particularly as the region sees a continued decline in Christian adherence.
The Berlin gathering is an invite-only event featuring over 20 speakers from 13 countries. Its mission is to “encourage and equip believers from dozens of denominations to reignite the church with a passion for bold and biblical proclamation evangelism.”
Musical performances by Michael W Smith, Charity Gayle, and European artists will complement the event’s agenda.
The last event of a similar magnitude organized by BGEA in Europe took place in Amsterdam in 2000. Looking ahead to 2025, Franklin Graham expressed his enthusiasm for returning to Europe, noting, “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.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
