
Between May 27 and 30, over a thousand evangelical pastors and ministry leaders drawn from 56 countries will converge on Berlin, Germany for the European Congress on Evangelism.
The event, themed, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jews, then to the Gentile (Roman 1:16),” will be hosted by the US-based Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) at JW Marriot hotel in the German capital, Christian Daily has reported.
BGEA Executive Vice President Will Graham will address the importance of extending an invitation when preaching the gospel while his sister and the association’s spokesperson, Cissie Graham Lynch, will serve as an interview host.
The event will also feature worship led by Michael Smith, a three-time Grammy Award winner, Charity Gayle, also an award-winning worship leader, and several European artists.
It is expected to be the most representative gathering of Evangelical leaders in Europe since the previous congress in Amsterdam in 2000.
The congress will feature 20 speakers from 13 countries and offer interpretation in 13 languages simultaneously.
According to the organisers, the event would “encourage and equip believers from dozens of denominations to reignite the church with a passion for bold and biblical proclamation evangelism.”
Significance of event
BGEA President, Franklin Graham, underscores the significance of the choice of Berlin as the venue of the congress, noting that his late father, Evangelist Billy Graham, convened the first World Congress on Evangelism in the city in 1966.
The city of Berlin has influenced the world in every field. What a place from which to shout to the world – Christ is the Saviour! Billy Graham said at the time.
Foundation for other congresses
The historic gathering laid the foundation for future international congresses, including the 1974 Lausanne Congress in Switzerland and subsequent meetings in 1983, 1986, and 2000.
According to Franklin Graham, who has preached in 19 countries since 1999, “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 continued to be a bold and faithful witness for Jesus Christ.
Proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ and the truth of God’s Word is the greatest need in the world today, and it is 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.”
Over 1,000 Christian leaders from 56 countries meet in Germany to discuss evangelism
The four-day event is to be hosted by the US-based Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA).
Between May 27 and 30, over a thousand evangelical pastors and ministry leaders drawn from 56 countries will converge on Berlin, Germany for the European Congress on Evangelism.
The event, themed, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jews, then to the Gentile (Roman 1:16),” will be hosted by the US-based Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) at JW Marriot hotel in the German capital, Christian Daily has reported.
BGEA Executive Vice President Will Graham will address the importance of extending an invitation when preaching the gospel while his sister and the association’s spokesperson, Cissie Graham Lynch, will serve as an interview host.
The event will also feature worship led by Michael Smith, a three-time Grammy Award winner, Charity Gayle, also an award-winning worship leader, and several European artists.
It is expected to be the most representative gathering of Evangelical leaders in Europe since the previous congress in Amsterdam in 2000.
The congress will feature 20 speakers from 13 countries and offer interpretation in 13 languages simultaneously.
According to the organisers, the event would “encourage and equip believers from dozens of denominations to reignite the church with a passion for bold and biblical proclamation evangelism.”
Significance of event
BGEA President, Franklin Graham, underscores the significance of the choice of Berlin as the venue of the congress, noting that his late father, Evangelist Billy Graham, convened the first World Congress on Evangelism in the city in 1966.
The city of Berlin has influenced the world in every field. What a place from which to shout to the world – Christ is the Saviour! Billy Graham said at the time.
Foundation for other congresses
The historic gathering laid the foundation for future international congresses, including the 1974 Lausanne Congress in Switzerland and subsequent meetings in 1983, 1986, and 2000.
According to Franklin Graham, “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 continued to be a bold and faithful witness for Jesus Christ.
Proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ and the truth of God’s Word is the greatest need in the world today, and it is 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 has preached in 19 countries since 1999.