Global Evangelists Unite in Berlin: European Congress on Evangelism Draws International Leaders

June 11, 2025 — Christian leaders from across Europe and around the world are gathering this week in Berlin, Germany, for the European Congress on Evangelism, a major international conference organized by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The event, being held at the J.W. Marriott hotel, brings together evangelists, pastors, and ministry leaders to share strategies for spreading the gospel in an increasingly secular Europe.

Billy Graham's Legacy Lives On

The conference carries special significance as it continues the evangelistic legacy of Billy Graham, who passed away in 2018. Prominent American evangelist Greg Laurie, who had personal conversations with Graham before his death, is serving as a keynote speaker and sharing insights Graham passed on to him about effective evangelism.

In an exclusive interview with Christian Daily International and The Christian Post, Laurie revealed that Graham had specific advice about evangelistic ministry that continues to guide his approach today. "Billy shared with me something profound about the heart of evangelism before he died," Laurie said, though he did not elaborate on the specific details during the preliminary interview.

European Context for Evangelism

The timing of the congress is particularly significant given Europe's changing religious landscape. Many European nations have seen declining church attendance and growing secularization over recent decades, making evangelistic efforts increasingly challenging yet crucial for Christian leaders.

The conference aims to address these unique challenges while equipping attendees with practical tools and theological insights for effective ministry in diverse European contexts, from the post-Communist nations of Eastern Europe to the historically Catholic regions of Southern Europe and the increasingly secular societies of Western and Northern Europe.

International Participation

Christian leaders from across Asia are also participating in the Berlin gathering, reflecting the global nature of modern evangelistic efforts. The international participation underscores the interconnected nature of Christian ministry in the 21st century and the importance of cross-cultural learning in evangelistic strategy.

The diversity of attendees promises rich discussions about contextualized evangelism approaches that respect cultural differences while maintaining biblical fidelity.

Ukrainian Support Highlighted

In a powerful show of solidarity, Christian leaders at the European Congress on Evangelism applauded the Ukrainian flag and joined in a plea for changed hearts regarding the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. This demonstration reflects the conference's commitment to addressing not only spiritual needs but also current geopolitical challenges affecting the European church.

The support for Ukraine demonstrates how contemporary evangelistic efforts must navigate complex political realities while maintaining focus on gospel proclamation and humanitarian concerns.

Focus on Practical Evangelism

Conference organizers have structured the event to provide both theological grounding and practical application for evangelistic ministry. Sessions are expected to cover topics including:

• Digital evangelism in the social media age
• Cross-cultural communication of the gospel
• Addressing secular worldviews with Christian truth
• Building bridges between different Christian traditions
• Responding to religious pluralism in European societies

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's Vision

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's decision to host this major conference in Berlin reflects the organization's continued commitment to international evangelism. Berlin, a city that once symbolized division during the Cold War, now serves as a fitting location for discussions about unity in gospel proclamation across diverse European contexts.

The choice of Berlin also honors Billy Graham's own historic ministry in the city, including his significant crusades during the Cold War era that drew massive crowds from both East and West Berlin.

Addressing Contemporary Challenges

Conference speakers are expected to address several contemporary challenges facing European Christianity, including:

• Rising religious skepticism among younger generations
• Integration of immigrant populations with different religious backgrounds
• Church planting in urban, secular environments
• Interfaith dialogue while maintaining evangelical distinctives
• Political tensions affecting religious freedom

Long-term Impact Expected

Organizers anticipate that the European Congress on Evangelism will have lasting impact beyond the immediate gathering. Plans include establishing ongoing networks for collaboration, developing region-specific evangelistic resources, and creating mentorship relationships between experienced and emerging evangelistic leaders.

The conference also aims to inspire new evangelistic initiatives across Europe, particularly in nations where Christian influence has waned significantly over recent decades.

Continuing Billy Graham's Mission

For Greg Laurie and other speakers, the conference represents a continuation of Billy Graham's life work of proclaiming the gospel to as many people as possible. Graham's approach of combining biblical fidelity with cultural relevance continues to influence contemporary evangelistic strategies.

The gathering reflects the enduring influence of Graham's ministry philosophy, which emphasized the power of simple gospel proclamation to transform lives regardless of cultural or political contexts.

Prayer and Preparation

As the conference continues throughout the week, participants are emphasizing the role of prayer in effective evangelism. Daily prayer sessions are being held for various European nations, reflecting the belief that spiritual breakthrough must precede evangelistic success.

The emphasis on prayer underscores the theological conviction that evangelism is ultimately God's work accomplished through human instruments, requiring divine empowerment rather than merely human effort.

Looking Forward

The European Congress on Evangelism represents both a celebration of past evangelistic achievements and a strategic planning session for future ministry opportunities. As Europe continues to evolve religiously and culturally, the strategies developed at this conference may prove crucial for the future of Christianity on the continent.

The gathering demonstrates the global evangelical community's commitment to continued gospel proclamation, regardless of challenging cultural conditions or political obstacles.