More than 1,000 pastors and ministry leaders from 56 countries will gather in Berlin from May 27 to 30 for one of the largest evangelism events in Europe in the past 25 years.
The event, called the European Congress on Evangelism, is centered on the Bible verse Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”
The congress is being led by Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). He said the gathering is meant to support believers across Europe who are sharing the message of Jesus in their communities and beyond. “Proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ and the truth of God’s Word is the greatest need in the world today,” he said.
Franklin Graham’s father, Billy Graham, was known worldwide for preaching the Gospel in large events across many countries, including several in Europe. From 1947 to 2005, Billy Graham held over 400 evangelistic crusades, including events in what was then West Germany.
In recent years, Franklin Graham has placed growing focus on Europe, where Christian faith has been declining across many nations. The Berlin congress aims to bring new energy and unity to the church by encouraging bold, Bible-based evangelism across different denominations.
The four-day event is invitation-only and will include more than 20 speakers from 13 nations. Worship artists Michael W. Smith, Charity Gayle, and others from across Europe will lead music throughout the gathering.
This marks the largest event of its kind organized by BGEA in Europe since the year 2000, when a major evangelism conference was held in Amsterdam. Looking ahead to Berlin, Graham shared his appreciation for the faith of European believers: “It was the Christians in Europe who crossed the ocean and brought the Gospel to the United States four centuries ago. I am grateful for their ongoing witness for Jesus Christ today.”
