Leaders from 56 nations are converging.
More than 1,000 Evangelical leaders from 56 nations are set to gather in Berlin, Germany, later this month for the European Congress on Evangelism. The event, hosted by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), will be held at the JW Marriott Hotel from May 27–30. This international congress, organized under the theme of Romans 1:16, seeks to inspire bold and biblical evangelism across Europe, drawing on a legacy that dates back to the historic World Congress on Evangelism held in Berlin in 1966.
Franklin Graham, who leads the BGEA, emphasized the symbolic and spiritual importance of returning to Berlin, a city where his father once held a pivotal event that helped shape the global Evangelical movement. This congress is seen as a continuation of that legacy, designed to strengthen the resolve of church leaders across Europe. The gathering will feature 20 speakers from 13 countries, and interpretation will be available in 10 languages to accommodate the international audience.
The congress agenda includes worship led by well-known Christian artists such as Michael W. Smith and Charity Gayle. Key presentations will be delivered by a variety of Evangelical figures, including Will Graham, Greg Laurie, Albert Mohler, and Finnish parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen, who will speak on topics ranging from evangelism under pressure to theological essentials and discipleship. The program aims to equip participants with practical tools and renewed conviction for gospel outreach.
Leaders attending the congress believe it can reignite momentum for Evangelical missions across Europe. Dr. Hugh Osgood emphasized the need for the European church to regain confidence in spreading the Gospel. Evangelist Marc Van de Wouwer of Belgium, inspired by a similar event in 2000, shared how such gatherings had a transformative impact on his ministry and contributed to launching evangelism-focused efforts in his country.
Ultimately, the European Congress on Evangelism is positioned not only as a spiritual summit but also as a strategic platform for empowering the next generation of Christian leaders. By bringing together diverse voices from across the continent, the BGEA hopes to foster unity, share best practices, and encourage persistent evangelistic efforts amid a secularizing culture and growing challenges to religious expression.