During June, over 1,000 Christian leaders and evangelists gathered in Berlin for the European Congress on Evangelism, hosted by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Last held in 1966, it was a significant opportunity to bring together believers from over 50 countries to be reminded of their calling to preach the gospel.
Franklin Graham, son of the late Billy Graham, gave the keynote address and then speakers from across Europe shared messages related to the theme of Proclamation Evangelism. While the Church has many responsibilities and demands upon her, the conference was reminded to never lose sight of the calling to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
Despite the political and cultural divisions of Europe, the evangelical church demonstrates great unity. When the list of countries represented were announced on the opening evening there were cheers for both Ukraine and Russia. While the main content was delivered in English, a team of translators gave simultaneous translation into multiple languages.
UK speakers included Michael Reeves, Amy Orr-Ewing, Charles Price and Chris Sinkinson but it was also refreshing to hear stories of evangelism from across the continent. Helge Dittmer, pastor in Kiel, Germany, highlighted the decline that sets in whenever Christians lose sight of the centre of our faith, “Jesus Christ and His shed blood on the cross for the sins of humanity.”
There were sessions focused on digital media and on the censorship of free speech, but the congress really focused on keeping the main thing, the main thing. Behind the headline speakers and vibrant worship, the networking among pastors and evangelists may be the key fruit of this gathering. Opportunities to share and encourage in a cultural context a little different to that of our American brothers and sisters will hopefully lead to new collaborations for the gospel.
Coffee, cardboard boxes and the Kingdom of God
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