"The Gospel has no foundation without the Bible and its Christian symbol, the Cross"
Bringing the Gospel into Reality: The European Congress on Evangelism
Let's face it, some conferences can leave you disconnected from the real world, even if it's just for a couple of days. But that's not the case with the European Congress on Evangelism in Berlin. This event ensures participants don't miss a beat, remembering that the gospel of Jesus Christ, based on the Bible, must respond to the modern-day issues we face.
Europe doesn't want a church that hides away; it needs one that truly cares and is involved in the community. So, the congress features powerful testimonies from persecuted Christians in Sudan and Iran, and reflects on how internal liberalism and external secularism affect the church in Europe. It's not all heavy stuff, though. There's time to consider the role of apologetics and the benefits of prayer.
The first day was packed with up to eight plenary sessions, making for an exhausting yet fruitful day. The morning focused on the importance of the Bible as the foundation of evangelism, while the afternoon delved into the challenge of leadership and living a holy life. It's all about letting the Holy Spirit work in our lives, according to Pastor Joakim Lundqvist from Sweden.
One of the most powerful moments of the day came with the testimony of Rashin Soodmand, a young woman whose father was killed and executed for following Christ in Iran. She proclaimed that the seed sown is bearing fruit in Iran, which is the fastest-growing church in the world today. Bishop James Lagos Alexander from South Sudan shared his experiences of suffering persecution and violence for the gospel, while Franklin Graham's visit was instrumental in securing his release and certain freedoms for Christians in Sudan.
British author and speaker Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing shared her experiences of speaking about faith in hostile secular contexts in the UK, emphasizing the importance of depending on the Holy Spirit to speak with courage and grace. Despite the challenges, she encouraged Christians to stick to the message of salvation and new life in Christ, which is the only one that gives real answers and meaning.
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[Article originally published in Evangelical Focus - europe - 'Without the Bible and the Cross there is no gospel']
Bonus Insights:
- The 2025 European Congress on Evangelism was a three-day event (May 27 – 30) aimed at encouraging Christian leaders to stand firm in their faith amidst secular pressures and continue spreading the gospel.
- Highlights included emphasis on standing firm in the faith, focusing on the legacy of Billy Graham, and the importance of integrity in evangelism.
- The congress also addressed the persecution of Christians, the role of the Bible in evangelism, and the need for Christians to remain steadfast in their beliefs despite external challenges.
The European Congress on Evangelism, as demonstrated in Berlin, acknowledges that the gospel must address modern-day issues, including war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news, as it responds to the needs of the community. During the event, powerful testimonies from persecuted Christians in Sudan and Iran highlighted the importance of standing firm in faith amidst external secularism and internal liberalism, as expressed in the discussion about the role of Christians in Europe.
