Young evangelists need to be encouraged,’ says Franklin Graham as he casts vision for European Congress on Evangelism

Young evangelists need encouragement to share the simple yet powerful message of Jesus Christ, said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), during a press conference in Berlin, Germany. Graham is the convenor of the European Congress on Evangelism, a four-day gathering that began on May 27 at the JW Marriott Hotel. The event has drawn 1,000 evangelical and ministry leaders from 56 countries.

Joining him at the press conference were his son, Will Graham—executive vice president of the BGEA—and Viktor Hamm, vice president of Crusade Ministries, who helped organize the event. Both Grahams highlighted the deep connection the late Billy Graham had with Germany, having preached there multiple times from 1954 to 1990.

Franklin Graham underscored Europe’s significant spiritual history, recalling how nations like the U.K. once sent missionaries worldwide. He emphasized the need to inspire a new generation of evangelists across the continent.

“There’s a younger generation I believe is embracing the gospel and stepping up to the challenge of preaching it across the Earth,” Graham said. “This Congress is about encouraging them—to be bold, unashamed, and committed to spreading the good news.”

He explained that while discussions were held about broadening the Congress to include other regions, he felt it was important to focus solely on Europe at this time. “We can organize events elsewhere, but right now, our heart is on Europe—a continent that once sent so many great missionaries and church leaders around the world,” he said.

Graham expressed concern that many churches have seen generations pass without intentional evangelism and urged a return to active outreach. “It’s not just for today, it’s for every day,” he noted.

Will Graham echoed this sentiment, sharing that the Congress is meant to “fan the flame” of evangelism in a new generation. “My grandfather Billy not only preached the gospel, he poured his heart into raising up other evangelists—both men and women. That’s what we’re here to do,” he said. Recalling Billy Graham’s legacy, Will shared, “People used to ask him, ‘Who’s going to take your place?’ And he would point to the crowd and say, ‘They are.’”

When asked by Christian Daily International/Christian Post if the Congress had a message of hope for European evangelicals troubled by the war in Ukraine and rising fears of broader conflict, Franklin Graham responded, “The most important thing we can do is pray.” He encouraged believers to pray for Russian President Putin, Ukrainian President Zelensky, and other leaders involved, as well as for peace efforts. “Only God can touch their hearts and bring about reconciliation,” he said. “The killing must stop, and dialogue must begin.”

On the topic of gender representation at the event, which has drawn mostly male speakers, Graham clarified that the focus was not on quotas. “We weren’t trying to fill certain numbers by gender or group,” he said. “We looked for speakers who could address the key issues we wanted to highlight, regardless of gender.”

Graham also addressed concerns about young people distancing themselves from organized religion, saying that the true answer lies in the gospel. Citing Romans 1:16, he said, “I’m not ashamed of the gospel.” He criticized older generations for trying to dilute the message to avoid offense, especially by avoiding mention of the cross. “The gospel isn’t politically correct, but it carries Holy Spirit power,” he said, adding that young people respond to challenges. “They want to know: How do we reach our peers? How do we engage them?”

He also addressed growing pressure on Christians’ freedom of speech, particularly in secular societies. “You don’t give up. You don’t quit. You don’t get quieter—you get bolder,” Graham said. “If we become silent, we risk losing our right to share the gospel.” However, he emphasized that boldness should remain peaceful and rooted in Scripture. “I’m not saying go out and protest violently. Just stand firm on what the Bible teaches.”

Graham concluded with a sobering observation that some regions previously open to the gospel are closing their doors to it. “We’re seeing societies push back against the message of the cross,” he said. “There will be places where we once had freedom to preach Christ but won’t anymore. That’s why now, more than ever, we must remain bold and unwavering.”