Almost 900 evangelical leaders from 45 countries gathered in Wisla, Poland, for the 2026 edition of the European Leadership Forum. A summary of the key messages heard during the week-long evangelical gathering.

Secretary of War Hegseth’s appearance at Rededicate 250 conservative Christian rally in Washington reinforced the perception that a warrior-style, crusading Christianity is gaining influence in nationalist circles. But this neglects the broader biblical trajectory toward justice, mercy and reconciliation.

Assemblies of God leaders from Italy, France, Spain and Portugal emphasise their desire to share resources and promote the planting of new churches in the Mediterranean countries.

In Cullera, the 70th assembly of the Federation of Independent Evangelical Churches launched a unified strategy prioritising discipleship, small groups open to non-believers, and the practical training of pastors. Around 270 people attended the annual conference.

The way we deal with cases of abuse in our communities is not a minor issue: it is a profoundly spiritual, pastoral, ethical and also missionary matter. An essay outlining three models and four mistakes that churches often make.

The president of the Italian Evangelical Alliance calls for the term ‘evangelical’ to be freed from political affiliations and denounces the “blasphemy” of pastors such as Paula White who compare Trump to Jesus Christ.

Lies grip the hearts of leaders in subtle ways. They stoke the flames selfish ambition. They displace Christ and place self on the throne. They echo the ancient temptation: “You will be like God”.

Evangelical Christians in the UK feel they can live out their faith openly, but half say that expressing their convictions on controversial issues has become more difficult.

Scripture emphasises tested character, whereas appointment processes often prioritise dynamic personalities, public gifting, familiarity, and relational ease with existing leaders. 

In Durrës (Albania), the European Youth Ministry Network sought answers to how to “confidently navigate youth ministry in an unknown and complex Europe”.

The Evangelical Psychology Group (GPE) publishes a 22-page guide to safeguard the mental health of professionals and protect potential victims. They warn against the misuse of therapy to “preserve institutional reputations or accelerate ministerial restoration processes”.

Bullying, avoidance and narrative control are three mechanisms to consolidate and maintain power. They are the antithesis of the servant leadership to which Christ calls His people.

Seven lessons for Christian leaders in the use of power.

Alejandra Ortiz, a researcher with the global evangelical student movement IFES, explains what they have learned about the world's largest generational group and how it shapes how the gospel is presented.

The Evangelical Alliance and other groups in Sweden worked together in a gathering for 130 people. Issue networks are inspired by the European Leadership Forum model. 

After a life straight out of a film, Chris Simpson found meaning and purpose in a faith that underpins every aspect of his life. An interview with the director of CMBC International about mission, workplace, leadership and the centrality of Christ.

Radical politics, AI and the debate on human identity are the issues for which churches are least prepared, finds the new Global Voices survey conducted by the Lausanne Movement worldwide.

A viral behaviour that has contaminated the body of Christ is to minimise sin while protecting one's public image. It is not transforming grace, but its scandalous denial.

As Christian leaders, we have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to create environments where rest is natural, where disconnecting is not interpreted as disinterest, where people don’t have to earn their worth by working themselves to exhaustion.

When someone within the Church has taken advantage of their power or position, then a public response is required, also by the public authorities if a crime has been committed. Failing to investigate scandalous behaviour sends the message that it will be tolerated.

The dismissal of influential pastor Daniel Alm for abuse of power in his relationship with two female employees has ended up in the courts, where he has lost. A comment from Sweden.

The contradiction between the abuser’s actions and their reputation causes victims and those to whom allegations are reported to experience confusion, cognitive dissonance and even incredulity.

Discipleship, Arts, Media, Youth work, Emerging Leaders and Muslim Ministry among the 31 networks at the European Leadership Forum 2025. Plenary sessions with speakers such as Peter J. Williams, Rico Tice and Zefjan Nikolla, streamed live. 

The responses of evangelical churches to allegations of abuse have been vitiated by five factors: wrong expectations, wrong priorities, a wrong reading of biblical stories, a wrong approach to sin and crime, and a wrong view of love and justice.

The response to abuse in the context of evangelical churches “must be empathetic, firm, focused on the restoration of the damaged, not the prestige of a church institution”, says Marcos Zapata, president of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance.