On 10 May, more than 700 believers gathered in Sintra, Portugal, for Forum Evangelico 2025, hosted by the Portuguese Evangelical Alliance with the support of over 100 dedicated volunteers.

Under the theme “Welcome to the Mission Field”, the event served as a heartfelt call to action for local churches to embody the Gospel in daily life—through compassion, creativity, and cross-cultural engagement.

Churches on Mission “out there”

Held at the facilities of Missão Cristã Internacional, the Forum offered a full-day program that combined inspiration, training, worship, and networking. The mission was to awaken and equip the Portuguese evangelical community for the missionary challenges of our time—both locally and globally.

From the vibrant opening worship to the final evening’s Concert of Prayer, participants were continually reminded that the mission field is not only “out there”—it begins right at our doorstep.

Keynote address: Jim Memory of Lausanne Europe

The Forum’s keynote speaker was Jim Memory, co-director of Lausanne Europe, a movement committed to the global evangelization of the world, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024.

His message challenged participants to reimagine Europe—not merely as a post-Christian continent, but as fertile ground for revival and new beginnings.

“We must not lose hope”, Memory urged. God is at work in the margins—among migrants, youth, and those disillusioned by secular promises. The Church must be present with humility, courage, and creativity.

He shared a striking comparison: “Only 3% of the world doesn’t know Coca-Cola—but 25% of the world has yet to hear the Gospel”. These 25% represent the unreached peoples—groups that do not yet have sufficient access to the Gospel in their language and culture.

According to mission organizations such as Joshua Project and Operation World, that includes over 3 billion people.

Challenges and strategies for future mission

On Friday night, ahead of the main Forum, Jim Memory also addressed over 50 pastors and leaders at a special leadership event titled “At the Table with Lausanne”. This intimate dinner provided a space to share challenges and reflect on strategies for the Church in the 21st century—trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Workshops, immersive prayer & evangelical expo

In the afternoon, participants could choose from a wide range of practical, hands-on workshops designed to deepen their missional engagement. Topics included: Youth evangelism, Intercultural ministry, Digital communication, Urban prayer strategies.

Meanwhile, the Evangelical Expo brought together dozens of ministries, mission agencies, and Christian NGOs to showcase their work and invite collaboration.

Two special spaces offered deeper spiritual reflection, the Prayer Room. A peaceful, welcoming space for intercession, supported by a trained prayer team and Immersive Room. Created by YWAM and King’s Kids Portugal, this interactive experience simulated mission contexts to help participants empathize with cross-cultural realities.

Forum Kids & themed lunch tables

The Forum was family-friendly, offering a full children’s program—Forum Kids—for ages 3 to 12. 

Adults were invited to participate in themed lunch tables, hosted by ministries such as MEVIC, YWAM (JOCUM), and ASPEC.

These round-table discussions fostered meaningful networking around topics like: Storytelling evangelism, Mentoring and discipleship, Trust-based partnerships, Outreach to victims of human trafficking.

Closing: A Concert of Prayer

The day concluded with a powerful Concert of Prayer, uniting voices in worship and intercession for Portugal, Europe, and the nations.

The atmosphere was one of faith, unity, and anticipation. Participants lifted up prayers for: war-torn nations, persecuted Christians, theological schools, pastors and missionaries.

They were reminded of the timeless promise from 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

A vibrant evangelical church in a hidden country

Portugal may be a small country, but the 2025 Evangelical Forum demonstrated that its evangelical Church is vibrant, active, and globally minded.

As secularization deepens across Europe, the call to embody hope, justice, and truth has never been more urgent, the organisers of the gathering believe. The Evangelical Forum 2025 reminded Christians that every believer is a missionary, and every neighborhood, school, and workplace is a mission field.

“The church in Portugal is awakening with a new fire”, said one young participant. “And we want to share it with the world”.