In March, more than 350 student leaders gathered in Munich for ‘Revival Connect’- a collaboration between the Awakening Project, Maranatha Church Munich and Revive Europe.

Sam Couper & Marisa Moody from Revive Europe share about what happened and the reflections from students who were present.

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What was the vision behind Revival Connect?

The shared conviction of the groups that came together for this gathering is that revival moves at the pace of friendship; an observation that we make in scripture and through history is that friendship undergirds the mission of the church. 

This helped us to make sense of passages like Romans 16 (which we often avoid preaching on!) and is also something we see in the lives of reformers such as William Wilberforce and the Clapham sect, whose shared passion for Christ and commitment to one another led to a transformation of the culture. 

During the week, participants were encouraged to be intentional in building friendships that can sustain our awakening hopes for Europe - friendships that prioritise depth with their peers, inter-generationally, and across the nations.

Many are recognising the importance of such relationships as we seek to collectively respond to the call to consecration that we read in scriptures such as Psalm 24 and 2 Timothy 2:20-22.

What were some of the highlights of the gathering?

Beyond the turbulence of the present moment, student leaders were encouraged to anchor their spiritual hunger in a vision of eternity and the security of our identity in Christ (Romans 8:18-30).

From this posture, participants shared that they experienced ‘a renewed passion for prayer’ and a ‘fresh hunger and hope for revival.’

Scripture was read in more than 15 languages at one point and worship was led in German, Portuguese, Spanish and English. 

There was also a deep desire among the group to go and share the gospel on the streets of Munich. A German evangelistic group, Ruined for Christ, gathered their team from across the country and led an outreach on Saturday afternoon, giving students from more than 32 countries and 128 different cities the opportunity to share the gospel from the overflow of thankful hearts.

During the week, students testified to experiencing greater clarity and confidence in their calling, made commitments to prioritise prayer, and were encouraged to build inter-generational friendships in their local context.

Popular breakout sessions during the gathering included topics like “Creating the Community You Long For”, with one student sharing her excitement about learning a practical way to build Christ-centred friendships with her peers through weekly discipleship band meetings, adapted from those established by John Wesley.

What were some key takeaways from Revival Connect? 

We caught up with one younger leader after the gathering who made a brilliant summary of her five key takeaways:

1. Consecration Is a Way of Life, Not a Moment

To consecrate yourself is to set yourself apart for God's use. It requires repentance, the release of entanglements, and active readiness — to be a clean vessel, available and useful to God in every season.

2. Anchor Your Hunger in Who You Are, Not What You Do

The groaning inside you — the ache for more — is not weakness. It is the cry of a beloved child who belongs to something eternal. Anchor your consecration in the assurance that you are adopted, sealed, and will one day be glorified. Belovedness precedes obedience.

3. The Secret Place Is Everything

Your hidden life of prayer is the most important thing about you. More than your gifts, your ministry, or your influence. The closet is the wellspring of everything. Hide when you are tempted to show. Crucify self-promotion. God alone is enough — and the secret place is where you discover that this is actually true.

4. Tables > Stages: Spiritual Friendship Is Not Optional

Jesus structured his entire ministry around intentional friendship. He created spiritual family from the cross. The New Testament community grows through discipleship — real, committed, layered relationships that carry one another to Jesus, enter into grief, and reflect the love of God to the world.

5. Our Vision of Eternity Shapes Our Present

How we respond to this moment is determined by what we believe is coming. An eternal horizon recalibrates daily life, fuels sustained hunger, and anchors consecration in hope rather than fear. Consider eternity and let it become more real than your reality today.

Revive Europe hosts catalytic events, invests in emerging leaders & adds fuel to the fire where God is on the move. You can follow us on Instagram to learn more about what’s coming up for Revive and friends.