Interested in government, advocacy, or media? 15 training experiences for young Christians in Europe
There are many opportunities for young Christians who want to make an impact in their cities and communities. Photo iStock, Pressmaster
European Union
The Bible is full of wisdom when it comes to young people.
For starters, 1 Timothy 4:12 says to not “despise your youth” but to be the example “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Romans 12:1-2 also encourages both the young and old to “not be conformed to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities for a young, Christian professional or student to set that Biblical example in the areas of politics, economics, media, and more. Below are some of the latest EU-specific events/fellowships to help get that process started.
Many institutions have opened their applications for opportunities in 2027, while some will start recruiting for 2028 soon. Here at CNE, we encourage you to have a look at all of these and see which one is appropriate for your particular situation. If you have questions or need more info, feel free to get in touch with the appropriate contact for the latest info.
15 courses for young Christians: European edition
| Programme | Where | What | Age range | How long | Status and cost | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Areté Academy Europe | Online, followed by a residential academy in Slovakia | Law, government, policy, media, academia and public life | Roughly 20-35; and at least two years of university study. | Four months of fortnightly online training, then one residential week | Online programme usually runs from January-April; academy often runs in May. Lodging, meals and programme costs covered; participant pays travel. | Official page |
| ECPYouth Christian Changemakers | Online training plus in-person events around Europe | Gain skills in Christian politics, campaigning, public speaking, debating, media and policy writing from a Biblical worldview | Young Christian professionals and emerging politicians | Six months of online training, then three in-person events | Last published fee: €200 including hotels and food; travel extra. 2027 date to be determined. | Official page |
| Wilberforce Academy | United Kingdom; residential | Learn about cultural engagement and applying contemporary issues from a Biblical worldview | Young professionals | One week | Annual academy | Official page |
| CARE Leadership Programme | United Kingdom; placements in Parliament or policy-shaping organisations plus training | Explore politics, public policy, advocacy, theology and leadership from a Biblical worldview | Christian graduates, no age range published | 12 months | This is an educational programme rather than employment with CARE. | Official page |
| European Leadership Programme | Brussels; residential fellowship alongside work, a traineeship, volunteering or postgraduate study | Get to know EU affairs, leadership, and vocation from a Catholic/Jesuit perspective | 22-35; bachelor’s degree and English proficiency required | Five months, with an option to continue for a second five-month semester | Fees and fellowship support depend on the applicant’s route. | Official page |
| COMECE European Summer School | Belgium; residential summer school | A focus on European politics, geopolitics, democracy, and society from a Catholic perspective | Open to all backgrounds, especially young professionals aged 20-35 | Five days | In 2026 the fee was €1,200 with accommodation or €550 without; scholarships were available. | Official page |
| Session LEAD | Corsendonk, Antwerp province, Belgium; residential | Experience Christian leadership across politics, business, civil society in the non-profit sector | Students and young professionals aged 20-30 | Five days | The 2026 edition ran 2-6 September. 2026 standard fee: €220 students or €260 young professionals. | Official page |
| International Academy of Apologetics Evangelism and Human Rights | Strasbourg, France; residential summer study session | Focusing on apologetics, evangelism, human rights and religious freedom | Laypeople, pastors, students and professionals | 12 days | Tuition includes lodging, most meals, instruction and an excursion. Limited $1,000 scholarships are available. | Official page |
| EWTN Summer Academy | Rome planned; intensive international academy | Gain experience in Catholic-based journalism, religious media, video editing, cinematography and storytelling | 21-35 and preferably one to two years of experience in journalism, film, media, communications or digital content | 11 days | 45 participants worldwide. Free, including accommodation, meals and travel stipends. | Official page |
| IFES Student Leadership Formación | Europe-wide; opening conference, monthly online groups and mentoring, closing residential event | Learn about Evangelical student leadership, character, biblical formation and service | Current or potential Christian student-group leaders, normally nominated by their national IFES movement | One academic year | Fee: €400 including conference food and accommodation; travel extra. Scholarships may be available. | Official page |
| Kairos Mission Academy | Lambach, Lam, Germany; residential academy | Explore more on apologetics, evangelism, Christian culture, morality, campus ministry and discipleship | Young Christian leaders, university-group members and young professionals | Five days | Cost: £320 or €370. | Official page |
| European Leadership Forum Emerging Leaders Network | Annual Forum in Poland plus year-round mentoring and online engagement | Focus on Evangelical leadership, ministry development, mentoring and organisational leadership | Emerging leaders who already carry leadership responsibility | Year-round network including the annual Forum | Participation is selective; current fees depend on Forum registration and have not been included here. | Official page |
| EYCE Empowering Young Christian Voices | Europe-wide work plan with study visits, training courses, local initiatives and podcasts | Participate and gain experience in the areas of ecumenical dialogue, human rights, youth participation, advocacy and community engagement | Young Christians from diverse European churches and organisations; individual activities may set their own criteria | Multiple activities from March-December 2026 | Fees vary by activity. | Official page |
| First Freedom FoRB Fellowship | Fully remote and global; approximately five places intended for Europe | Become proficient in leadership, advocacy campaigns, media, events and project development | Emerging FoRB leaders; no numerical age limit published | One year, October-September; approximately 10-15 hours per week | Annual fellowship. No participation fee is stated. | Official page |
| MediaFest Europe | Location varies; 2026 event held in Prague | Gain experience in Christian journalism, publishing, writing, content creation, communication and the arts | Professionals, aspiring creators and students | Four days in 2026 | Registration often includes training and selected meals, but not accommodation. | Official page |
