Frequently Asked Questions
General Info
Why should I attend ELF?
What has God called you to do? How can we help?
For more than twenty years, the European Leadership Forum has been posing these questions to evangelical leaders across Europe. While their replies have been varied, we have also discovered some common themes, including the need for:
* Discipline-specific training from senior leaders
* High-quality evangelical resources that are faithful to Scripture
* Wise, experienced mentors, who can provide guidance on what to do (and what not to do)
* Building community with like-minded peers, who can share in struggles and joys
Are you a European Evangelical Leader? Are you searching for teaching, tools, or relationships to help you do what God has called you to do? If so, we invite you to apply for ELF.
* Discipline-specific training from senior leaders
* High-quality evangelical resources that are faithful to Scripture
* Wise, experienced mentors, who can provide guidance on what to do (and what not to do)
* Building community with like-minded peers, who can share in struggles and joys
Are you a European Evangelical Leader? Are you searching for teaching, tools, or relationships to help you do what God has called you to do? If so, we invite you to apply for ELF.
When is the next European Leadership Forum?
The 2025 European Leadership Forum's annual meeting takes place from Saturday, 17 May through Thursday, 22 May.
Who can attend the annual meeting?
ELF is an invitation-only congress aimed at spiritually mature evangelical leaders. To be considered for attendance, you must be an evangelical Christian, serve in a leadership role, meet the qualifications of the Network to which you are applying, and speak English fluently. Those who fit these qualifications are encouraged to apply.
What does it mean that ELF is an invitation-only event?
This invitation-only congress is aimed at spiritually mature evangelical leaders. In order to be invited to attend ELF, you must first fill out an application form answering questions about your faith and ministry. First-time applicants also need to provide two references as part of the application.
I am not from Europe. Can I attend the annual meeting?
Though the Forum is primarily designed to serve Europeans, we have welcomed select delegates from all six inhabited continents to our annual meeting. If you feel you are qualified to attend, please fill out an application form.
I cannot attend the ELF for the entire week. Can I still participate?
No. A key component of the ELF are Networks, which take place from Sunday-Wednesday. Networks meet as a group throughout the week. Participants build relationships with one another and many of the Network sessions build on previous days. Because of this, it is important that participants who attend the Forum participate for the entire week.
I can’t attend ELF in person. Will the event be online as well?
ELF is an in-person event and will not have a hybrid or online component.
However, there is one important exception! ELF’s morning and evening plenary sessions will be live-streamed on our YouTube channel, where they will then be available for a few weeks after the event concludes.
Many of ELF’s sessions are also recorded and made available online a few months after the event at FOCLonline. If you are not able to attend the 2025 event, we will begin posting one talk from the event each weekday beginning in late summer of 2025. Talks from the 2024 event are already being posted each weekday at FOCLonline.
However, there is one important exception! ELF’s morning and evening plenary sessions will be live-streamed on our YouTube channel, where they will then be available for a few weeks after the event concludes.
Many of ELF’s sessions are also recorded and made available online a few months after the event at FOCLonline. If you are not able to attend the 2025 event, we will begin posting one talk from the event each weekday beginning in late summer of 2025. Talks from the 2024 event are already being posted each weekday at FOCLonline.
I have attended ELF in the past. Do I still need to apply to attend?
Yes. Invitations are issued to individuals each year. If you have attended in the past, you will still need to fill out the application form. This information will be added to our database system to reserve a spot for you and to confirm all your contact details. This application will also allow you to officially apply for a scholarship to the ELF.
Is there an application deadline?
We accept applications as space permits until Friday, 2 May. However, we encourage you to register soon to get the best possible rates.
I have signed up to attend ELF. Now what?
Answer coming soon
ELF seems perfect for someone I know. How can I bring a leader with me?
ELF grows by word of mouth. We would love to consider inviting a mature evangelical leader who you know and recommend. Please fill out this brief form to tell us a little bit about why you recommend him or her.
Do you need volunteers to help run the event?
Yes! The ELF Volunteer Team is open to committed evangelical believers from across the United States and Europe who have a desire to serve. We welcome volunteers of all ages, as long as they are in good health and able to keep up with the busy ELF schedule. Over the years our volunteers have ranged in age from 18 to 80. If you feel called to short-term mission work but hesitate at the thought of manual labor and the challenging conditions of traditional mission trips, the ELF may be the perfect opportunity for you. You can learn more here.
ELF Networks
Which Network should I choose on the application form?
When applying for a Network, please consider your educational and leadership background, as well as your current ministry. ELF is dedicated to training, discussion, and relationship building; therefore, each Network is designed for a specific group of Christian leaders who have specific needs and backgrounds. For example, the Theologians Network is reserved for professors who teach at seminaries, for those who hold a PhD in theology, or for PhD students. If you do not meet these criteria, you would be unable to attend the Theologians Network.
Can I join more than one Network?
No. Participants can only join one Forum Network per year. Networks meet as a group throughout the week. Participants build relationships with one another and many of the Network sessions build on the previous day.
What is the difference between a Foundational Network and an Advanced Network?
A few Networks at ELF are split into Foundational and Advanced Networks, for example the Apologetics Network, the Bible Teachers and Preachers Network, and the Disciple-Making Leaders Network. Attending the Foundational track of a Network is a prerequisite for attending the Advanced track of the Network.
Mentoring
What is the difference between personal mentoring and Year-Round Mentoring and Online One-on-One Year-Round Mentoring?
Personal Mentoring provides you with the chance to meet in-person with an experienced leader (or in some cases two leaders) at the annual ELF meeting. This mentoring meeting allows you to seek advice over a meal or coffee.
Year-Round Mentoring (YRM) is intended to unite, equip, and resource evangelical leaders throughout the year. YRM groups gather leaders with similar callings or ministries into small groups of 10 to 15. These groups meet in person at the ELF annual meeting, online in interactive webinars, and in-person at a retreat in December.
Online One-on-one Mentoring connects evangelical leaders with experienced mentors through an online platform. Leaders can find suitable mentors in their field or issue area and request an online meeting time. Forum One-on-One Year-Round Mentoring will first be available to evangelical leaders who attended the ELF annual meeting.
Year-Round Mentoring (YRM) is intended to unite, equip, and resource evangelical leaders throughout the year. YRM groups gather leaders with similar callings or ministries into small groups of 10 to 15. These groups meet in person at the ELF annual meeting, online in interactive webinars, and in-person at a retreat in December.
Online One-on-one Mentoring connects evangelical leaders with experienced mentors through an online platform. Leaders can find suitable mentors in their field or issue area and request an online meeting time. Forum One-on-One Year-Round Mentoring will first be available to evangelical leaders who attended the ELF annual meeting.
Scholarships to ELF
I really want to participate but I cannot afford the fee. What should I do?
A limited number of scholarships are available for Central, Eastern, and Southern Europeans. We are also offering scholarships to those from Western Europe.
Because funds for these scholarships are limited, we cannot currently guarantee that all who apply will receive one. In order to be considered for a scholarship you will need to fill out the portion of the Forum application form dedicated to scholarships. Please be advised that each person receiving a scholarship pays a portion of their conference fees. Scholarship recipients still pay their own travel costs.
Who is eligible to receive scholarships? How do I apply for a scholarship?
A limited number of scholarships are available for Central, Eastern, and Southern Europeans. We are also offering scholarships to those from Western Europe.
Because funds for these scholarships are limited, we cannot currently guarantee that all who apply will receive one. In order to be considered for a scholarship you will need to fill out the portion of the Forum application form dedicated to scholarships. Please be advised that each person receiving a scholarship pays a small portion towards their conference fees. Scholarship recipients still pay their own travel costs.
If I receive a scholarship, will I still be responsible for some of my fees?
Yes. Each person receiving a scholarship pays a portion towards their conference fees. Scholarship recipients still pay their own travel costs.
When will I find out if I receive a scholarship?
We are currently raising funds towards scholarships and will contact invited scholarship applicants by email as soon as we have more information about these funds. We expect this to be in April of 2025. In the unlikely event that we are unable to raise a scholarship for an applicant, he or she is still welcome to attend the annual meeting at the full rate.
Payment for ELF
When should I submit payment for my registration fees?
Please do not submit payment for your registration fees until after you have filled out the application form and received a formal invitation by email to attend. You will receive instructions for submitting payment after you have received an email invitation from us.
Do you accept credit card payments?
At this time, we only accept credit card payments through PayPal; you do not, however, need a PayPal account to submit payment in this manner.
Can I pay my conference fees by bank transfer?
Yes, we are able to receive payments by bank transfer. We can send you instructions for payment by bank transfer if you are invited to attend.
What if I am not able to attend after I have paid my conference fees? Are there refunds?
It is important to note that no refunds will be available under any circumstances. It is strongly recommended that you purchase travel insurance for your trip to the Forum.
Travel
Which airport is closest to Wisła?
The airports in the cities of Krakow and Katowice are both approximately 130 kilometers from the city of Wisła. The Forum will provide an airport shuttle from the airport in Krakow to Wisła on Friday, 16 May and Saturday, 17 May.
Will I need a visa to travel to Poland?
For information on who will need visas to travel to Poland, visit the consular services page on the Republic of Poland's website.
What is ETIAS travel authorisation? Will I need it to travel to Wisła?
Starting in 2025, visa-exempt travellers visiting the European Union for a short-term stay will need what is called an ETIAS travel authorisation. This isn't a visa, but is more along the lines of applying for permission to travel to the E.U.
If you do not need a visa to travel to Poland and are not from an E.U. country, you will need this authorisation. Some of the countries that will need the ETIAS travel authorisation include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Below are links with more information about the programme:
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/what-etias_en
https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2023/07/25/etias-applications-2024-europe-travel
If you do not need a visa to travel to Poland and are not from an E.U. country, you will need this authorisation. Some of the countries that will need the ETIAS travel authorisation include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Below are links with more information about the programme:
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/what-etias_en
https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2023/07/25/etias-applications-2024-europe-travel
How does ELF's airport shuttle work? When does the airport shuttle run? What if I am traveling on a different day?
ELF provides an optional airport shuttle from the Krakow Airport and from the Katowice Airport to Wisła. The shuttle runs on Friday, 16 May and Saturday, 17 May during the hours of 10.00 - 21.00. The cost of the airport shuttle is currently 55 euros one way or 110 euros round trip. If your flight arrives outside of the shuttle hours (after 21.00), you can get a taxi or Uber upon arrival at the airport.
Where do I find the airport shuttle after I arrive at the airport?
After you arrive at the airport and collect your luggage, look for ELF volunteers, who will be waiting outside of the baggage claim holding signs with the ELF logo. If you are coming to the airport by means other than an airline, please arrive and find the volunteers no later than 30 minutes prior to the time your shuttle is scheduled to depart.
Once everyone in your shuttle group has arrived, the volunteers will direct you onto a shuttle. The journey to Wisła will take approximately 2.5 hours, depending upon traffic and road construction.
Once everyone in your shuttle group has arrived, the volunteers will direct you onto a shuttle. The journey to Wisła will take approximately 2.5 hours, depending upon traffic and road construction.
Are there refunds for the airport shuttle if I do not need it after all?
No, there are no refunds for the airport shuttle.
Food and Lodging
How will meals be served at ELF?
The majority of meals at ELF are served buffet-style in the hotel’s restaurant. These buffet meals include a variety of fruits, vegetables, salads, soups, entrees, and desserts, as well as water, tea, or coffee. Select meals will be delivered to participants in boxes.
I have dietary restrictions or food allergies. Will I be able to eat at the hotel?
Yes. The majority of meals at ELF are served buffet-style in the hotel’s restaurant and there is a wide variety of options. These buffet meals include a variety of fruits, vegetables, salads, soups, entrees, and desserts, as well as water, tea, or coffee.
Select meals will be delivered to participants in boxes. There is a portion of the ELF application form where you can communicate any food allergies or dietary restrictions you may have.
Select meals will be delivered to participants in boxes. There is a portion of the ELF application form where you can communicate any food allergies or dietary restrictions you may have.
When do meals begin at ELF? Should I plan to eat lunch at the airport on the day I arrive?
Meal coverage begins at dinner on the day that you arrive. If you have previously arranged to arrive on Friday, meal coverage will begin at dinner on Friday, 16 May. If you are arriving on Saturday, 17 May, meal coverage will begin with dinner that night.
Does the hotel have laundry facilities?
Yes, the hotel has coin-operated washers and dryers (though the instructions are in Polish). The hotel also has ironing facilities in the same location.
Is there a store near the hotel? What does it sell?
Yes, there is a small Biedronka supermarket and a small Aldi supermarket, both within 5-10 minutes walking distance of the hotel. The stores has a wide selection of food and refreshments, as well as health and beauty products like soap, shampoo, shaving cream, razors, and so forth.
There are also a few restaurants and small shops in Wisla within walking distance of the hotel.
There are also a few restaurants and small shops in Wisla within walking distance of the hotel.
Is there parking at the hotel? How much does it cost?
There is a small, free outdoor parking lot near the hotel. If that parking lot is full, the hotel also has a parking garage. There is a nominal daily fee for the hotel’s parking garage.
What is the weather like in Wisła?
The average high in Wisła, Poland in May is 16.6 degrees Celsius (62 degrees Fahrenheit). The average low in May is 11.6 degrees Celsius (53 degrees Fahrenheit). Wisła has, on average, 10-11 rainy days in the month of May.
Media and Technology
Will ELF have a conference app?
Yes, ELF has a conference app which will be available a few weeks before the annual meeting. Use the app to view your personal schedule for the week, connect with other attendees, and view information about the event.
What device will I need for the app?
The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store by searching for "Forum of Christian Leaders.”
Is there a Web browser version of the app?
Yes, there will also be a Web browser version of the app available.
Do you record sessions from ELF? Where can I watch them?
Many of ELF’s sessions are recorded and made available online a few months after the event at FOCLonline. If you are not able to attend the 2025 event, we will begin posting one talk from the event each weekday beginning in late summer of 2025. Talks from the 2024 event are already being posted each weekday at FOCLonline. Talks from events prior to that are already there!
Future ELF Meetings
What are the dates for future Forum Annual Meetings?
The 2026 European Leadership Forum will take place from 16 - 21 May.
The 2027 European Leadership Forum will take place from 22 - 27 May.
The 2028 European Leadership Forum will take place from 20 - 25 May.