2026 Apologetics (Foundational) Network

The words apologist and apologetics come from the Greek word apologia, which means to defend or to convince and persuade. So when Peter writes, “Always be prepared to give a defense (apologia) for the hope that is within you,” he is teaching that Christians must be willing and able to communicate the Gospel persuasively to their neighbours.

Europe today is in great need of gifted persuasive evangelists who, like the Apostle Paul, can demonstrate that Christianity is true and relevant. The Forum's Apologetics Network Foundational Track is designed to train, mentor, and resource Christians so they can effectively demonstrate that Christian beliefs are reasonable, true, and relevant for the 21st century. This track provides the vision and strategy for a renaissance of apologetics in Europe today.

What Network Participants Are Saying

• "This is my first time at ELF and my experience so far has been incredible! I am learning a lot, as well as strengthening my knowledge. I have never been to a Christian event where I can meet and talk with so many educated Christian leaders. This environment is really motivating me to keep on learning and growing in my ministry." - Dimitar Spassov, Senior Front-End Developer, Bulgaria
• "Being at the European Leadership Forum is so helpful for me because it gives me the ability to train the members of our church. As I am learning how to do apologetics in the Forum’s Apologetics Network, I can help the people in my church answer difficult questions about Christianity and create opportunities for conversations with unbelievers. I have learned a lot about secular culture and how to respond biblically to different issues."
  - Zsolt Kapitany, Pastor, Hungary
• "Apologetics is a new area of interest for me and I am still trying to understand where my place in this is. But it is a very special opportunity for me to meet with other Christians and think about the basics of apologetics. In my Network and the workshops, I am trying to understand how I can be useful and faithful to God’s work in Hungary. As I am in a transitional period in my life at the moment, I am so thankful for the support and encouragement of the truth of the body of Christ." 
  - Julia Berecz, Disciple–Maker, Hungary