Over 100 Christian Leaders Unite at Westminster to Launch ‘Shine Your Light 2025’ Evangelistic Campaign
More than a hundred Christian leaders gathered recently at a special parliamentary reception in London to launch Shine Your Light 2025, a bold new evangelistic initiative aimed at bringing the message of Christ to the streets, neighborhoods, and marketplaces throughout the UK.
The event was organised by the National Day of Prayer and Worship (NDOPW) and led by MP Jim Shannon, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the International Freedom of Religion and Belief.
Since its launch in 2023, Shine Your Light has experienced remarkable growth, with church participation more than doubling—from 738 to over 1,500 congregations in just a single year.
Representing over 60 denominations and Christian networks across the UK, leaders came together in a spirit of unity to reflect on the campaign’s progress and to prepare for upcoming initiatives. These include a nationwide 72-hour prayer event scheduled over Pentecost weekend (6–8 June) and coordinated Christmas outreach efforts planned for 12–14 December.
The reception featured inspiring addresses from a diverse array of faith leaders, including Bishop David Edwards of the New Testament Church of God and United Christian Broadcasters, evangelist Andy Frost from Share Jesus International, broadcaster and pastor James Lusted, and Lydia and Henry George of Ichthus Christian Fellowship.
Newly appointed President of Churches Together in England, Rev Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson, led the gathering in a time of prayer.
Powerful testimonies were shared from across the UK, highlighting transformative stories from Christmas outreach events in cities such as Birmingham, Bedford, and Canterbury, as well as communities in Wales and Scotland—showcasing the campaign’s real-world impact.
Dr Jonathan Oloyede, Convenor and Founder of NDOPW and the Shine Your Light movement, spoke about the deeper vision driving the initiative:
“Having over 100 leaders gathered in Parliament this week is a clear sign of the Lord’s hand on this mission, uniting mission, prayer, and unity as one. We cannot separate these anymore.
Shine Your Light has grown since 2023, but the Church must reclaim its confidence in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Praying at Westminster is symbolic—sending ripples across the nation. As we approach Pentecost, let us pray that our communities open their hearts to the same Holy Spirit that came at Pentecost.”
Sharing his personal experience, Jim Lyon of the Congregational Federation recounted hosting a Shine Your Light event in rural Northamptonshire last December:
“We witnessed incredible opportunities to bring people together to hear the Christmas message.
I encourage every Christian to pray for an opportunity to host Shine Your Light in their area and to use the fantastic resources available.”
Closing the reception, MP Jim Shannon reflected on the spiritual importance of the event’s location:
“Sponsoring this Shine Your Light Parliamentary Reception was a true honour.
Seeing Christians from all across the Isles united here embodied the spirit of Shine Your Light.
I applaud the boldness of believers standing strong to ensure God’s light shines in a world that desperately needs it.
I’m hopeful for even greater things in 2025 if we can spread the passion in this room to every community across the Isles. I’m praying for what God will do next.”