Campaign launched for 200,000 Christians to reach 2-million people across the UK this Christmas
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to mobilise 200,000 Christians across the UK this Christmas to reach 2-million people with the gospel – putting ‘Christ back into Christmas!’.
The Shine Your Light initiative, which encourages churches to take their Carol and other Christmas services out of church buildings and onto the streets, shopping areas and anywhere people gather, have a bold vision.
In 2023 when Shine Your Light started, 738 churches took part. Last Christmas, over 1,500 churches in all four nations enrolled, and an estimated 1,200,000 people heard the Christmas message as they shopped, worked, played sport or were in prison. This year, organisers seek to mobilise 200,000 UK Christians to reach 2-million people with the gospel from 12-14 December.
Dr Jonathan Oloyede, Founder and Convenor of the National Day of Prayer and Worship said: “Summer is here in all her glory. But before Christians set off for their break, I want to remind the UK Church about Shine Your Light. This is the united campaign by all the churches across the land each December to put ‘Christ back into Christmas’.
“Last year, we saw over 100,000 Christians mobilised across the UK in cities, towns and villages taking Christmas Carol Services onto the streets, witnessing, and preaching the gospel to approximately 1- million people. Imagine this year, we’re looking by the grace of God to reach 200,000 Christians.
“I want the UK Church to imagine Christians in schools, colleges, universities, shopping malls, in prisons, in the workplace, on the high streets – everywhere – preaching the gospel, covering the whole land across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales. That’s what we are aiming for and we’d like every church to register their interest before leaders set off for their holiday, or time off work.
“Shine Your Light, backed last year by over 50 Christian denominations and networks, and growing, is the ‘united platform’ to plug your church group, your prayer group, your fellowship, your network, your denomination, your congregation into.
“On the other side of summer, we shall share more details about how churches can get fully involved this Christmas, including free resources, which will be on our website. But for now, please go to the website and register your church support.”
The 2025 campaign is already gaining wide support from Christians in all walks of life, including BBC presenters Pam Rhodes, Gemma Hunt and James Lusted, and political figures such as Jeremy Balfour MSP, MPs Munira Wilsom & Jim Shannon, Jane Dodds, member of the Welsh Assembly and member of the House of Lords, Marsha de Cordova.
● To register, and to access a 2-minute promotional video to show in church services, youth, and prayer meetings – and to send viral on social media – visit www.shineyourlight.org
