by Rev. Doug Leaman
Soli Deo Gloria Project in Aldeia, Brazil
the Missions Banner, April/May 2026
We live in an age of confusion, instability, and competing truth claims, and the need for grounded, historically rooted Christianity is urgent. The Jovens Reformados 2026 conference (held April 1–4) sought to address this concern—to strengthen young people in the truth of God’s Word at the same time encouraging meaningful fellowship across churches united in the truths of Scripture.
Christians face dangers: radical Islam continues to grow globally, openly opposing the Lordship of Christ and, in many places, seeking cultural dominance. At the same time, secularism—once thought to be the intellectual foundation of modern society—has shown itself to be hollow. Its inability to provide meaning, purpose, or moral clarity has led many into nihilism and confusion. Pluralism, while promising tolerance, ultimately collapses into relativism, offering no firm foundation for life or truth. A vapid weakness develops in nations tethered to pluralism and now they are facing extinction. This is an obvious threat to the gospel!
Many are searching for something solid—something historically rooted and theologically deep. Some are turning to Roman Catholicism or Eastern Orthodoxy, drawn by their sense of continuity and tradition. Meanwhile, much of modern evangelicalism is often perceived as fragmented and shallow, offering a multiplicity of voices but little doctrinal unity or historical depth.
The Jovens Reformados conference presented the Biblical answer to these great questions. We promoted a united front among churches and pastors who are committed to the historic confessions of the faith. These confessions—including the Westminster Standards, the Three Forms of Unity (Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, and Canons of Dort), the Savoy Declaration, and the 1689 Baptist Confession—represent a rich, unified testimony to the truth of Scripture. While differing in certain areas such as church polity and baptism, they stand together in proclaiming the sovereignty of God, salvation by grace alone through faith alone, and the authority of God’s Word.
The conference aimed to show young people that Christianity is not a recent invention or a collection of personal opinions, but a deeply rooted, historically tested, and biblically faithful system of truth.
Equally important, however, is the emphasis on fellowship. One of the great needs among young believers is the opportunity to build relationships with others who share the same convictions, even across different local church contexts. In a fragmented world, it is vital for young Christians to see that they are part of something much larger—the body of Christ united in truth.
The goal is not merely intellectual growth, but a well-rounded strengthening of faith—rooted in Scripture, informed by history, and lived out in Christian fellowship.
Ultimately, Jovens Reformados is about preparing the next generation to stand firm in a shaky world. In a world shaped by competing ideologies—whether secular, Marxist, or religious—the answer is not retreat, but clarity, conviction, and unity in the truth of God’s Word around His glorious gospel.
