About IGNITE
IGNITE for Christ is an international Christian community dedicated to inspire, equip, and connect people to become lifelong followers of Jesus Christ. We believe that every person is called to know God, grow in faith, and make a difference in the lives of others.
Through our annual retreat, online community, and year-round programs, we create opportunities for people to deepen their relationship with God, build lasting friendships, and be equipped to live out the Gospel in their everyday lives. Whether you are exploring faith for the first time or have been walking with Christ for years, IGNITE is a place where you are welcome.
IGNITE is a ministry of the Churches of Christ, serving people from many countries and backgrounds who share a desire to know Jesus and grow in faith together.
We believe
The Bible to be fully inspired and only authoritative Word of God;
That God has created mankind with a free-will to give us a choice to follow Him;
That God's character is described in Exodus 34:6, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
That He gave his only begotten son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life with Him (John 3:16);
That Jesus Christ died on the cross to take on him all the sins of the earth, that he rose on the third day, and that He is seated at the right-hand of God;
That whoever believes in Him and is baptized shall be saved (Mark 16:16). Salvation is a gift from God by grace alone. But we are called to respond to His invitation by expressing our faith through baptism.
God has given us incredible voices as an instrument to worship him. That is why we sing acappella.
Welcome to IGNITE
When we met, our dream was to dedicate ourselves to God's kingdom. Gijs had completed a Master's in Ministry from Heritage Christian University in the USA and had already gained extensive experience in missions in Asian countries. Arine reflected on her working holiday to Sierra Leone, where she helped build a school with a group of young people. We both knew one thing for sure: serving in God's kingdom is what makes us happiest. Whether it is in rural villages in Asia or close to home in The Netherlands & Belgium, we want nothing more than that.
After we got married, we went on our first missions trip to Asia together and collaborated on mission projects and events in Europe, focusing on The Netherlands and Belgium. With support from congregations in America, we were able to dedicate ourselves to God's kingdom here. The large and well-developed youth events there, combined with the need for similar events in Europe and Asia, inspired Ignite for Christ.
The first edition took place in 2023, as a collaboration with a major event in the USA, called CYC. However, subsequent editions made it abundantly clear that the multicultural communities in Europe had an even broader need for something that could evolve as a standalone organisation with a strong vision to expand globally. Out of this need, Ignite for Christ was born.
The dream of Ignite for Christ extends beyond Europe. We have developed a vision and concept that is applicable worldwide. It focuses on getting to know Jesus Christ and (re)kindling passionate devotion to Him. It helps participants share their faith, stories and experiences with each other and equips them to share the powerful message of Christ with their communities. Besides our annual live event, Ignite it also serves as a year-round, encouraging online platform that connects, inspires, and builds up believers around the globe. Ignite for Christ aims to bridge differences in age, culture, and maturity in faith to create unity and inspiring bonds that matter. We believe that we can already taste heaven now, as we look forward to that glorious day we will all stand before God's throne as one church to praise and glorify Him.
Whether this is your first time or you've been with us from the beginning, our hope is that you leave filled with more hope, a (re) kindled heart, connected, and above all, more wonder and love for Jesus Christ.
We can't wait to meet you.
With much love,
Gijs and Arine Bardoel - Van den Heuvel
A message from our Team
We are working on making IGNITE into something very special. Here is an update from our team about the changes that are in progress. CYC Europe will continue as IGNITE for Christ Europe. Stay tuned for more information!
Contact us
Have a question about IGNITE or need support? Get in touch with our team - we're here to help.