September 22, 2025
We also caught up with Mitch and Amanda from Crown Jesus Ministries while attending the European Congress on Evangelism in Berlin. Despite being just a short hop across the water from each other in Northern Ireland and England, it took a European event to bring us together with the wider mission community.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Founded in May 1999, Crown Jesus Ministries is based in Belfast and has grown to a team of 16 staff. Their work spans the island of Ireland, both North and South, and reaches people of all ages – from children to adults – through a wide range of evangelistic approaches. From puppetry to apologetics, drama to street outreach, the team embraces creativity in sharing the Gospel.
Northern Ireland, with its deep Protestant and Catholic heritage, offers a unique context for ministry. As Amanda shared, there’s an “oversaturation” of the Christian message in some communities, yet that doesn’t always translate to genuine engagement. Meanwhile, in the Republic of Ireland, a growing secularism is reshaping religious life. Even so, the desire for hope and meaning remains strong across both countries. Despite the cultural differences, there is a unifying hunger among people – especially young people – to discover truth, something Crown Jesus Ministries believes is found in Jesus alone.
What’s especially encouraging is the increasing partnership between churches across the North and South. The next generation seems less concerned with old divisions and more open to authentic relationships. Mitch and Amanda, parents to teenagers themselves, emphasised that young people today are not looking for more information or programs – they’re seeking community, authenticity, and truth.
When it comes to discipling this generation, the couple believe it starts with walking alongside them. “Don’t try to control young people out of the fear of losing them,” Mitch warned. Instead, churches should create spaces where young people feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow in their faith. Peer-to-peer discipleship is thriving in schools, where young believers are leading the way in introducing their friends to Jesus.
Their ministry’s involvement in schools is one of their most impactful areas of work. With a professional puppet team led by Nathan and Helen, Crown Jesus Ministries runs engaging, faith-based school programs that leave lasting impressions on children and educators alike. The team has built a reputation for excellence and integrity, which has opened doors across both primary and secondary schools.
Through programs like One Way, the ministry offers both in-school content and after-school evangelistic events, often seeing significant responses from students. At a recent event, Mitch shared how he was challenged to trust God not just for “some” responses, but to remain faithful no matter the outcome – and was blown away when every student in attendance responded.
For parents navigating the teen years, the message is simple yet powerful: model your faith authentically. “Invite them to walk with you on your journey with Jesus,” Mitch said. “Even if they make different choices, your relationship with them and your prayer will still matter.”
From Belfast to Berlin, Crown Jesus Ministries continues to share the message that Jesus loves people deeply and offers the kind of truth and hope the world can’t provide. And whether it’s through a 16-foot puppet theatre or a heartfelt one-on-one conversation, they’re committed to making that message known – one person at a time.
September 22, 2025
