Czech Republic
Brief History
Often called a nation of musicians and poets, the Czech Republic has a long history of famous composers, thinkers, and innovators. In recent years Czech athletes have experienced unusual success in international sports for a country its size, particularly in hockey and soccer.
A rich spiritual heritage is also a part of the Czech history, including Jan Hus, a reformer who inspired Martin Luther, and the Moravian Brethren, who in a period of 20 years accomplished more missionary work than the entire Protestant church in the 200 years preceding.
In spite of this heritage, the forced domination of the Catholic church during the 1800’s and the powerful impact of communism during the 1900’s have produced a nation that is profoundly secular and quite skeptical of religion. Some say it is the most atheistic nation on earth, with the highest percentage of people convinced that God and a spiritual world does not even exist.
Demographic Profile
The evangelical church is tiny, making up only less than one third of one percent in a country of 10 and a half million. Most Czechs have no religious affiliation. Several cults have made significant inroads in recent years, particularly the Jehovah’s witnesses. They number close to 25,000, making them twice as large as the largest evangelical denomination.
Ministry Outlook
Still, the church is growing, and there is a renewed interest in spiritual things, especially among young people. A new generation of leaders has risen up since the revolution, and their efforts are bringing significant change to the spiritual climate of the country. Camps and relational evangelism have been particularly effective, since extended time is needed to break down the barriers of mistrust and give enough information so a challenge to faith in Christ can be made. (information from www.josiahventure.com)
Please keep the Czech Republic in your prayers, daily! Bring the country up in your prayer groups, missions sundays, and missions boards! Keep up to date, so you know what to pray for specifically. One way you can do that is to check our website regularily for projects and news (link for newspaper Prague Post).
Here are some great web links that will tell you more info on the Czech Republic:
http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/section/CzechRep_LandandPeople.asp
http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ez.html
http://www.czech.cz/
http://www.praguepost.com/index.php
Often called a nation of musicians and poets, the Czech Republic has a long history of famous composers, thinkers, and innovators. In recent years Czech athletes have experienced unusual success in international sports for a country its size, particularly in hockey and soccer.
A rich spiritual heritage is also a part of the Czech history, including Jan Hus, a reformer who inspired Martin Luther, and the Moravian Brethren, who in a period of 20 years accomplished more missionary work than the entire Protestant church in the 200 years preceding.
In spite of this heritage, the forced domination of the Catholic church during the 1800’s and the powerful impact of communism during the 1900’s have produced a nation that is profoundly secular and quite skeptical of religion. Some say it is the most atheistic nation on earth, with the highest percentage of people convinced that God and a spiritual world does not even exist.
Demographic Profile
The evangelical church is tiny, making up only less than one third of one percent in a country of 10 and a half million. Most Czechs have no religious affiliation. Several cults have made significant inroads in recent years, particularly the Jehovah’s witnesses. They number close to 25,000, making them twice as large as the largest evangelical denomination.
Ministry Outlook
Still, the church is growing, and there is a renewed interest in spiritual things, especially among young people. A new generation of leaders has risen up since the revolution, and their efforts are bringing significant change to the spiritual climate of the country. Camps and relational evangelism have been particularly effective, since extended time is needed to break down the barriers of mistrust and give enough information so a challenge to faith in Christ can be made. (information from www.josiahventure.com)
Please keep the Czech Republic in your prayers, daily! Bring the country up in your prayer groups, missions sundays, and missions boards! Keep up to date, so you know what to pray for specifically. One way you can do that is to check our website regularily for projects and news (link for newspaper Prague Post).
Here are some great web links that will tell you more info on the Czech Republic:
http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/section/CzechRep_LandandPeople.asp
http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ez.html
http://www.czech.cz/
http://www.praguepost.com/index.php