“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6 (New American Standard Bible)

So, what does worship look like for us here in Český Těšín?

Let me preface my answer by pointing out that there are a wide variety of ways that church congregations worship within the United States.  Some include more emphasis on corporate prayer, others focus more on liturgy (reading scripture together).  Some congregations are formal, others are not.  Some congregations sing old hymns, while others use only modern praise songs.  There are biblical guidelines around proper worship, but within those guidelines, God allows for a range of diverse implementations.

I don’t think any of you would be surprised by worship services at Sboru Církve bratrské v Českém Těšíně (the congregation we work with).  The practices fall well within, what might be “normal” in America.

Upon entering the church building, you are greeted by members of the congregation in Czech, Polish or (sometimes) English.  Four neatly ordered rows of pews flank a center aisle that leads directly to the stage up front.  And a Christian cross hangs prominently on the far wall.  People of all ages stand in small clumps, talking about the week’s events and waiting for the service to start.

After greeting a few people, we typically are handed radio receivers that allow us to hear the service as translated by a member of their English Interpreter team.  My typical practice is to wear only one earpiece.  This allows me to listen to Czech in one ear, and English in the other.

When the service, begins, the music normally includes a hymn or two as well as modern worship led by a praise band.  For special occasions, there have been choirs standing in the back, but normally no.  Words for the songs are projected onto a screen in front, and I am told that they even use the same software for managing their services that we do.

Maybe the biggest difference is that the music is commonly in Czech, Slovak, and Polish (three languages that capture the multi-lingual, multi-cultural aspect of the congregation).  The other noticeable difference is that most people remain seated while singing.  Standing during worship time is seen as a special demonstration of love, devotion or surrender much as we might see raising hands in our worship services.

The church has a deliberate missionary focus, and as a result, welcomes a lot of guest preachers.  This summer the there is a topical series of sermons titled “The Jesus I was surprised to find.”  Each sermon will focus on a different aspect of Jesus that is surprising or different from the world’s perspective.  For instance:  “Jesus is the King who leads by serving”.  Several of these sermons will be preached by visiting pastors and (I think) elders.

When Pastor Ondřej preaches, he is very much the same as we experienced at Family Bible Church when he visited (except in Czech).  He exposes biblical truth with insight and humor and connects well with all who listen.

After the service, we return our radio receivers.  Much like FBC, people hang around for fellowship, enjoying each other’s company.  The smell of coffee drifts from the gathering room as we try to speak with everyone we can, though there never seems to be quite enough time.

With lunch awaiting, we leave, physically a little hungry, but always spiritually fed.

Prayer Requests:

• Healing for Sarah, who suffered a minor head injury.
• Successful and encouraging meetings with our Czech ministry partners, and friends.
• Health for the Sandys in the Czech Republic, and the rest of the team as they prepare for travel to the Czech Republic
• That Doug has no more painful flare ups and that he is able to successfully pass his kidney stone
• Remaining details for Czech English camp as we work together with the Czech team.
• That Christ would be glorified in and through the partnership between Family Bible Church and Církve bratrské v Českém Těšíně (the Czech church) this summer.