More confident and competent administration of individual parishes will have a beneficial effect on the wider church, which currently numbers around 55,000 members. This in turn can bring benefits to the whole of Czech society, the organizers hope, by strengthening the church’s voice in the public square and raising the profile of its charitable work, including its humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees.
Over a three-year period, all the moderators within the ECCB will have the opportunity to take part in the workshops, which consist of shared worship, lectures, discussions, and other group activities. During that time, an ongoing evaluation of the training will offer opportunities to modify and improve the delivery of the workshops, which have been designed and implemented by church and university personnel, pastoral care specialists, psychiatrists and psychologists, as well as experts in management, finance and project management.
Kateřina Vojkůvková, moderator of the Dobříš congregation, just south of Prague, said that thanks to LWF’s support, the workshops have been able to “strengthen the bonds between congregations and also build trust in the leadership of the church.” She reflected: “Everyone needs to hear that their work is seen and valued, and these meetings are designed primarily as a time for gathering and sharing together. Thanks to these meetings,” she concluded, “we feel appreciated and gain inspiration for our future work.”
