A year-long course at Prague's Evangelical Theological Seminary (ETS) is demonstrating that theological formation and artistic production can go hand in hand. The "Music in the Church" (Hudba v církvi) programme has released its latest graduate extended-play recording — a three-song collection titled "JSI MŮJ BŮH" (You Are My God) — featuring original compositions written, performed, and recorded by course participants. The EP, made available as a free download in July 2026, represents the tangible outcome of a programme that refuses to separate musical craft from theological depth.
ETS serves the Czech evangelical community as an interdenominational training institution with historic ties to Církev bratrská (Church of the Brethren), one of the country's largest free church bodies. The "Music in the Church" course is part of a broader movement within European free church theological education that seeks to equip students not only for pulpit and pastoral ministry but for creative leadership in worship, liturgy, and the arts. In a post-communist context where Protestant churches remain a small minority, such initiatives help connect the life of the church with the wider culture.
The three tracks — "Šalom" by Ondřej Daneš, "Má skálo" (My Rock) by Věra Takácsová, and "Šedá" (Grey) by Milan Šulák — were produced and arranged by David Bukáček, with instrumental contributions from Daniel Matulík and Zdeněk Tůma and vocals by Jitka Ambrožová and Marie Rusňáková. The teaching team includes Johana Ondráčková, Tomáš W. Pavlíček, Tomáš Medek, David Beňa, and Daniel Matulík, who guide students through weekend intensives and Saturday sessions culminating in a professional studio recording. The next intake begins on 11 September 2026, with applications open until the end of August for a maximum of 16 participants. Interested applicants can find details and download the EP at etspraha.cz.
(Originally published in Czech. Summary translated by CC / Connexion.)
Source: Církev bratrská / Brána — portal.cb.cz
