Josef Ostřanský is a Pastor at a Baptist church in Šumper, Czechia.
When did you trust Christ?
When I was in between colleges, I was searching for a deeper meaning and truth about the world. Atheism wasn't working for me anymore. I realized there is a pattern to this world, and most importantly, I couldn't argue against my own sinfulness and the sinfulness of people in general. I realized that there was a high probability of a Creator, so I started praying and repenting. God immediately answered my first prayer by sending a person who started talking more about God with me.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
Right from the start, I had an amazing mentor and leader who invested a lot in me and helped me grow in my understanding of God's grace and sovereignty. After some time, a big part of our church decided to split away, creating a leadership vacuum. I was still young, but I knew I wanted to serve, so I stepped in and started serving as the new youth pastor and as a small group leader. When our pastor ended his term, I also took on the ministry of preaching. I am doing all of these ministries to this day.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
Many of the leaders in my area have been attending regularly for many years. I am sure the seminars and opportunities to connect with other leaders in the same ministries will be very helpful for me to grow and improve upon my current responsibilities.
What is your ministry?
I am an elder, preacher, youth pastor, and small group leader. I enjoy helping other leaders grow and also helping out with our summer camp ministry.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I have been an elder, preacher, youth pastor, and small group leader in my local church. I have also been involved with summer camp ministry.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I am young, yet I have a big impact and responsibility as a preacher, leader, and elder. I am improving as a preacher and a leader, but I still have much more room to grow. Having better training would go a long way in my ministry.
