Serbia

Brief History

In the past two decades, Serbia (SRB) has seen its once proud nation (Yugoslavia) tearing itself apart through war, brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor. What was once one large, proud nation is now six countries (with the status of Kosovo as a nation not officially recognized by Serbia). It has known hatred, seen many of its people living as refugees, and even 78 days of a NATO bombing campaign against them. After communism fell, the Serbian people turned from their atheistic past under communism back to what they considered their national heritage, the Serbian Orthodox Church. This has become a large part of identity for the people, so to be Serbian has come to mean being Serbian Orthodox (many atheists in Serbia consider themselves Serbian Orthodox). If a Serb is not Serbian Orthodox, that person is seen as a traitor.

Most Serbs view the evangelical denominations such as the Brethren Assemblies, the Baptist Union, the Pentecostal Church, and the Evangelical Free Church as sects (or “cults”). This makes it very difficult for evangelical workers in SRB. People in northern Serbia are more open to hearing about Christ because many different nationalities live there.

In 2000, God brought together some youth leaders who formed a network that became known as MREŽA. Over the past several years, members of MREŽA and the youth leaders in SRB have been helping bridge the gap between denominations, equipping youth leaders, and partnering with local Serbian churches to reach out to youth in their communities.

Demographic Profile

Roughly eight million people live in Serbia, with much less than 1% of these being part of evangelical denominations. By contrast, about 85% claim to be Serbian Orthodox, 5.5% say they are Roman Catholic, 3.2% are Muslim.

Ministry Outlook

MREŽA’s vision is to help equip youth workers. KOV (Konfencija Omladinskih vođa), the national conference for youth leaders, is the entry level of our training. It is a weekend conference designed to provide inspiration to youth ministry leadership teams and to address specific needs facing Serbian youth workers. SOV (Skola Omladinskih vođa), the School for Youth Leaders, is a 4-weekend training series that focuses on building youth workers and equipping them to develop a biblical youth ministry strategy for their local church. MREZA also partners with Serbian churches to reach out to youth in their communities through English camps and other evangelistic activities.

We pray that God will open more doors to reach out to the youth of Serbia.

More official information about Serbia at http://www.serbia-info.com/facts/

Steve & Tanja Brown
A Serberican couple reaching the youth in Serbia. more...

Dragan & Anna Mitrovcan
After he became a Christian he finished Bible College and he started a well-known music group called Ihthus Gospel Band and evangelized through gospel songs. more...