The Korean World Mission Association (KWMA) held a meeting of sect leaders to commemorate the 140th anniversary of its arrival in Korea from March 13th to 14th at the Seoul Pullman Ambassador Hotel in Junggoo, Seoul, South Korea. The meeting was organized to discuss the rapidly changing landscape of global missions, as well as mission strategies and plans.
A mission plan with sound goals and direction
In his remarks, the Rev. Seung Jung Joo Jun, chairman of the KWMA Board of Directors, said, “The early Korean missions became extremely important to the local churches (denominations). When missionaries were sent to Shandong, China, consultations were held with the Chinese Church, and in 1956, two missionaries were sent to the general meeting.
“The best strategy is always to work with the local church (denomination), as missionaries will have to eventually leave the mission field,” he continued.
Pastor Joo added: “I emphasized that all foreign missionaries who worked in Korea respected the independence and administrative capabilities of the Korean Church. When they retreated, they transferred all their mission assets to the Korean Church.
He said, “Regardless of how they are dispatched, the Korean Church must be responsible for everything that happens for Korean missionaries in the mission field. Therefore, it is essential that the Korean church and the sect’s mission organisations leading the Korean mission movement establish a sound mission strategy.”
“For a mission to have direction rather than a goalless direction, you need to have clear goals and strategies,” he said. “For the past four years, KWMA has been engaged in repeated policy discussions with leaders of member organizations (denominational mission boards and mission agencies), resulting in the establishment of a ‘New Target 2030’ and sharing it with Korean mission organizations, field missionaries and local church pastors. ”
“At this crucial moment when Western churches are abandoning their duties, the role of the Korean church between Western and non-Western churches is extremely important,” he added.
“New Target 2030”: Common Direction between Korean Churches and Mission Organizations
KWMA Executive Chairman, Rev. Deok-young Hwang (Saejungang Church), remarked, “As a professional mission organization, KWMA has been presenting new mission paradigms in response to the changing times. At the same time, we have been mobilizing and pioneering mission pathways for the Korean church, planning mission ministries, and serving the field. Through this process, many missionaries have demonstrated devotion and court, and their fervent passion and sacrifice have established KWMA as an important platform for global missions.”
“In the past year, KWMA has achieved amazing mission results and gospel fruit. Through collaboration with non-western mission coalition koalas (a union of mission leaders in Asia, Africa and Latin America), they held international conferences in Busan, Bangkok, Thailand and South Korea, discussing the development of Asian missions. What Christian Daily International reported earlier.
“At the 22nd Korea Mission Leader Forum, we have taken an important step towards researching mission strategies in response to South Korea’s 2.6 million immigrant population and preparing a concrete implementation roadmap,” he said.
“In addition, we are preparing to establish a “Mission Field Cult Response Task Force” to actively address cult issues in mission fields. We are also revitalizing local gatherings across the country to further strengthen our mission network,” he added.
Pastor Hwang emphasized that the Korean Church is standing at a pivotal moment when God opens up new paths for his mission, saying, “The “New Target 2030” is more than just a slogan. It is a concrete strategy aimed at achieving mission goals by 2030. ”
“Through four key areas, we aim to work with the Global South to establish an international mission network, increase active participation in immigration missions, expand and revitalize the next generation ministry, and creatively utilize the digital mission,” he said.
“God has prepared our nation to fulfill his historical calling, but without the renewal of the church, the unification of Korea, the involvement of the next generation, and the mission of immigration, it is difficult to bring the gospel to the end of the earth.
“To achieve our global mission, we must realize our mission vision for a new era.”
“2025 marks the 140th anniversary of the Korean Church’s missionary journey,” said Pastor Jonghyuk Kim, president of the Korean Church Council (KCC) and chairman of the General Assembly of the Korean Presbyterian Church (Hap-dong).
“KCC, alongside KWMA, is building on the legacy of missions accumulated over the years and is trying to prepare a vision for future missions,” he added.
“The Korean Church is currently facing a critical moment where it must realize its new era of mission vision for global missions. KCC aims to work with sectarian leaders to create new turning points for missions through shared goals and collaboration.”
Pastor Kim outlined three important directions:
Strengthening mission partnerships – “We need to strengthen mission cooperation and unity.” Focusing on sustainable missions – “One of the biggest challenges in today’s global missions is establishing sustainable mission models. Rather than focusing solely on short-term outcomes, we need long-term strategies that will help local churches and communities become independent.” Encouraging participation of diverse generations – “We must actively engage different generations in our mission.”
“We hope that our journey of mission will become a beautiful ministry that praises God,” he concluded.
Following the presentation, KWMA General Secretary, Rev. Dae-Heung (Jonas) Kang introduced the KWMA ministry plan and provided a detailed report on “New Target 2030.” The presentations featured important topics such as working with non-Western churches on missions. mIssuance strategy for 2.6 million immigrants in Korea. mIt embodies the next generation of missions (TCK). IGain artificial intelligence for churches and missions. pArtnership-based mission. andA strategy to rebuild the North Korean Church after unification.
Originally published by Christian Daily Korea. Translated and edited by Christian Daily International Staff.
