In the afternoon of June 17, a founding thanksgiving service was held for the Korean Christian Mission Church Association (led by Chairman Rev. Seok-Jeon Yoon) at the Antioch Sanctuary of Yonsei Central Baptist Church in Guro-gu, Seoul, where Rev. Yoon also serves as the senior pastor.
Christian leaders gathered to give thanks for the newly registered organization, giving remarks and expressing their hopes for the group to strengthen the mission focus of Korean churches.
President Rev. Jin-Beom Kim of the Presbyterian Church in Korea (Baekseok) preached a sermon with the theme “A Mission Association to Be a Bridgehead for Soul-Saving” based on Deuteronomy 34:9-12, saying, “The scripture today says that Moses carried out his ministry with the power given by God. The Christian Mission Church Association is a fruit born out of loving God, loving neighbors as oneself, and through sacrifice, loyalty, service, and dedication.”
“Secondly, Moses appointed a remarkable leader named Joshua. While building a great church is important, it’s equally crucial to appoint leaders to carry on the work, as humans cannot live forever. Jesus also appointed 12 disciples. Just as Moses and Apostle Paul did, I hope Pastor Yoon, as the chairman, will lead many dying souls to the Lord through this ministry, glorifying God with one heart.
“Thirdly, we will see powerful manifestations. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we should receive power, anoint the souls like dry grass in the desert with the oil of the Holy Spirit, and take the lead in spreading the gospel worldwide through the Christian Mission Church Association, becoming a source of blessings,” he said.
He expressed his hope that “all believers practice the commandment to ‘love God and love your neighbor as yourself.’ I hope the Christian Mission Church Association will play the role of salt and light well, becoming a highly praised organization in the world.”
In his welcome speech, Rev. Jong-Chul Park, Former President of the Korea Baptist Convention, said, “We must continually support and be interested in building, protecting, and preserving churches. That’s why the Christian Mission Church Association was established. Many churches have joined in a short period, and we are grateful to God for allowing us to hold this Thanksgiving Service.”
Jin-Oh Kim, President of CBS Christian Broadcasting, said in his congratulatory remarks, “Many missionary organizations have faced limitations. Biblical capabilities and focuses must change according to the times. I believe the Christian Mission Church Association will serve as a priming water.”
Rev. Sang-Hyun Kim, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Methodist Theological University, stated, “Evangelism is the answer. When Korean churches are losing evangelism, I am grateful for an organization that advances with one purpose. Many Korean churches have prioritized soul-saving. Today’s Korean churches must not settle. I am grateful for the establishment of the Christian Mission Church Association.”
Former President of the Korea Evangelical Holiness Church Association, Rev. Ki-Chae Han, commented, “Now is the time for revitalizing existing churches as well as pioneering new ones. Without a mission-oriented church, it is easy to become a maintenance-focused, museum-like church. I hope the Christian Mission Church Association moves forward with missionary directions suitable for the times such as globalization, urbanization, and multiculturalism. Every believer is both a minister and a missionary. I hope the Christian Mission Church Association takes the lead in this.”
Finally, Pastor Se-Gwang Kwon, Chairman of Jesus Life Revival Society, gave an encouragement speech, where he said, “The Christian Mission Church Association must return to the essence of Jesus, built on the blood and grace of Jesus Christ. This is only possible with one heart and one mind. As an interdenominational organization, we must lay down the theology of each denomination and move forward with the heart and spirit of Jesus. Many missionary organizations have fallen because they lost their purpose and intent. I hope this union does not stray from the Lord, advancing not with self-interest but with the heart and spirit of the Lord.”
The service concluded with an address and announcements by Chairman Jae-Wook Ko and a benediction by Chairman Seok-Jeon Yoon.
During the second part of the interim general meeting, members gathered to discuss the direction of the association’s missions. The third part of the celebration featured performances by vocalists and gospel singers, encouraging attendees and pledging to grow the union as a missionary organization dedicated to the Lord's Great Commission.
Chairman Seok-Jeon Yoon concluded the event saying, “Let all members of the Christian Mission Church Association do their best with prayer, the Word, the fullness of the Holy Spirit, and a passion for soul-winning, focusing on domestic and international missionary (evangelism) work, mutual support among member churches, spiritual retreats to broaden the scope of gospel ministry, publishing for gospel mission purposes, and art projects for gospel evangelism, as per the purpose of the association's establishment.”
Originally published by Christian Daily Korea. Translated and edited by Christian Daily International staff.
