The Korea World Missions Association (KWMA) held a meeting of denominational leaders to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the Gospel’s arrival in Korea on March 13-14 at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea. The gathering was organized to discuss the rapidly changing landscape of global missions, as well as mission strategies and plans.
A healthy goal and plan for mission with direction
In his remarks, KWMA Chairman of the Board, Rev. Seung-jung Joo (Jooan Church), stated, “Early Korean missions placed great importance on local churches (denominations). When sending missionaries to Shandong, China, consultations were held with the Chinese church, and when two missionaries were sent to Thailand in 1956, discussions were also conducted with the General Assembly of Christian Churches in Thailand before dispatching them.”
“Since missionaries must eventually leave the mission field, the best strategy is always to work together with the local church (denomination),” he continued
Rev. Joo further emphasized that “all foreign missionaries who worked in Korea respected the self-reliance and administrative capabilities of the Korean church. When they withdrew, they transferred all their mission assets to the Korean church. Through the mission legacy of the ‘Three-Self Principle’ (self-supporting, self-governing, self-propagating), the Korean church planted many churches, which became the DNA of today’s Korean Christianity.”
He argued that “regardless of how they are dispatched, Korean churches must take responsibility for everything that happens due to Korean missionaries in mission fields. Therefore, it is essential that Korean churches and denominational mission organizations, which are leading the Korean mission movement, establish sound mission strategies.”
“For missions to have direction rather than being aimless, we must set clear goals and strategies,” he said. “Over the past four years, KWMA has engaged in repeated policy discussions with leaders of our member organizations (denominational mission boards and mission agencies). As a result, we established ‘New Target 2030’ and are now sharing this with Korean mission organizations, missionaries on the field, and local church pastors.”
“At this critical moment when Western churches are abandoning missions, the role of the Korean church between Western and non-Western churches is crucial,” he added.
‘New Target 2030’: A common direction for 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 courage, and their fervent passion and sacrifice have established KWMA as a key platform for world missions.”
“Over the past year, KWMA has achieved remarkable mission outcomes and gospel fruits. Through collaboration with the non-Western mission coalition COALA (Coalition of Asian, African, and Latin American Mission Leaders), we held international conferences in Bangkok, Thailand, and Busan, South Korea, to discuss the development of global South missions with mission leaders from Asia, Africa, and Latin America,” he commented, referring to a new mission movement that Christian Daily International previously reported about.
“At the 22nd Korean Mission Leaders Forum, we explored mission strategies in response to Korea’s 2.6 million immigrant population and took an important step in preparing a concrete implementation roadmap,” he said.
“In addition, to actively address the issue of cults in mission fields, we are preparing to establish a ‘Mission Field Cult Response Task Force.’ We are also revitalizing regional gatherings nationwide to further strengthen mission networks,” he added.
Rev. Hwang emphasized that the Korean church stands at a pivotal moment where God is opening new paths for missions, commenting that “‘New Target 2030’ is not just a slogan; it is a concrete strategy aimed at achieving mission goals by 2030.”
“Through four key areas—establishing international mission networks in partnership with the global South, increasing active participation in immigrant missions, expanding and revitalizing next-generation ministry, and creatively utilizing digital missions—we aim to fulfill the Great Commission,” he said.
“God has been preparing our nation to fulfill His historical calling. However, without church renewal, the unification of Korea, next-generation engagement, and immigrant missions, it will be difficult to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth. The entire Korean church must unite to understand the direction of missions and fulfill this calling together.”
“To achieve global missions, we must realize a new era’s mission vision”
Rev. Jong-hyuk Kim, Representative Chairman of the Korean Church Council (KCC) and General Assembly President of the Presbyterian Church in Korea (Hapdong), said, “The year 2025 marks the 140th anniversary of the Korean church’s missionary journey. Since first sending missionaries in 1956, the Korean church has dispatched numerous missionaries. This has been possible solely by God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit.”
“KCC, alongside KWMA, seeks to build upon the mission heritage accumulated over the years and prepare a vision for future missions,” he added.
“The Korean church now faces a crucial moment where it must realize a new era’s mission vision for global missions. KCC, in cooperation with denominational leaders, aims to take responsibility and create a new turning point in missions through shared goals and collaboration.”
Rev. Kim outlined three key directions:
- Strengthening mission partnerships – “We must reinforce cooperation and unity in missions.”
- Focusing on sustainable missions – “One of the biggest challenges in global missions today is establishing sustainable mission models. Instead of focusing solely on short-term results, we need long-term strategies that help local churches and communities become self-reliant.”
- Encouraging the participation of diverse generations – “We must actively involve various generations in missions.”
“I hope our mission journey will become a beautiful ministry that glorifies God,” he concluded.
Following the presentations, KWMA General Secretary, Rev. Dae-heung (Jonas) Kang, introduced KWMA’s ministry plans and provided a detailed report on “New Target 2030.” Presentations covered key topics such as collaborating with non-Western churches in missions; mission strategies for Korea’s 2.6 million immigrants; mobilizing the next generation (TCKs) for missions; integrating artificial intelligence into church and missions; partnership-based missions; and strategies for rebuilding the North Korean church after unification.
Originally published by Christian Daily Korea. Translated and edited by Christian Daily International staff.
