Rev. Kyung-hwan Ko, the 28th representative president of the Christian Council of Korea (CCK), held an inauguration thanksgiving service on Feb. 15 at Full Gospel Wondang Church in Goyang, where he serves as senior pastor.
In his inaugural speech at the end of the service, Ko acknowledged past challenges faced by CCK. "CCK suffered great confusion and pain years ago. Many organizations and denominations left, and those who remained were told, 'What can you possibly achieve?'" he said. "Over time, CCK has now recovered, with 65 denominations and 21 organizations affiliated and up to 24,500 churches restored."
Ko credited the organization’s restoration to those who remained steadfast. "CCK has been restored because of those who protected it to the end despite the great confusion. It is not because of me; they are the ones who deserve the applause. That is why we are not cutting a cake." He then invited the congregants of Full Gospel Wondang Church to stand and express their gratitude with applause.
Looking ahead, Ko announced plans for upcoming events, including a spiritual prayer meeting on Feb. 26 at his church and the Han Kyung-jik Forum in early April to reflect on CCK’s founding principles. "In May, we will organize a forum opposing WEA’s event in Korea, bringing together renowned theologians to expose its problems," he added.
Ko criticized the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), stating, "WEA stands for the ‘World Evangelical Alliance,’ but the gospel it preaches is not the gospel of the Bible; it is a different gospel. CCK will oppose this to the end." He warned that if WEA proceeds with its General Assembly in Seoul, CCK will form a committee of theologians and pastors to publish a "White Paper on WEA's Apostate Actions." He also referenced the 2013 World Council of Churches (WCC) General Assembly, which stirred controversy over ancestral rites and religious pluralism, saying it would be reexamined.
Since the WEA announced the plans to hold its General Assembly in Seoul, CCK – WEA’s former national member body in Korea – was one of the groups that has issued multiple statements that criticized some in WEA’s leadership and questioned the motives for hosting the GA in Korea.
Ko cautioned against future leaders reopening doors to WCC and WEA, stating, "In 10 to 20 years, some megachurch pastors driven by a desire for fame may say, ‘Since we once hosted the WCC and WEA General Assemblies, we should do it again.’ To prevent this, we plan to publish a white paper." He affirmed CCK’s commitment to protecting Korean churches from communism, socialism, and heresy, urging prayers and support.
The thanksgiving service featured prayers by pastors and a choir performance by Full Gospel Wondang Church. Former General Assembly President of the Korea Evangelical Holiness Church and former President of the Korea Evangelical Fellowship, Rev. Jung-ik Lee, delivered a sermon titled "The Leader Required by the Times" (Nehemiah 1:1-5, 11).
Lee expressed gratitude for Ko’s leadership, comparing him to Nehemiah, saying, "Who the leader is matters greatly."
"Nehemiah, taken captive, demonstrated leadership even from afar during his nation's crisis. Instead of seeking his own safety, he fasted and prayed while sharing in the people's suffering. A true leader must prioritize the nation, the people, the church, and the congregation over themselves," he said.
Lee emphasized that Nehemiah not only prayed but took decisive action. "Though a captive, he approached the king with sincerity, reported truthfully, and upon returning home, proclaimed a vision and led the reconstruction of the temple. Above all, his greatest strength was integrative leadership—Nehemiah did not divide by political camps but unified people under a common purpose."
Lee concluded by reaffirming his support for Ko, saying, "From my interactions with Rev. Kyung-hwan Ko, I have observed his unwavering integrity, his careful stewardship of financial resources, and his strong philosophical foundation. He possesses righteous indignation against injustice, has the ability to embrace both the right and the left, and, most importantly, is centered on God."
"CCK's foundation is prayer, and the first thing President Ko emphasized was its restoration. I believe he will make significant contributions to Korean Christianity and exert a broad influence over society. May God grant him victory, just as He did for David."
The sermon was followed by congratulatory messages, including remarks from Seong-dong Kweon, floor leader of the People Power Party.
"I sincerely congratulate President Kyung-hwan Ko on his inauguration," Kweon said. "I also offer my condolences to his wife, as I expect her workload will increase. And I would also like to express my gratitude to former President Seo-young Jeong, who elevated the status of this organization during his term.”
Kweon highlighted the deep connection between Korea’s modern history and Christianity. “Korea’s modern history cannot be told without Christianity,” he said. “Whenever the nation faced crises, believers extended their hands in prayer, and whenever the people struggled and suffered, they stepped forward with love and dedication. The fervent prayers offered through sleepless nights for the nation became the foundation for the freedom and prosperity of today’s Republic of Korea.”
He praised the Christian Council of Korea (CCK) for its contributions. “Since its founding in 1989, CCK has led the mission of the gospel, united the churches as one, and has been a representative Christian organization that practices God’s justice and love,” he said.
Addressing the challenges the country faces, Kweon expressed concern over the nation’s instability. “The embers of hope that you have preserved through prayer are now being shaken,” he said. “South Korea is facing a crisis of unprecedented scale. Political turmoil is shaking the nation. Principles that should never waver are collapsing, and divisions are deepening. Public anxiety and concerns are growing day by day.”
He emphasized the importance of faith and prayer in overcoming these struggles. “Now, more than ever, it is through God’s grace and your earnest prayers that this nation can be rebuilt,” Kweon said. “This is precisely the time when the power of prayer is most needed.”
“I ask for your fervent prayers to restore the Republic of Korea,” he said. “I believe that President Ko Kyung-hwan has been called for the revival of Korean Christianity. I, too, will not give up or be discouraged but will seek God’s will as I move forward. As the founding father of the nation, President Syngman Rhee, said in his final message, ‘Stand firm and never again bear the yoke of slavery.’ To achieve this, the prayers of believers are needed now more than ever.”
Originally published by Christian Today Korea, translated and edited by Christian Daily International staff.
