In the lead up to the World Evangelical Alliance's (WEA) General Assembly in October, the WEA Seoul General Assembly Office has been inaugurated on the fifth floor of the International Discipleship Training Center in Seoul, Korea, according to reporting by Christian Daily Korea.
A thanksgiving service for the office’s opening was held on the afternoon of March 11 at the International Discipleship Training Center, presided over by Rev. Yeon-jong Ju, a planning committee member. During the service, Rev. Guk-jin Lee, a member of the theological committee, led the representative prayer, followed by a scripture reading by Rev. Ju. Rev. Jung-hyun Oh, senior pastor of Sarang Church and chairman of the organizing committee, then delivered a sermon titled “I Will Make You a Light for the Gentiles” (Isaiah 49:5–6).
Rev. Oh emphasized that the leadership of the global church, once centered in the West, must now be shared by the Korean church. “The Korean church has long been a ‘fast follower,’ but it is time for us to become a ‘first mover.’ We must effectively integrate our strengths in prayer, the Word, and praise to serve the global church,” he said.
Following the sermon, WEA Deputy Secretary General Rev. Samuel Chiang and Rev. Gye-heon Jeon, an advisor to the organizing committee, delivered congratulatory messages. The service concluded with a benediction from Rev. Sang-sik Kim, president of Sungkyul University. A press conference was held afterward.
Among others, Rev. Oh mentioned ongoing dialogues with those opposing the WEA Seoul General Assembly. He stated, “If there are any lingering concerns, we plan to hold a theological forum around April to address them.”
Founded in 1846 and headquartered in New York, the WEA currently has member organizations in 143 countries, according to the alliance.
Originally published by Christian Daily Korea, translated and edited by Christian Daily International staff.
