Marking a new milestone in 140 years of Korean Christianity, the "2025 WEA (World Evangelical Alliance) Seoul Assembly" is just one day away.
Under the theme “Gospel to Everyone,” the assembly will be held from October 27 to 31 at Sarang Church in Seocho-dong and Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul. Representing 650 million believers, 143 alliances from 146 countries will participate.
Pastor Oh Jung-hyun, Senior Pastor of Sarang Church and Co-Chair of the 2025 WEA Seoul Assembly Organizing Committee, stated, “With more than 7,000 participants, this assembly signifies Korea’s transformation from a nation indebted to the Gospel to one that testifies to it. Through ‘K-Mission,’ ignited by the Holy Spirit, I hope Korea, once a fast follower, can now rise as a first mover.”
Pastor Oh emphasized the importance of “discipleship training,” a mission Sarang Church has long pursued. “Discipleship training involves not only pastors but also lay leaders who share the same vision. When this virtuous cycle is established, the church can avoid bureaucratization and sustain fresh, vibrant ministry,” he explained, expressing hope that the Seoul Assembly will realize the long-awaited globalization of the discipleship movement.
President Lee Jae-myung sent a congratulatory message on October 22, saying, “Christianity in Korea has played a vital role beyond religion. Pastors have served in places the government could not reach, directly practicing the teaching of ‘love your neighbor.’ They raised the banner of independence during the Japanese occupation, dedicated themselves to education and social reform during industrialization, and contributed to the growth of democracy. At a time when people are struggling, the Christian spirit of sacrifice, service, and solidarity, the role of being the ‘light and salt’ of society, is needed more than ever.”
He continued, “The members of the World Evangelical Alliance, who have led efforts to protect human rights and reduce poverty worldwide, will once again bring wisdom to overcome today’s challenges. As this assembly marks the first-ever held in a divided nation and in Northeast Asia, I hope it will contribute to peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.”
The key agendas of the assembly include: declaring missionary responsibility for non-Western churches, globalizing discipleship and Korean spirituality, promoting compassion and service toward neighbors and churches, and reaffirming the spiritual responsibility of Korean Christianity amid division. Research presentations, exhibitions, and cultural programs exploring the future of 21st-century Christianity will also take place.
Synergy is also anticipated with the APEC Summit, which will be held from October 31 to November 1, overlapping with the assembly period. Leaders from about 20 nations, including the United States, Japan, China, and Russia, will gather in Korea for both major events.
Founded in 1846 in London, the WEA is one of the oldest evangelical alliances in the world.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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