“A place where members increase!” That’s what \uc218\uc11c\uc18c\ub9dd\uad50\ud68c proclaims to potential church friends. I am excited to tell you about this church today. This church stands as a testament to faith and community in Seoul.
\uc218\uc11c\uc18c\ub9dd\uad50\ud68c is located in Gangnam-gu. It is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of Korea. The church started in 1977. Eleven believers gathered for a three-day prayer meeting. In 1978, they held their first worship service. It was in a shopping center in Apkujong-dong. In 1981, they built a worship hall at the current church site.
The church emphasizes reverence and order in worship. Pastor Kim Ji-cheol described \uc18c\ub9dd\uad50\ud68c’s worship as “worship with disciplined reverence”. The worship service retains the fourfold structure of early churches. It includes “adoration for worship”, “the evidence of the Word”, “holy communion”, and “benediction”. The church may not hold weekly communion due to its size. It maintains a modified fourfold structure.
\uc218\uc11c\uc18c\ub9dd\uad50\ud68c’s devotion to early morning prayer is noteworthy. The prayer meeting is a unique part of its worship. An intercessor leads the prayer. They confess the congregation’s daily sins. The intercessor then says a phrase. It translates to “Now I come out. Only the Lord knows the sin I bear.” The intercessor then continues the prayer in silence. The pastor’s intercessory prayers have gained popularity. They have even been published as books.
\uc18c\ub9dd\uad50\ud68c has had three lead pastors. Rev. Kwak Seon-hui served from 1977 to 2003. Rev. Kim Ji-cheol served from 2003 to 2018. Rev. Kim Kyung-jin has been serving since 2019. The church’s motto is “The Church of the Holy Spirit that God desires”.
The Social Welfare Foundation operates facilities for the disabled. It runs Bethesda. This is a residential facility for the intellectually and physically disabled. \uc18c\ub9dd J&P is a vocational rehabilitation facility. The Group Home is for independent living. The church also supports the Seobu Senior Welfare Center. It operates Somang Punggyeong Cafe. This provides income-generating activities.
\uc218\uc11c\uc18c\ub9dd\uad50\ud68c also has a retreat center. It is located in Gwangju. It’s a space for spiritual healing and restoration.
\uc218\uc11c\uc18c\ub9dd\uad50\ud68c stands as a beacon. It shines brightly in the Gangnam District. Its history is rich with prayer. Its worship emphasizes reverence. Its commitment is social welfare. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith. It is a pillar in the community. I hope you have enjoyed learning about \uc218\uc11c\uc18c\ub9dd\uad50\ud68c.