“Where can I find hope?” Imagine those words whispered in Seoul, sometime in the early 1960s. From humble beginnings, Pyungkang Cheil Church emerged. It began as a small gathering in a house.
The church’s journey is remarkable. It reflects faith and growth. The name itself evolved. Initially, it was Zion Mountain Handol Church. Handol means “one stone”. This symbolized the church’s modest beginnings. As the congregation grew, the name changed. It became Ilseok Church, still meaning “One Stone Church”. Then, in 1977, it transformed into Daesung Church. Daesung means “Big Voice Church”. This reflected its increasing influence.
In 1991, a significant step was taken. A 46-acre site in southern Seoul was purchased. This became the location for Pyungkang Cheil Church. In January 1995, the church officially became Pyungkang Cheil Presbyterian Church.
Pastor Abraham Park founded Pyungkang Cheil Church. He played a vital role in its development. His ministry grew the church to have over 70,000 members. These members were spread across more than 300 churches worldwide.
Park’s approach was unique. He emphasized the Bible as the core of his ministry. He read the Bible over 1,800 times during his life. He believed it was the living word of God. His dedication led to the creation of the redemption series. This is a set of nine books explaining God’s redemptive history. They have been translated into 16 languages. Seminars based on them have been held globally.
An interesting fact is that Pastor Park did not pass the church leadership to his family. Instead, he considered all his pastors as successors. This shared responsibility is a testament to his leadership style.
Pyungkang Cheil Church stands as a testament to faith. It embodies growth. From a small house gathering to a global network, its story continues. The church pursues Pastor Park’s message of redemption throughout history.