Kirchengemeinde Hanmaum

Could a church be both inconspicuous and rapidly growing? This is the paradox of Kirchengemeinde Hanmaum in Frankfurt. Kirchengemeinde Hanmaum, the largest and fastest-growing Korean Protestant church in Europe, sits nestled amidst the familiar landscape of Schwalbach, on the edge of the Taunus. It occupies a space once belonging to the Catholic Parish of St. Martin, yet its presence is subtle. There are no outward signs, no Korean characters adorning the brick walls. Only the neighbors truly notice Kirchengemeinde Hanmaum, sometimes complaining about parking during services. Inside, however, a vibrant community thrives. Every morning at 5:30 am, even on weekdays, the faithful gather. On a Saturday morning, picture the scene: seventy souls find solace in the gentle piano melodies. Pastor Chan Kyu Lee delivers a calm sermon, punctuated by moments of laughter. The sermon flows into a fifteen-minute prayer, underscored by the piano’s soft notes. The atmosphere is charged with emotion. Tears flow, heads are thrown back in fervent prayer. This emotional intensity is a hallmark of the Korean faith, says Pastor Lee. Kirchengemeinde Hanmaum’s growth is remarkable. Every quarter, fifty adults and teenagers join, along with fifteen infants for baptism. Like the Korean megachurches, the community is divided into smaller groups, fostering close bonds and encouraging further growth. Pastor Lee’s vision is ambitious. He aims to shed the “Korean” label within a decade, envisioning a bilingual, bicultural congregation carrying forward their unique spirituality and missionary zeal. This mission extends beyond their local community. Pastor Lee has led groups on missions to Africa, to Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Chad, Uganda, Madagascar, and Ethiopia. “Africa still needs help,” he explains, highlighting a core belief of Kirchengemeinde Hanmaum. In Eschborn, on the outskirts of Frankfurt, a new chapter is unfolding. A large plot of land has been acquired for a two-story community center, a future home for 670 worshippers, with ample space for youth activities. This new center symbolizes the bridge to the next generation, the future stewards of the Gospel, according to Pastor Lee. A separate building will focus on international missionary work, further solidifying Kirchengemeinde Hanmaum’s commitment to global outreach.