A case of urban ministry for Korea employees

Abstract

Christianity originated in Asia, yet it is not deeply rooted in Asia.. Christian population in Asia today reaches less than 100 million including all denominations. This rate is too low considering that the whole population in Asia is 30 billion. There are many reasons for the slow evangelization in Asia. First of all, it is because the traditional Asian religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Confucianism resist Christianity. Secondly, it is due to the fact that Christianity has long been recognized as a western religion in Asia. In fact, the peak of Christian mission in Asia went in parallel with the western invasion of imperialism. The majority of Asian churches still remains to be clothed with the westernized garb of the gospel. But Christianity is not a private possession of western culture but a message of salvation from God for all humankind. This reminds us of the important role to play for the Korean church. The Korean church has a great potential power to evangelize Asia with her spiritual awakening, missionary zeal, many youthful mission volunteers, and financial resources to support them. As an outpost for the mission in Asia, the Korean church has a lot to do for urban dwellers. This thesis aims at the urban ministry for them as an extension of Asia mission. In spite of the remarkable growth of the Korean church, it has been criticized for its lack of adaptability in Korean society. The Korean church, for example, has been powerlessly exposed to the rapidly undertaken industrialization and urbanization. General ministry skills have been applied to the practical situations in which specific ideas and tasks were in order. Thus, this thesis aims to develop a model for the urban ministry in Goonsan area, centering on the Dongshin, Jinjoo Apartment. First of all, this thesis starts with biblical perspectives on urban ministry. Then, it is necessary for us to analyze the circumstance of urban life, including the problems of urbanization in Korea. Then, I will create a new image of the church which serves as a light in the local community, making a blueprint of how to evangelize efficiently the local residents in the apartment. I hope that this thesis becomes a resource material to understand precisely various problems in urban life and to develop urban ministries. Simultaneously, I expect this thesis offers a model to analyze the mission for apartment area in relation to the broader context of mission in Asia.