This dissertation project aims basically at promotion of mission operation of the Korean Presbyterian Church in America. At the same time the result of this project is expected to influence other denominations and mission agencies for the improvement of their mission operation. For this study recent statistics provided from various organizations, in particular, is used. Theological books, business books, periodicals and recent studies are also used. Some recent resources and studies are taken from internet. The ministry of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels is discussed in terms of proclamation of the rule of God, teaching in parables and healing the sick for the sake of God’s rule. Paul’s missionary work and his theology are also discussed to find biblical foundation of the Christian mission.
The Christian mission practiced throughout Christian history can be seen in different paradigms as Hans Küng and the study of David Bosch eloquently explained. The first Christian mission to Far East was Nestorian’s effort that diffused into the local culture of China for its integration of local culture. The Catholic mission followed and was in conflict with local culture for the fundamentalism of Catholicism that emphasized church traditions. During 19th century, the Christian mission was accompanied by political power of the Western industrial and resulted in colonization.
Although the Christian mission to Korea was carried during this time, the first protestant mission put emphasis on health and educational program along with evangelism, which was quite appropriate and accepted well by Korean government and people. With this support Christianity was accepted well as a peoples’ religion.
Korean churches have recently been very actively involved in world mission. But as the world mission is carried mainly by individual congregations, many problems in world mission are experienced in such areas of appointing, caring funding and evaluating of mission works. The Korean Presbyterian Church in America was also growing fast during the last few decades and sending numerous missionaries all over the world. Yet problems are found in its mission structure and management. The practice of the world mission by the Korean Presbyterian Church in America must be evaluated, and new policies have to be implemented. There has been some progress in the world mission by the denomination since this project had started four years ago.
Rev. Dr. David Lee graduated San Francisco Theological Seminary in the Northern California. He devoted himself in Malawi, Southern Africa as a missionary dispatched by a Germann Mission Organization in 1980s. He served as a pastor of a church in Southern California and also as a mission director of Korean Presbyterian Church in America for many years. He is now a professor of California Theological Seminary. His books are Mission Theology, New Testament Theology, Modern Theology, etc.