Parents need to invest time and effort into child rearing. In the past, with large extended families living in close proximity, child rearing didn't require as much effort because children had many models to observe and learn from. These days parents are the only source children have to learn proper behavior. So young parents need to make a conscientious effort to learn about parenting, for example by reading books or taking parenting classes. If I had to list the two most important words for parenting, they would be love and responsibility. I think all good parenting principles hinge upon these two things. Most parents know how to love reasonably ...

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"If my house church member called me at 2 AM with a flat tire I would be there right away... but I wouldn't have the first clue what to do for him." A shepherd admitted this sheepishly during his recent appointment ceremony. When I interview shepherd candidates I usually encourage them to be someone a house church member wouldn't hesitate to call, even if he has an accident at 2 in the morning. This shepherd was referring to that. I could understand where he was coming from - he's a scholarly type, and not particularly mechanical. He is currently in the PhD program in economics at Rice University. Even though I'm the one who posed the challenge to ...

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"Common sense must become commonplace before miracles do." Pastor Eric once made this remark while preaching to the Korean congregation. He was referencing a famous sermon entitled "The Church Where Miracles Become Commonplace". I agree with this - a church should be a place where members expect extraordinary things to happen. But a church should also be a place where ordinary things such as courtesy and common sense are respected. Some Christians, although few in number, seem to consider themselves above these kinds of things. So let me mention a few common sense things which should be respected in our church. I almost feel foolish saying something ...

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Brother Lee quit his job as a district manager at LG at the end of March to concentrate on his seminary studies. He had actually submitted his resignation about 2 years ago to go into full time ministry. However, the company begged him to stay, promising to give him enough time to take a few seminary courses concurrently. So until now he has been studying part time. Now he will be a full time seminary student. Since he will serve as one our staff members, our church will support him financially. As for his ministry responsibilities, he will continue to serve as a shepherd, lead one of the Bible courses our church offers and lead the 6 week premari...

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We have baptism ceremonies almost every week. There's a long list of people waiting to be baptized but I try not to baptize more than 8 people a week. Otherwise the worship service can get too long. Baptism is a solemn occasion but we have had our share of lighter moments. Some larger members do not trust my strength. Several have said to me with a worried look, "I am pretty heavy. Can you handle me OK?" Let me assure you that this is not a problem. The buoyancy of water makes it relatively easy to support any person's weight. If there is a problem it is usually not because a person is too heavy but because a person is too tall. Our baptismal tub ...

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A certain businessman was appointed as a shepherd. As is the custom in our church he stood on the pulpit during our monthly shepherds' meeting and said how honored he felt and he promised to serve God and his brothers and sisters in the Lord faithfully. Another businessman was in the audience that meeting. He had not received payment from the newly appointed shepherd in quite some time for merchandise he had sold him. This man later told others that he felt bitter listening to the new shepherd. He could not help but think, "Why doesn't he pay off his debt first before he serves others?" Another member of our church told her friend how God answered ...

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Recently, more people have been asking if the church can help financially with their mission trips. Let me lay out our church's policies regarding mission trip funding. The annual mission trips to Mexico and the well-digging projects in South America are sponsored by the church. So the church will fund the entire cost of these trips except airfare. Participants are responsible for transportation. The church will pay 1/3 to 1/2 of the total cost for mission trips initiated by Seoul Baptist. In the future, Pastor Shin, when he is in charge of both the Korean and English speaking congregations, may want to visit areas where the gospel has not yet been ...

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