Sunday Service
- Adult 1st Service: 9AM
- Adult 2nd Service: 11AM
- Youth Service: 10:45AM
With What You Have
"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 ...
Coffee House 2003
From the Pastor’s Desk (80)
I don’t particularly enjoy brushing my teeth, but I like the benefits it brings in my life. Obviously, the most important benefit is that it protects my teeth and prevents me from getting cavities. But it also gives me a very refreshing taste and feeling afterwards. That’s why I often say, “Ah-----!” after I finish brushing my teeth.
Coffee House 2003 was such a success that it left me with a refreshing taste in my heart. When I think of the event, I still find myself saying, “Ah-----!” And I am sure ...
Let Common Sense Prevail
"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 ...
My Successor
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 ...
Baptism Episodes
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 ...
Let Us Be The Source Of God’s Blessing
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 ...
Mission Trip Funding
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 ...