The Twelve Stones of the Korean Church

Celebrating the 140-year legacy of the Korean church, this session traces its incredible journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global missionary force. Drawing from the biblical image of the 12 stones in Joshua 4, Korean church leaders reflect on key moments like the 1907 Pyongyang Revival and the church’s role in Korea’s independence and post-war recovery. The session highlights how prayer, the Holy Spirit, and early missionaries shaped a resilient church that now leads in global missions. While addressing contemporary challenges, including syncretism and social issues, the session ends with a strong call for the Korean church to continue declaring and displaying the gospel, aligned with Lausanne’s focus on justice, reconciliation, and holistic mission.

Talk Outline

00:00 Introduction
02:08 Historical Context of Korean Missions
14:58 The Pyongyang Revival and Its Impact
26:14 Challenges and Growth During Japanese Occupation
42:38 Post-War Reconstruction and Evangelism
54:59 Modern Missionary Movements and Global Influence
01:06:18 Current Challenges and Future Directions
01:11:13 Conclusion: Reflecting on the Past and Future

This recording is from the Fourth Lausanne Congress, held in Incheon, South Korea in September 2024. This gathering brought together global church leaders to collaborate on mission strategies for advancing the gospel. Through plenary sessions, table group discussions, and collaborative workshops, the Congress focused on addressing critical gaps in global mission today.