The Joy of Learning from Mature Leaders
Last week, I participated in the International House Church Board in Taiwan as the representative of the Oceania region. The director of the International House Church Ministries is Pastor SooKwan Lee of Seoul Baptist Church of Houston, and about 30 pastors and missionaries from various countries and regions attended with their spouses.
The event was hosted by Taoyuan Baptist Our Church in Taoyuan, Taiwan, and Missionary TaeJoon Song and his wife graciously served us as interpreters and guides. Taiwan is a small country, about one-third the size of South Korea, with a population of around 23 million. Only about 4% of the population are Christians. Wherever you go, you see temples where Buddhism and Taoism are blended, making it a challenging environment for spreading the gospel. Nevertheless, I was grateful to learn that there are about six local Taiwanese House Churches and six Korean missionary-led House Churches in the area.
The International House Church Board gathers once a year. This is because the leaders of the board, who are pastors of House Churches, are elected on a three-year rotation, and they may not know each other well. Meeting in person and conversing face-to-face definitely helps build close relationships quickly.
On the first day, we spent time sharing and praying for thanksgiving and prayer requests from each leader’s ministry, much like a house church or village meeting. On the second day, we discussed the future direction of the House Church movement. During the day, we visited historical sites related to Chinese history in Taiwan and toured the National Palace Museum, which holds the largest collection of Chinese historical artifacts in Taiwan. These artifacts were brought from mainland China during the civil war, and they provided valuable insights into Chinese history and culture.
Personally, it was a joy to participate in the International House Church Board. While the main purpose was to discuss the future direction of the House Church movement with leaders from around the world, it was also a precious time of fellowship—like a 3-night, 4-day house church meeting—with mature leaders from various countries. It's easy to become like a frog in a well, unaware of our own shortcomings. But seeing mature pastors outside our own context helped us see our own limitations and the broader needs of the ministry.
To the shepherds, shepherds’ partners, and members of Sydney Crystal Church, I sincerely thank you for your prayers and support that allowed me to see and learn from a wider perspective during the Korea Conference and this Taiwan board meeting.
Word of the week
The heart that cherishes the church established by God begins with small acts of tidiness and order. Please don’t overlook even a small piece of trash on the floor—pick it up and throw it in the bin. A clean church is a reflection of our hearts.
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이동주 2025.05.31 14:00
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Last week, I participated in the International House Church Board in Taiwan as the representative of the Oceania region. The director of the International House Church Ministries is Pastor SooKwan Lee of Seoul Baptist Church of Houston, and about 30 pastors and missionaries from various countries and regions attended with their spouses.
The event was hosted by Taoyuan Baptist Our Church in Taoyuan, Taiwan, and Missionary TaeJoon Song and his wife graciously served us as interpreters and guides. Taiwan is a small country, about one-third the size of South Korea, with a population of around 23 million. Only about 4% of the population are Christians. Wherever you go, you see temples where Buddhism and Taoism are blended, making it a challenging environment for spreading the gospel. Nevertheless, I was grateful to learn that there are about six local Taiwanese House Churches and six Korean missionary-led House Churches in the area.
The International House Church Board gathers once a year. This is because the leaders of the board, who are pastors of House Churches, are elected on a three-year rotation, and they may not know each other well. Meeting in person and conversing face-to-face definitely helps build close relationships quickly.
On the first day, we spent time sharing and praying for thanksgiving and prayer requests from each leader’s ministry, much like a house church or village meeting. On the second day, we discussed the future direction of the House Church movement. During the day, we visited historical sites related to Chinese history in Taiwan and toured the National Palace Museum, which holds the largest collection of Chinese historical artifacts in Taiwan. These artifacts were brought from mainland China during the civil war, and they provided valuable insights into Chinese history and culture.
Personally, it was a joy to participate in the International House Church Board. While the main purpose was to discuss the future direction of the House Church movement with leaders from around the world, it was also a precious time of fellowship—like a 3-night, 4-day house church meeting—with mature leaders from various countries. It's easy to become like a frog in a well, unaware of our own shortcomings. But seeing mature pastors outside our own context helped us see our own limitations and the broader needs of the ministry.
To the shepherds, shepherds’ partners, and members of Sydney Crystal Church, I sincerely thank you for your prayers and support that allowed me to see and learn from a wider perspective during the Korea Conference and this Taiwan board meeting.
Word of the week
The heart that cherishes the church established by God begins with small acts of tidiness and order. Please don’t overlook even a small piece of trash on the floor—pick it up and throw it in the bin. A clean church is a reflection of our hearts.