Meeting students at the Methodist Theological University

     Yesterday was a long day, so I didn't manage to write a blog post so I am writing it on Friday evening. I went to the Methodist college where Dr Donghwan Kim is a lecturer. He came to Worcester Park Baptist in the summer and his wife has been attending the church. Here is a picture of me with him and some of his students outside the university.

The young man to the right of me, as you look at the photo, spoke good English and is wanting to become a Methodist Minister in South Korea. The woman next to Dr Kim is doing a PhD in John Wesley, and is learning English. It was good to talk to them, as students in their late twenties, and to see their understanding of the Korean church and culture. It is quite different from the older generation. I am finding there is a quite a gap between the generations in terms of their thinking and understanding of faith. Although the Korean churches are quite large they are loosing the young generation. Partly they believe this is because faith is not deeply embedded within the people so when struggles and hardships come they are just looking for God to bless them rather than having a faith that endures. They are just into a faith that is all about getting a blessing. 

After enjoying an Italian meal; I was then interviewed by Dongwan , and the students asked questions. Here is a picture of the students that went to the seminar.

 They wanted to know the work we do in the church for children and families, how the churches in the UK are responding to ethical issues, and how to disciple young people. It came obvious through our time together that the issues they face are not that dissimilar to the issues we encounter. I was drawn to say to them that the UK have not got all the answers to these issues. We don't have the  formula to apply, but rather we all need to recognise that neither country has it all sorted and recognise we face these issues together, as equal partners. From conversations I have had so far I feel quite passionate that we need to come together as Christians from different cultures around Jesus. Jesus came to transform us and bring about a new culture; the culture of God. That is what we are called to do, and unite around that.