Today I worshipped at Woncheon Presbyterian Church. The church is not that far from where I'm staying. The invitation to preach there came via Pastor Abraham Ahn. Pastor Abraham has close connections with this church. Woncheon Church is quite close to Yonsei University, which is a very good Christian University. The church holds five services on a Sunday, and I preached at the afternoon service for young people. I also attended the 11:30 service. The church has about 1,500 members and has three ministers.
When I arrived Deacon Park (friend of Pastor Abraham who spent sometime at the Korean speaking church in Worcester Park Baptist) greeted me and showed me to a seat that had earphones so I could listen to a translation of the service. At about 11.15 the worship leader started leading some singing. Accompanying him was a robed choir of about 40 members, a stringed orchestra, guitar, piano, and drums. It was a wonderful, stirring sound. They sang hymns in a lively style. Hymns like All the way my Saviour leads me, and Standing on the promises of Christ my King. By the time it came to 11.30 everyone was singing along and clapping before the service started. At 11.30 one of the co-pastors opened the service with a hymn, and then a confession of faith. He then led us in prayer. We then had the bible reading from Acts 16: 6-10. After this the choir sang a piece, and then the offering was taken. We then watched a video about a mission that was taking place by the church, and it was very professionally made. There was then some more notices including a welcome from the senior pastor to me. The choir then sang one more piece before the senior minister spoke for about 30 mins on the passage in Acts 16:6-10. Through the translation I could tell that he was talking about the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, and the need to rely on it, just as Paul did through his missionary journey. We then sung another hymn and the service finished.
Afterwards I had lunch at a Japanese restaurant. There was lots of dishes, including raw fish, it was very good. I then met the senior pastor, who was very friendly; although he didn't speak much English, we were able to hold a little conversation. He couldn't get over how young I was! I then went to join the 100 young people at their afternoon service. A similar format of worship songs, prayers, welcome, notices, bible reading, and then I was invited to preach. I was asked to preach in English, but to speak slowly, and to have simple sentences. I was told about 70% would have understood, and the 30% who didn't speak English, a Korean American pastor summarised the sermon. It became clear to me that my English accent is something of a novelty, and some of the younger lads found it a bit amusing, I think they are used to American's. I don't think they are used to women either. However, it was good to share with them and I could tell some of them were with me in what I was saying. They seemed to be interested in the 'British style of preaching', don't think I've been aware of that I have a 'British style' before (but then again I am British!), but I was also told I was easy to understand which was good.
I think I'm now getting used to the 'Korean' style of worship, and interestingly there isn't much difference between Baptist's, Presbyterian's and Methodists in terms of worship style; all seem to be broadly quite similar. The churches I have been in have been quite big, ready to welcome and guide me through, and especially help me with some of the language difficulties; and hospitable and generous. I think we have something to learn from the 'Korean style' in our ' British churches.'
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