"Church Renewal: Rev. David Kim Leads Congregation to New Growth" Saint Paul School of Theology in Leawood, Kansas, United States for Wednesday, 1 June 2016
Church Renewal: Rev. David Kim Leads Congregation to New Growth
When Rev. Dawe "David" Kim, MDiv '11, received his appointment at Central Korean United Methodist Church in Overland Park, his congregation was small. With a congregation of only sixteen members in 2013, Pastor Kim knew that church renewal was only possible with God. "At that time, I spent most of my time in prayer," said Pastor Kim.
When Rev. Dawe "David" Kim, MDiv '11, received his appointment at Central Korean United Methodist Church in Overland Park, his congregation was small. With a congregation of only sixteen members in 2013, Pastor Kim knew that church renewal was only possible with God. "At that time, I spent most of my time in prayer," said Pastor Kim.
David Kim interviewed and was chosen to be one of seven Resurrection Scholars when he attended Saint Paul. The program had a three-pronged approach with a Church Leadership class taught be a seminary professor, an internship/practical application portion at Church of the Resurrection, and a small group reflection time with a pastoral leader to discuss pastoral issues that they had encountered. "The Resurrection Scholars program was designed to make faithful leaders to change the world,"he said. "I was able to learn many leadership skills and observe Rev. Adam Hamilton and their leadership team as I developed a pastoral mind."
Reverend Kim learned that it was not enough to be satisfied with the status quo. He assessed the needs of those currently in the church but also in the rest of the area. He soon
realized was that not all immigrant families were available on Sundays for worship. Many of the parents had to work. David began a Praise and Worship service on Friday evenings at 9:00 p.m. At first there was some push-back. Friday evenings are generally considered a "fun" night."God gives us his best, why don't we give Him some of our best time as well?" Pastor Kim explained. He also began early morning prayer services at 5:30 a.m. Monday-Friday. As the youth population increased he implemented a contemporary service in English for second generation Korean youth to enjoy. Pastor Kim also began offering discipleship classes twice a week to challenge his congregation. He started a podcast for former sermons to be heard.
Slowly the word got out about new church practices. Pastor Kim also started implementing programs to help with hunger and other social services."Our congregation has been praying not only for this church but also for the entire community in Kansas City. We want to serve people in need,"he said. The congregation believes in serving others first. In 2014, the mission team renovated a United Methodist Church's children's room. This year, the congregation pledged to send money every month to support an Indian missionary and his ministries in the slums of Mumbai, India.
Central Korean UMC now has 110 people in attendance. They have an
orchestra and church choir. There is an interpreter and translating devices so that guests can hear the sermon in English. Sounds of happy children can be heard from the Sunday School rooms. Congregation members can smell the sweet smell of kimchi when they enter the building every Sunday. All are encouraged to stay for fellowship and a shared meal after worship.
"Church leadership is not easy,"said David Kim. "I have found that you will not always be liked." Pastor Kim explains that he daily prays for God's guidance as he brings about change and church renewal.
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With your help...Raising up Visionary Leaders!
Saint Paul educates leaders for local communities and the world. Saint Paul School of Theology continues to be a seminary without debt! Your gift directly supports our students' formation and education. As we approach our fiscal year end please prayerfully consider making a tax deductible gift.
realized was that not all immigrant families were available on Sundays for worship. Many of the parents had to work. David began a Praise and Worship service on Friday evenings at 9:00 p.m. At first there was some push-back. Friday evenings are generally considered a "fun" night."God gives us his best, why don't we give Him some of our best time as well?" Pastor Kim explained. He also began early morning prayer services at 5:30 a.m. Monday-Friday. As the youth population increased he implemented a contemporary service in English for second generation Korean youth to enjoy. Pastor Kim also began offering discipleship classes twice a week to challenge his congregation. He started a podcast for former sermons to be heard.
Slowly the word got out about new church practices. Pastor Kim also started implementing programs to help with hunger and other social services."Our congregation has been praying not only for this church but also for the entire community in Kansas City. We want to serve people in need,"he said. The congregation believes in serving others first. In 2014, the mission team renovated a United Methodist Church's children's room. This year, the congregation pledged to send money every month to support an Indian missionary and his ministries in the slums of Mumbai, India.
Central Korean UMC now has 110 people in attendance. They have an
orchestra and church choir. There is an interpreter and translating devices so that guests can hear the sermon in English. Sounds of happy children can be heard from the Sunday School rooms. Congregation members can smell the sweet smell of kimchi when they enter the building every Sunday. All are encouraged to stay for fellowship and a shared meal after worship.
"Church leadership is not easy,"said David Kim. "I have found that you will not always be liked." Pastor Kim explains that he daily prays for God's guidance as he brings about change and church renewal.
____________________________________________
With your help...Raising up Visionary Leaders!
Saint Paul educates leaders for local communities and the world. Saint Paul School of Theology continues to be a seminary without debt! Your gift directly supports our students' formation and education. As we approach our fiscal year end please prayerfully consider making a tax deductible gift.
1. Make an annual, quarterly, or monthly tax deductible gift. www.spst.edu/giving
2. Remember Saint Paul in your will or estate plan. The gift costs you nothing during your
lifetime.
3. Give a gift of appreciated stock or securities. It may be more beneficial than giving cash.
www.spst.edu/giving
4. Fund a Saint Paul Fellow. Follow up with David Sisney to learn more:
david.sisney@spst.edu or 913.253.5080.
Thank you!
STAY IN TOUCH
Saint Paul: UM Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66224, United States
(913) 253-5000
Saint Paul: Oklahoma City University
2501 North Blackwelder Avenue
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(405) 208-5757
Saint Paul School of Theology
2. Remember Saint Paul in your will or estate plan. The gift costs you nothing during your
lifetime.
3. Give a gift of appreciated stock or securities. It may be more beneficial than giving cash.
www.spst.edu/giving
4. Fund a Saint Paul Fellow. Follow up with David Sisney to learn more:
david.sisney@spst.edu or 913.253.5080.
Thank you!
STAY IN TOUCH
Saint Paul: UM Church of the Resurrection13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66224, United States
(913) 253-5000
Saint Paul: Oklahoma City University
2501 North Blackwelder Avenue
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106, United States
(405) 208-5757
Saint Paul School of Theology
4370 West 109th Street, SUITE 300
Overland Park, Kansas 66211, United States
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