From the Worldwide Faith News archives www.wfn.org
Korean Disciples vote to establish seminary
From
"Office of Communications"<wshuffit@oc.disciples.org>
Date
18 Feb 2000 13:24:33
Date: February 18, 2000
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
E-mail: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org
00b-3
INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- Korean Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
clergy, disgruntled by a perceived lack of support for their education and
training needs recently voted to establish their own independent seminary.
The Korean Disciples Convocation, formerly known as the Korean Disciples
Ministers Fellowship, took the action Jan. 29 while meeting in Atlanta.
Convocation members cited being "frustrated by the continued dismissals
and (the) alarming lack of support from both the denomination and the
Disciples Seminary Foundation."
"Despite our repeated efforts and requests over the last several years
for an Asian ministers' program at any of the eight Disciples-related
seminaries, we have almost nothing to show for it," said the Rev. Sun-Chul
Kim, Chicago. "Denying future Korean Disciples congregations of clergy
educated in their special cultural and linguistic needs must and will stop
now," said the new moderator of the Korean Disciples Convocation.
The new institution, to be located in Southern California, is geared
toward meeting the pastoral leadership needs of predominantly Korean
congregations. While no specific location has been identified, it may be
established in Los Angeles, according to the Rev. Geunhee Yu,
Indianapolis, executive pastor of American Asian Ministries.
Funding for the new institution mainly will come from Korean Disciples
congregations and individuals. Geunhee Yu also hopes for cooperation and
assistance from other Disciples-related organizations.
The first academic offerings will consist of continuing education
opportunities for Korean lay and clergy leaders. Those are slated to begin
in September. Formal degree work possibly will begin in 2001, according to
the executive pastor.
The initial class will likely be 30 to 35 persons. At full capacity, the
student body is expected to comprise 200 to 300.
While Korean-speaking Disciples will make up the faculty roster,
convocation leaders envision non-Korean Disciples also assisting with the
teaching load. "The ultimate goal is to secure ATS (Association of
Theological Schools) accreditation -- but we have a long way to go," Yu
said. "Until then we will do our best to produce well-trained and
well-equipped ministers."
He conceded, however, that those who graduate before the school receives
accreditation could face challenges when pursuing ordination. Graduates of
non-ATS accredited schools, in particular, can have difficulty being
approved for ordination and ministerial standing.
Korean Disciples candidates will continue to be presented to existing
regional ministry commissions, Yu said. If difficulties develop, the
Korean Convocation is prepared to ordain ministry candidates.
This is not what I really want to happen," Yu said. "But there is no
choice. Our churches need the people."
-- end --
Browse month . . .
Browse month (sort by Source) . . .
Advanced Search & Browse . . .
WFN Home