A heart for Seoul
Seoul is a sprawling metropolis that is the growing center of global commerce and popular culture. It’s a densely populated urban city with many nations converging at the crossroad of Seoul.
Although COVID slowed down immigration to Korea, immigration has been a net positive since for 40 years from 1980 to 2020.
(In 2020) Compared to 2019, the positive net migration of Koreans increased by 222 thousand persons owing to the rise in incoming migration of Koreans (461.5%) and the drop in outgoing migration of Koreans (-31.9%). (Korea Statistics kostat.go.kr)
Interestingly during COVID, the diaspora (Koreans who lived abroad) have returned and have re-settled.
“67% of our children will lose their faith in College”
“According to 1984-2021 Gallup Korea’s Korean Religion Report, 74% in their 30s and 78% among 19-29 consider themselves non-religious.”
““Differences do exist among denominations, but youth account for only 3∼7% of all church members, becoming what is practically a lost generation.””
We see an unique opportunity for the Gospel in our generation. To reach an increasingly unchurched digital and global generation: our hope and vision is to see a church who sees, loves, equips and sends from the intersection of Seoul.
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We believe that transience is a gift from God to form our longing for an earthly home into a greater longing for our eternal one. There is a beautiful opportunity to go deeper in Christ and in community on our pilgrimage, living in the daily tension of being away from home.
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ARK is an international church of global nomads, Korean diaspora, and Korean natives who find themselves in Korea on their journey Home.
Home for the Third Culture,
the Wanderer,
Sojourner
1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
Lord of Armies.
2 I long and yearn
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh cry out for the living God.
3 Even a sparrow finds a home,
and a swallow, a nest for herself
where she places her young—
near your altars, Lord of Armies,
my King and my God.
4 How happy are those who reside in your house,
who praise you continually.
Selah
5 Happy are the people whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
they make it a source of spring water;
even the autumn rain will cover it with blessings.
7 They go from strength to strength;
each appears before God in Zion.
…
10 Better a day in your courts
than a thousand anywhere else.
I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God
than live in the tents of wicked people.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield.
The Lord grants favor and honor;
he does not withhold the good
from those who live with integrity.
12 Happy is the person who trusts in you,
Lord of Armies!
Psalms 84:1-7, 10-12