1/28/24 The flow and order of worship will be adjusted.

The flow and order of worship will be adjusted.

The text "Solidarity" was placed on the front page of the church homepage. I added the word "Unity" to mean union and connection, as I believe it carries a deeper meaning. Our church strives to build a biblical community while actively working towards saving souls and making disciples. A key characteristic of a biblical church is the natural occurrence of "biblical division of ministry," leading to solidarity and unity. In this model, the pastor focuses on pastoral duties, and the congregation engages in their respective roles, utilizing the gifts and love bestowed by the Lord to build the body of Christ and reach maturity as a community (Ephesians 4:11-16).

The year 2024 is anticipated to be a remarkable time when "winter will pass, the rain will stop, and we will hear the voice of the Lord, rising up and going with the Lord" (Song of Songs 2:10-13). The primary prayer focus for this year is for "Sunday worship to be filled with abundant grace," and for believers to gain strength. Worship services rich in grace are viewed as an essential lifeline for believers.

Starting from February, there will be a change in the order of Sunday worship. A worship leader will be appointed to lead the beginning of the service, with praise time as the first order of worship. This adjustment aims to allow all participating believers to engage in heartfelt and mindful praise.

During worship, praise is emphasized as a special place of grace. Gratitude is expressed to the praise team for their dedicated work despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 situation. All believers, whether they have contributed previously or are interested in praise ministry, are encouraged to dedicate themselves and participate in various ways.

Sunday service prayers, previously centered around shepherds, will now include time for offerings during worship. Those making offerings are requested to write a thank-you-statement on the offering envelope, and online donors are encouraged to prepare a thank-you-statement and place it in the offering box. Video advertisements may be used to ensure a smooth flow of worship. The hope is that testimonies of salvation and ministry will continue to be shared during worship services, with a life study completion ceremony scheduled for February 11th, providing an opportunity for abundant testimonies.

The pastor's dream is for believers to connect with each other, ensuring a well-organized order of worship, allowing them to deeply encounter the Lord through worship. - from Pastor Choi

Thanks for 2023 VBS [n-8]

Last Thursday, we successfully concluded the "2023 Worship Frontier Church School Summer VBS" with abundant grace. As I observed this VBS, I realized there are countless reasons to be thankful. First and foremost, I express my gratitude to God for blessing us with favorable weather. I am also grateful to the children and our friends who enthusiastically participated. My heartfelt appreciation goes to the dedicated teachers who served diligently. Additionally, the invaluable contribution of young volunteer teachers breathed life into the VBS program. I extend my thanks to all the volunteers, including the young people. This VBS overflowed with God's love, the unwavering dedication and love of the teachers, and it seems the children wholeheartedly embraced the joy, happiness, and love of God throughout the entire event. It was evident that they were having a great time even after all the activities concluded.

The journey from a church school established with the commitment of one child and one teacher to hosting a summer VBS has become a precious testimony of God's work. Although it started as a small church school, with the grace and guidance of the Lord, the teachers remained committed, and through the immense interest of parents and support from members, it has grown miraculously. It is a testament to prayer answered and the amazing grace of God. Particularly, I experienced the tremendous strength of uniting in prayer as one heart within the church's intercessory prayer team, during our time at the ranch, and through early morning prayer sessions. Despite the ever-changing weather conditions, until the day before, it remained cloudy and the temperature was not particularly high. However, on Thursday, the weather became perfect for the children to actively participate.

Moving forward, during the summer and the latter half of 2023, our Worship Frontier Church School will experience a further revival. It is my sincere hope and blessing that not only the teachers but also the parents wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to "co-parenting," recognizing the church's responsibility towards our children in this era.

As summer intensifies, let us continue to pray as one, acknowledge God's work unfolding around us, and lead a life of faith, humbly engaging in the Lord's endeavors. - Pastor Choi

Envisioning a church with actively involved young people

"The church lives only when the young people live!" - A declaration I passionately shouted as a young-adult ministry pastor for four years from 1999. Through prayer and the dedication of the young-adult, the church was established and continues to thrive even after two decades. One young man I mentored is now the pastor of the church's youngadult group, carrying out remarkable ministry. When young people live, the church is established.

I began the ministry with a group of approximately 30 young individuals. I firmly believed that the life of the church determines the well-being of the nation, and in turn, the nations of the world. Our enthusiasm led to a vibrant Sunday youth service, weekly leadership training, and spontaneous gatherings after worship, fostering both quantitative and qualitative revival. Numerous small groups were formed, resulting in a powerful impact.

In 2002, during the final year of my ministry, we sent short-term mission training teams to six countries. Personally visiting a church in Singapore, known for its active engagement of young people, left a lasting impression. The church continued to hold gatherings, not only on Sundays and Saturdays, but also throughout the week near schools and workplaces.

This fueled my desire to witness a church where young people are truly alive. Consequently, I chose to study in the United States, bidding farewell to the church at the end of the year. After two decades, living in Boston, a city teeming with schools and students, I long to practically engage with young people and campus students. As summer approaches and the fall semester looms, I fervently pray for the Lord's wisdom, power, and love to be poured upon me and our congregation. May we become a church that saves young people and blesses nations. "I long to witness a church where the young generation is alive and thriving." - Pastor Choi

While doing Summer VBS Valentier [n-6]

On June 22, 2023, our church will be hosting a summer Vacation Bible School (VBS) for the first time in a long while. I am filled with gratitude towards God, our dedicated teachers, and everyone who has contributed to creating this precious opportunity. I also want to express my appreciation to the parents who have supported us and the volunteers who have joyfully offered their help. While there may be some shortcomings, I am thankful that we have the chance to hold the summer VBS in my spacious backyard. As the person in charge of lunch, I am excited to serve homemade hamburgers and barbecue.

In 2004, during my second year in the United States, Evergreen Church in Austin, Texas organized a summer VBS. It was a hot summer, but we had a group of passionate teachers and volunteers who participated with great enthusiasm. Since both the children from my family and those from <Mokjang> were attending, I volunteered with the intention of taking care of the kids. Even though it has been nearly 20 years, I still vividly remember the time when we created a balloon arch-shaped entrance by blowing up countless balloons. The hallway filled with balloons brought so much joy to the children as they entered and exited the place. The teachers' dedication to the children and the love shown by parents and church members left a lasting impression. We became a close-knit community, supporting and praying for one another.

Reflecting on my own experiences of going to church as a child and adolescent, there are many precious memories. One of the most significant aspects was how the word of God gradually took root in our hearts and lives through worship services and Bible study time. While everyone's experiences may vary, what stands out to me the most is the warmth and service of the teachers. In my youth, there was a high school senior at the church I attended who was about to graduate. As a graduation trip, we went to Gyeryongsan Mountain, which, although not very high, presented challenges with its snowy trails. Some students were unprepared for winter hiking, lacking suitable clothes and shoes. However, two church teachers, one of whom was a young member of the congregation, led us and provided much-needed assistance to struggling students. When we reached the summit after a difficult climb of one or two hours, the young teacher, who had other commitments, decided to leave promptly to keep his appointment. I can still vividly recall his hurried departure and the gratefulness I felt towards him.

As we look forward to the VBS in 2023, we pray for God's blessings upon our children, teachers, volunteers, and parents. May everyone involved find joy in serving and may the event be a source of blessings for all. We ask for prayers for the children's safety and good weather throughout the remaining period. Furthermore, we hope that the preparations go smoothly, allowing not only our children but also their friends to participate and benefit from the VBS experience. Thank you for joining us in prayer and support.

- Pastor Choi

To become a member of WFC [n-5]

Pastors and believers who rejoice in the calling of building a biblical church that pleases God should live with certain qualities in their hearts. Firstly, they should have a right understanding of the kingdom of God. It is important to recognize that God is not a failure. Despite the difficulties of history and the darkness of certain situations, the kingdom of God has never withered, as one pastor once said. This understanding brings hope and perseverance.

Secondly, pastors and believers should strive to establish their church as a living community of faith based on the teachings of the Bible. This means cultivating <the spirituality of God's family> within the church. By fostering an atmosphere of genuine faith, love, and unity, the church can truly embody the values and principles of God's kingdom.

With these goals in mind, Worship Frontier Church is planning to initiate <the process of registering members> and establishing a community of active participants. This membership process aims to provide a solid foundation for a church that not only saves souls but also disciples and equips believers, takes responsibility for the education of children, and revitalizes the younger generation.

To become a member of WFC,

there are two types of memberships available: Registered Member and Active Member. Here are the steps for each:

1. Registered Member:

   - Non-believers (VIP):

     - Attend the New Family Class, which includes the Member Registration Class (Class 1) and the optional Jesus reception meeting (Class 2).

     - Participate in Mokjang and attend Sunday Worship.

   - Believers: (Those who have been baptized and actively involved in their previous church)  

     - Attend the New Family Class, including the Member Registration Class (Class 1) and the required Jesus reception meeting (Class 2).

     - Engage in Mokjang and attend Sunday service.

   - The application for registration should be completed and submitted by the Mokjang shepherd.

2. Active Member (with voting rights):

•    -Non-believers (VIP):

     - Attend the Jesus reception meeting (reception/baptism).

     - Complete the Living Life Class (Bible Study).

     - Engage in 1-on-1 ministry (co-parenting).

•    - Believers: (Those who have been baptized and actively involved in their previous church)

     - Complete the Living Life Class (Bible Study) within one year of registration.

     - Engage in 1-on-1 ministry (co-parenting).

To participate in the Mokjang (Ranch):

1. Non-believers (VIP):

   - VIPs who participate in the Mokjang are automatically assigned as members of the Mokjang that was already participating.

   - VIPs visiting the church will be assigned to a Mokjang after meeting with Pastor Choi.

2. Believers:

   - Those who have been baptized and actively involved in their previous church and wish to register at WFC Church to fulfill the vision of becoming a biblical church (New Testament Church) should follow these steps:

     1) Have an interview with the pastor, including writing and sharing a personal faith testimony.

     2) Attend the New Family Class, including the Member Registration Class (Class 1) and the Jesus reception meeting (Class 2).

     3) Visit up to two Mokjangs to determine which one to participate in.

     4) Participate in the chosen Mokjang for four consecutive weeks.

     5) Commit to attending the Living Life Class within one year.

     6) Submit the registration application form (to be completed by the Mokjang shepherd).

These steps will guide you through the process of becoming a registered member or an active member of WFC, as well as participating in the Mokjang..

Keeping in mind that it is more important to practice steadily than to plan well, I ask that your deep prayers be with you. - Pastor Choi

Mokjang - A House Church Emphasizing God's Presence (n-4)

Title: Mokjang - A House Church Emphasizing God's Presence

The bulletin's first page features a symbolic image representing the church. It conveys the idea that the church is not merely a physical structure but a community of people who share a <community with family spirituality>. The early church, as described in the New Testament, often gathered in <homes> (Rom 16:5). Hence, we consider Mokjang not just a meeting place but rather a <House Church>, a church that gathers in homes.

The Importance of Mokjang:

Understanding the primary purpose of Mokjang is crucial since it is a church. The most significant aspect of Mokjang revolves around <God's Presence>. Consequently, the shepherd must diligently prepare Mokjang, seeking God's presence through prayer. Likewise, Mokjang members should actively anticipate experiencing God's presence throughout the various stages of Mokjang. When we gather in Mokjang, we encounter God's love. In the presence of the "God of love," we listen to each other's stories and offer prayers for one another. Through Mokjang, our <emotional aspect> is nurtured, leading to healing and transformation.

Comparison with Sunday Worship:

In Sunday worship, we experience the presence of the "Holy God." However, the purpose of Sunday worship extends beyond praising and worshiping God or being moved by God's Word. We also dedicate ourselves and make a <choice and determination with faith>. Through worship, we examine and fill our <willful attitude before God>. Furthermore, through <Life study> in Bible study sessions, our <intellectual aspect> is renewed in the presence of "the God of truth."

Importance of Sermon Summary in Mokjang:

It is essential to read the <Sermon Summary> during Mokjang as it holds significant value in maintaining the order of communion(meal), praise, Word, and prayer for <God's Presence>. We have recently completed a <14-week intercessory prayer session> during Mokjang. Now, let us focus on reading <Sermon Summary>. Pastor Choi will prepare the sermon summary and send it to the shepherds, who will then share it with their respective Mokjang members. The shepherd should designate a person responsible for reading the <Sermon Summary> by applying the <1 Person, 1 Ministry Principle>, ensuring the participation of all Mokjang members in ministry. We encourage active involvement from Mokjang members, excluding those already participating in ministry roles (such as shepherd, praise leader, prayer topic recorder, and missionary manager). Additionally, after reading the sermon summary, it is also recommended to read the <Pastor's Corner> together according to the situation and needs of Mokjang members.

Conclusion:

Today, I shared about the strengthening of Mokjang through the <Sermon Summary> to foster a Mokjang filled with <God's Presence>. May we become <Worship Frontier Mokjangs> that pleases God. - Pastor Choi

Note: This article was written in English with the help of Prompt Genie and ChatGpt, based on Pastor Choi's Korean column.