Brief History of Hap-Jung Presbyterian Denomination
This brief history will sketch the basics elements of the past of HJPD, such as the background circumstance, the development process of HJPD, the establishment and development process of HJPD Seminary Theology School, organizations, the result of growth of HJPD churches, changes and current position compare with other
denominations in Korea.
The Birth of the Hap-Jung Presbyterian Denomination
The Chosun Christianity Presbyterian Church had been one and only Presbyterian denomination since it was organized in Pyong-yang in 1912 with the exception of the separation of Go-Shin Presbyterian Church. But it was separated into two major
denominations, known as the Hap Tong Presbyterian Church (Evangelical group) and the Tong Hap Presbyterian Church (Ecumenical), in 1959. Later The Hap Tong Presbyterian
Church (Evangelical) was again separated into the “main stream” group and “non-main stream” group. In the midst of this separation the Hap Tong Jinli (“Truth”) Presbyterian Church was formed into a new Presbyterian denomination in 1978.300
In 1981, the Hap Tong Jinli (“Truth”) Presbyterian Church merged with the Hap Dong EunHye (“Grace”) Presbyterian Church into a new denomination, named Hap Dong Jinli Yeonhap Church. In 1982, this new denomination changed its name into the current, unified Hap-Jung Presbyterian Denomination (HJPD).301
This denomination has experienced dynamic growth under the leadership of Jong-Hyun Chang. Jong-Hyun Chang received from God a call of establishing an
evangelical Christian educational institution to train young leaders of HJPD based on the Scriptures, the theological ideas of Reformists and mission mind. So he established the Korean Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1976.302 Discipline and strong teaching are key components of the fabric of the Korean Evangelical Theological Seminary. In order to develop this school and facilitate more growth, he also established “Cheonan
University in 1994.”303 Cheonan University has undergone a name change to Baekseok University in May 2006. Jong-Hyun Chang has dramatically developed and transformed
300In the evangelical general assembly of Korean Presbyterian Church, they announced a
declaration to become a denomination and elected Jong-Hyun Chang as the first chairman. Chang’s vision and passion for Christian education in Korea was almost same as those of Jerry Falwell in America. He played an important role in building a theological seminary for educating pastors and developing leaders of HJPD churches. HJPD churches and its seminary owe a great deal to Chang in the rapid development of today.
301For more detailed information. Go to the website, http://www.pgak.net.
302For more detailed information. Go to the website, http://www.pgak.net.
303The purpose of education of Cheonan University is to embody the philosophy of establishing the university, to educate students about Christian humanism and provide customer-centered education, information-related education and globalization education for students. Through this process, Cheonan University can cultivate students armed with humanity and creative knowledge fit for the 21st century. For more detailed information. Go to the website, http://www.cheonan.ac.kr/english/index.html.
his appointed mission through his calling, much prayer, and passion. Under the power of God and his distinguished leadership, Jong-Hyun Chang has had great influence on a number of Korean pastors. Particularly, Chang has provided unique leadership for
developing the HJPD and the Theological Seminary within slightly over 30 years, similar to the time line of Liberty University.304 He played a dominant role in facilitating
unification among the churches through regular meetings of leaders and local church pastors, and founding the seminaries and universities resulting in better equipping future Christian leaders in Korea.
The Growth of the Hap-Jung Presbyterian Denomination 1. The state of the denomination in 1981305
Number of
2. The present situation in 2006306
Number of
304For more than 35 years, Liberty University has produced graduates with the values, knowledge, and skills required to impact the world. Founded by Jerry Falwell in 1971, Liberty University is a private, coeducational, undergraduate and graduate institution. The University offers 38 undergraduate and 15 graduate programs. Their 4,400-acre campus serves over 20,000 resident and external students. Individuals from all 50 states and more than 70 nations make up our diverse student body. Liberty University is nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and located on the south bank of the historic James River, in a region rich in history, culture, and outdoor recreational opportunities. For more detailed information. Go to the website, http://www.liberty.edu
305For more detailed information. Go to the website, http://www.pgak.net
306For more detailed information. Go to the website, http://www.pgak.net.
According to the tables above, between 1981 and 2006, the growth rate in the number of churches is 570%, the rate of increase in the number of religious worker is 640%, the rate of increase in the number of saints is 758.6%, the rate of increase in the number of assemblies is 300% and the rate of increase in the number of missionaries is 14, 100%, in just 25 years. The results of this comparison represent a great miracle in the expansion of His kingdom on earth, particularly when comparing the growth with other denominations. Obviously, anything is possible with God! He can do more in one day, than we can do in 1,000 years of strategies and plans.
In spite of the short twenty-eight year history of the HJPD, as compared with other denominational groups, it has experienced rapid growth and established new churches all over Korea and throughout the world. The growth rate of the HJPD, from 1997 to 2003, was 26.5%,307 much higher than the average annual Korean Church growth (3.9%) and they have 189 churches with over 1,000 members until 2003. This places it third among all denominations in Korea. The HJPD growth rate of saints, in regards to number of saints, is fourth in all denominations in Korea.308 HJPD will continue to grow, by God’s grace. They have a goal of 5,000 churches before 2010.
The Organization of the Hap-Jung Presbyterian Denomination
After HJPD was founded, they have several important organizations, including its training center for developing new pastors and church leaders. In Seoul, there are now
307Joint Production HanMiZun, the Korea Institute of Public Opinion, Future Report of the Korean Church, 305.
308Ibid., 304-305.
two undergraduate theological seminaries, two graduate seminaries, and three liberal arts colleges, in conjunction with the HJPD.
Since the HJPD is very mission oriented, the role of the missions committee is of primary importance. Currently, the committee supports 141 Korean missionaries who are working in 16 different countries.309
HJPD consists of twelve departments, nine subcommittees, five special
committees, one overseeing federation, and one newspaper publishing company.310
Analysis of Data of the Hap-Jung Presbyterian Denomination Church Growth The survey was prepared and sent to 1,267 HJPD pastors in Seoul and Kyung-gi-Do, with 328 of them answering explicitly. There are some main sections in the survey, such as church information and personal questions to the pastors. Some typical questions are in reference to the size of church, the level of the pastor’s education, and so on. It asked general questions pertaining to styles of leadership, preaching, and prayer. The next section asked the factors of church growth. For example, to what extent the growth of a healthy and highly effective church depends on the power of prayer. The third section requested actual data, facts and figures of current church ministry, style and personality of the worship service, evangelism strategy and style, assimilation for new church membership, making disciples, ministry focus, and community service, spiritual gifts, and so on. The last and fourth section asked the question: “What do you think are the solutions and alternative plans for effective growth for HJPD churches for the next ten years?”
309For more detailed information. Go to the website, http://www.pgak.net.
310Ibid.