Main Characteristics

 

■ The Church in Growth

Through 120 years, the KMC now consists of 12 Conferences, 213 districts, 5,692 churches, and 1,508,434 church members. Since 2003, in particular, the KMC have been moving forward by the ‘Three Million Believers Movement’.

 

■ The Church in Spirituality

The church growth in Korea is a consequence of spiritual movements. The Wonsan Spiritual Movement ignited by Robert A. Hardie in 1903 is a great heritage of Korean Christianity. These spiritual and revival movements were embodied into everyday life such as early morning prayer, Bible reading, Sunday service, and piety in daily life.

 

■ The Church with Suffering Nation

The KMC is the church struggling against Japanese colonialism. Nine figures of the thirty three national representatives in March First Movement were Methodists. The KMC was the center for independent movements, education, and sanctuary for the nation. Also, the KMC played a decisive role in human right movements from the 1970’s to the 1980’s.

 

■ The Church of World Mission

The KMC is the first Korean church sending missionary to abroad. Now, there are 701 Korean Methodist missionaries in 71 countries in six continents.

 

■ The Church of Laity and Female Leadership

From the early part of the KMC history, the contribution of laity has been a significant part of the KMC’s development. Laity associations, organizations, and networks in the KMC have actively functioned. Especially, in 1955, the KMC firstly ordained females. According to Methodist legislation, 30 percentage of females participation in most committees is guaranteed.

 

■ The Church Serving Society and Neighbors

There are 78 Methodist social welfare organizations and 137 welfare foundations. And 499 social establishments are managed by individual Methodist churches. Besides, the KMC also supports migrant workers and aids some parts of the world facing problems such as disasters, famines, accidents, and wars.

 

■ The Church for the Reunification of Korea

The KMC helps North Koreans, runs the projects for settling down North Korean refuges, and supports Pyungyang Theological College which belongs to Josun Christian Federation in North Korea. The KMC regards all of these as the significant works for reconciliation and peace.