김정석 감독회장, 연세대 140주년 행사에서 영어로 기조연설해
2025-10-16 10:48
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이 행사는 개신교 선교 및 연세대 개교 140주년을 기념하며 연세대학교에서 국내외 기독교 대학 총장 및 기독교 단체장들을 초청해 대학교육을 주제로 개최한 국제컨퍼런스 성격이다. 기감에서는 김정석 감독회장을 비롯해 감리회본부 임원들과 부장들이 참석했으며 다른 교파에서는 예장통합 김영걸 총회장(당시)이 축사를 전했다. 대학에서는 연세대 윤동섭 총장, 이화여대 이향숙 총장, 그리고 일본 관서 가쿠인 대학(1876년 설립)의 모토 나카미치 총장 등이 축사했다.
120여 명이 참석한 첫째 날 개회순서의 기조연설에 앞서 설교자로 나선 김정석 감독회장은 "Missional Significance of Christion Higher Education for the Next Generation"이라는 제목으로 연세대가 보여준 선교적, 교육적 사명을 거론하며 다음세대를 위한 크리스천 고등교육의 중요성에 관해 강조했다. (아래 하단에 게재한 설교원문 참조)
9월 26일(금)까지 이어진 컨퍼런스는 연세대학교 출신 인사들뿐만 아니라 국제 석학들이 모여 급변하는 과학기술시대에 윤리적인 인간 생명과 기독교적인 신앙윤리를 성찰하고 학문적 성취와 기독교적 가치를 융합해 새로운 교육 모델을 제시함으로써 생명 의학, 인공지능 및 기술, 인문학 및 기독교 선교 등 다양한 분야를 아우르는 학문 간 대화의 시도라는 평가를 받고 있다.
김정석 감독회장의 설교 영어원문
Missional Significance of Christian Higher Education for the Next Generation
Greetings, everyone!
Thanks to Yonsei University for having us.
This year is super special because it marks 140 years since Protestant missions started in Korea and 140 years since Yonsei University was founded as a Christian institution.
Christian universities like Yonsei have played a huge role in shaping Korean society, and the amazing graduates they produce are leading South Korea today.
Christian higher education in Korea has been all about promoting freedom, equality, and even supporting the anti-Japanese independence movement.
It's helped students develop critical thinking and make ethical decisions.
Christian leaders have learned to discuss complex issues in modern society logically and persuasively. These universities have been crucial in helping people grow spiritually, which in turn transforms society.
But here's the thing: institutions started for missionary purposes might lose their focus and become more secular over time. So, we need to talk about the future of Christian higher education and come up with a new approach to missions. The world is changing fast, and Christian education needs to keep up. Global missions and Christian higher education require us to work together, respecting and learning from different cultures.
We need to figure out how to keep the core message of the gospel while changing how we do missions and Christian education. This way, we can make a real difference in the world through Christian values.
I want to share how South Korea, with its rapid social development, can work with the Global South to bring about God's Kingdom.
1. New Directions for Christian Higher Education in Missions
1) Connecting People, Communities, the World, and the Church
Christian higher education should aim to make God's kingdom a reality in all aspects of life, like social justice, environmental protection, and economic independence. It's about bridging the gap between individuals, communities, the world, and the church.
This isn't just about church activities; it's about making an impact on society as a whole. Our curriculum should blend faith and scholarship, so students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical problem-solving skills.
2) Building Equal Partnerships Across Diverse Culture s
When American churches first brought the gospel to Korea, it was like a parent-child relationship. Over time, it became more of a sibling dynamic, and now it's a friendship. This shows how Christian missions have evolved, and we need to rethink how we see mission fields today.
A new approach to missions means starting with equal relationships. While Christianity is declining in the West, it's growing rapidly in Asia, Africa, and South America.
Christian higher education should build these equal partnerships, respecting different cultures and clearly explaining Christian faith through logical arguments and deep theological research.
3) Using Modern Tech to Reach Future Generations
Technology and innovation are huge in modern education.
Online learning, digital resources, and social media make education more accessible and effective. Christian institutions should use these tools to connect with future generations and help them grow in both faith and knowledge. This way, students can become positive change-makers in society while living out Christian values.
2. Localizing Missions and Building Global Networks
1) Mission through Solidarity with the Global South
The center of Christian growth is shifting from the West to the Global South, including Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This is changing the future of Christianity.
Churches in the Global South have a lot of energy and passion for missions, but they also face some theological challenges.
The Korean church's deep theological understanding and educational framework can work together with these churches for healthy growth.
2) Making Missions More Effective
Collaborating and supporting local schools and churches is the best way to make mission work more local and self-sufficient. It's important for students worldwide to study at places like Yonsei University’s G.I.T. and use what they learn as leaders in their own communities.
The African University in Zimbabwe, created through a partnership between Kwanglim Church and the UMC, is a great example of successful localization. It connects Africa and the UMC, facilitating important exchanges.
3. A New Paradigm for Missions through Global Church Cooperation
1) Joint Research and Human Exchange
To create a new approach to missions through global church cooperation, we need to develop joint research and educational programs. We should offer scholarships and mentoring for future leaders in Asia and Africa, ensuring that Korean Christian institutions and churches become hubs for the global church.
2) Working on Social Projects and Sharing Knowledge
We can plan and execute projects to tackle social issues like poverty, education, and health, while sharing Christian values. By combining the resources of churches and Christian schools, and presenting practical models for addressing social issues based on the gospel and Christian values, we can prepare future generations through the church's spirituality, community, and localized mission expertise.
In conclusion, Christian higher education, global missions, and the future of the church are all connected. Christian universities must offer practical and ethical education that understands the changing world.
Through global networks and cooperation, we should use each other's strengths to address social issues. Most importantly, we must believe in the core of our faith.
This approach will help us realize God's kingdom on earth. Working together with the global church is key. We need to use our strengths and collaborate to create opportunities to show God's kingdom on earth.
I believe all our discussions today are valuable for our future.
Thanks for being part of this journey.
Your prayers and support are crucial.
May God guide us, and may our efforts reveal His glory. Thank you!