Title: Korean Disciples vote to establish seminary
Date: February 18, 2000
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: news@cm.disciples.org
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INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- Korean Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) clergy, disgruntled by a perceived lack of support for their education and training needs recently voted to establish their own independent seminary.
The Korean Disciples Convocation, formerly known as the Korean Disciples Ministers Fellowship, took the action Jan. 29 while meeting in Atlanta. Convocation members cited being "frustrated by the continued dismissals and (the) alarming lack of support from both the denomination and the Disciples Seminary Foundation."
"Despite our repeated efforts and requests over the last several years for an Asian ministers' program at any of the eight Disciples-related seminaries, we have almost nothing to show for it," said the Rev. Sun-Chul Kim, Chicago. "Denying future Korean Disciples congregations of clergy educated in their special cultural and linguistic needs must and will stop now," said the new moderator of the Korean Disciples Convocation.
The new institution, to be located in Southern California, is geared toward meeting the pastoral leadership needs of predominantly Korean congregations. While no specific location has been identified, it may be established in Los Angeles, according to the Rev. Geunhee Yu, Indianapolis, executive pastor of American Asian Ministries.
Funding for the new institution mainly will come from Korean Disciples congregations and individuals. Geunhee Yu also hopes for cooperation and assistance from other Disciples-related organizations.
The first academic offerings will consist of continuing education opportunities for Korean lay and clergy leaders. Those are slated to begin in September. Formal degree work possibly will begin in 2001, according to the executive pastor.
The initial class will likely be 30 to 35 persons. At full capacity, the student body is expected to comprise 200 to 300.
While Korean-speaking Disciples will make up the faculty roster, convocation leaders envision non-Korean Disciples also assisting with the teaching load. "The ultimate goal is to secure ATS (Association of Theological Schools) accreditation -- but we have a long way to go," Yu said. "Until then we will do our best to produce well-trained and well-equipped ministers."
He conceded, however, that those who graduate before the school receives accreditation could face challenges when pursuing ordination. Graduates of non-ATS accredited schools, in particular, can have difficulty being approved for ordination and ministerial standing.
Korean Disciples candidates will continue to be presented to existing regional ministry commissions, Yu said. If difficulties develop, the Korean Convocation is prepared to ordain ministry candidates.
This is not what I really want to happen," Yu said. "But there is no choice. Our churches need the people."
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