• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
• /
• v.64
• /
• pp.81-107
• /
• 2020

Church education in Korean churches is facing a very serious crisis. This crisis is a negative perception of the church as viewed by the present society. The negative perception of the church has led to children, adolescents, young adults, and even adults leaving the church. There have been countless studies on the problem of Christian education and its alternatives. However, those problems still remain a matter of church education. The alternatives do not become viable and remain a problem. To solve these problems, a paradigm shift is required, and in order to overcome the crisis of the church, it is necessary to study alternatives and its method factors and find application points. Today's church education is absolutely influenced by postmodernism and informationalization. However, church education is education for Christian identity that transmits Christian faith. This Christian education is facing challenges and crises against its religious and academic identity. Christian education has a responsibility to be aware of this reality and to present alternatives to overcome various crises facing church education. Therefore, it is the task of church education to establish standards so that we can live a life where the Bible becomes the standard. In other words, it is to give them biblical faith. Furthermore, it is necessary to point out and understand Christian faith in the Korean church, which has been evaluated as insufficient. In addition, establishing a Christian worldview and realizing the Kingdom of God that practice justice and love in society are tasks that can be accomplished efficiently through Christian education. Therefore, the Korean church should actively seek ways to support the practice of Christian education as well as church education in forming ideal Christians which is the goal of Christian education.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
• /
• v.72
• /
• pp.117-146
• /
• 2022

The purpose of this study is to understand the faith and life experiences of Christian seniors who hold a doctoral degree and to glean insights for the senior ministry of the church from what they propose based on their wisdom and own experience. To this end, seven participants were purposefully selected based on certain criteria and interviewed. Research findings were presented into three categories: faith, calling and life after retirement, and suggestions for the senior ministry of the church. For the research participants, the mature faith was fear of God and acknowledgement of Lordship of God, revealed through thoughts, words and actions and their agreement. The natural outcome is others may recognize such true godliness embodied in love of neighbors. The call to scholarship was a gift of God, which accompanies responsibilities, The research participants were immersed in meaningful work for the church and the next generation, following their calling even after retirement. The church's ministry for the elderly should start from recognizing resourcefulness of their life and wisdom for sanctification and growth of congregation members across all generations, aim for shaking souls of the elderly for God-pleasing life and eternal inheritance, and be supported by younger generations, online ministry and technology. To ensure that eternal goals, the fulfillment that comes from doing meaningful work, and passion to complete the race without stagnation in all aspects of piety, morality, and intelligence should become the characteristics of the lives of all elderly people, not just the research participants, such preparation should start before retirement by intervention and aid of the church.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
• /
• v.77
• /
• pp.29-46
• /
• 2024

Research Purpose : This study originated from a request for education and counseling to reassess the role of middle-aged lay women in the church. The research purpose is to analyze the significance, transformation, and impact of learning participation by investigating how individuals' needs are addressed through a lifelong education program designed as a pilot course. The study aims to examine how middle-aged women who have actively participated in church activities, reflect on their faith, ministry, and life through the church's lifelong education program. Research content and method : The study examines the process in which middle-aged women who have actively collaborated in church activities reflect on their faith, ministry, and lives through church lifelong education programs. The research method involves qualitative research focused on observation journals and interviews. Participants are selected through preliminary interviews based on having over 13 years of church ministry experience and an interest in lifelong education. Data is collected primarily through stories experienced in ministry. The research results are categorized into motivation for participation, learning experiences, and the meaning of participation. Firstly, the motivation for participation was seeking better self through identity restoration and challenges. Secondly, learning experiences were moments of healing and restoration in redesigning oneself. Thirdly, the meaning of participation was relational restoration and expansion. Ultimately, it was found that coaching through church lifelong education facilitated the recovery and transformation of participants' faith and ministry. Conclusion and Recommendation : Church lifelong education through coaching restored and brought about change in the faith and ministry of the research participants. To summarize the meaning of the experience of participating in lifelong learning, it involves: first, 'recognizing the meaning and possibility of one's own development,' second, 'healing and restoration of self-esteem,' third, 'restoration and expansion of relationships,' and finally, 'the discovery of one's true self.' Middle-aged women who have lived a role-centered life rather than focusing on individual faith have a strong desire to live as their complete selves. Therefore, a program should be developed that provides time for individuals to reflect on and diagnose their lives, while also seeking new visions. Therefore, we propose follow-up research with the hope that a variety of coaching-related church lifelong education will be developed and provide practical assistance to numerous lay ministers.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
• /
• v.77
• /
• pp.85-105
• /
• 2024

The purpose of this study is to formulate the direction of Church education, taking into account the negative effects of digital technologies in the era of the Great Digital Transformation. Firstly, the study discussed comprehension of the Great Digital Transformation and negative effects of digital technologies. The term "Great Digital Transformation" signifies a fundamental shift into a world where everything that surrounds us becomes digital-based. In this era of the Great Digital Transformation, the negative effects of digital technologies are intensifying. Secondly, the study discussed the issue of education and church education during the great digital transformation period. The use of digital technologies has been widespread in schools. However, academic circles have raised concerns about the negative effects of digital technology on both the classroom environment and basic academic skills such as reading ability. Since digital education is becoming more popular, there is a fear that church education may fall behind in a rapidly changing society. In conclusion, the study proposed recommendations for reshaping Church education in the era of the Great Digital Transformation, considering the negative effects of digital technologies. The first is Christian worldview education, which is centered around the faith community. Education in the Christian worldview, learned through the interaction with various faiths within the faith community, encourages critical thinking and reflection on the risks posed by the digital age that are associated with capitalism and meritocracy. The second is Christian care, which is centered around the faith community. Christian care in the era of the Great Digital Transformation will help us to form genuine connections with discriminated, isolated, and lonely souls who suffer from negative effects of digital technologies, guiding them towards the path of salvation.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.52 no.1
• /
• pp.60-65
• /
• 2019

Objectives: This study examined cancer knowledge, beliefs, and practice among faith-based Chinese in the USA versus Taiwan to gain better understandings on how environment and culture might play a role for tailored cancer education programs. Methods: A self-administered survey included a validated 10-item Cancer Screening Belief Scale (CSBS), an 8-item Cancer Screening Knowledge Test (CSKT), and a 14-item cancer Warning Signs Test (CWST) was administered. Participants were recruited from 9 Chinese churches (5 in the USA and 4 in Taiwan). Results: A total of 372 Chinese participated, 50% lived in the USA and 50% in Taiwan. Mean age was 44.31 (standard deviation, 14.74), 60% males, and majority had college education (85%). Taiwan participants scored higher on both CSKT (6.13 vs. 5.52; p<0.001) and CWST (6.80 vs. 5.38; p<0.001). Although perceived screening benefits and barriers were similar, Taiwan participants endorsed higher on screening norms (11.67 vs. 10.82; p<0.001). Taiwan participants also indicated more doctor recommending cancer screenings (42.1% vs. 29.6%; p=0.015), USA participants were more likely to have had annual health exams (65.4% vs. 48.9%; p=0.002). Regression results showed that those resided in the USA were 2.38 times more likely to report annual health exams. Married status (odds ratio [OR], 2.85), college education (OR, 2.38), doctor's recommendation (OR, 2.87), no family cancer history (OR, 2.47), and those with lower barriers were significant factors on annual health exams. Conclusions: Taiwan participants scored higher on cancer knowledge and screening norms, while more USA participants reported annual health exams. Taiwan's universal healthcare might play a role on the different healthcare seeking patterns.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.20 no.9
• /
• pp.604-614
• /
• 2020

Contemporary Christian educators emphasize that the student has to become not a passive beneficiaries of knowledge, but an active subject for self-directed learner to pursue a Bible training. In addition, learning environments need to be converted into a learning place in which students can learn the principles of the Word, taste its meaning, and apply them into the scene in their lives. This study is to investigate new possibilities of self-directed volunteer camp, developing it as an alternative program for summer retreat and evaluating its effectiveness. According to qualitative research findings. self-directed volunteer camp provide for the youth students to develop their leadership as well as their faith. Especially, the higher effect of self-directed volunteer camp was found on program satisfaction, promoting cooperation through real problem-solving, and internalizing of the faith. Therefore, self-directed volunteer camp for vacation Bible church programs can be expected as an alternative teaching method for church education in the 21st century.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
• /
• v.66
• /
• pp.147-178
• /
• 2021

The purpose of this study is to clarify the contribution of Christian faith in the process of establishing self-identity and stably settling in the process of North Korean youth settling in Korean society. The research method used narrative. Participants in the study were nine late youth who belonged to the church, aged 17 to 24 years old, who had been in Korea for more than one year. Through this study, themes were derived from four categories. First, a retrospective narrative of the North Korean defection motive was dealt with. Second, it deals with the psychological adaptation process and unsolved tasks. Third, I dealt with the thoughts of the family, the discourse and vision for unification, which they dream of in Korean society as Christian believers. Fourth, it is about the Christian faith, and it is said that the Christian faith gives North Korean refugee youth the power to reflect on their lives, and to see the essence of life through the values of interest in others, history, society, and the kingdom of God. These results are based on the encounters with church and alternative school leaders and various curriculums that North Korean refugee youth experience and talk about. In the sense that it seeks and suggests a new direction in the era of preparation for unification, this article can be said to be of great value for Christian education.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
• /
• v.68
• /
• pp.175-216
• /
• 2021

This essay aims to seek an alternative model of catechesis, as this form of education faces various challenges from the Korean Church especially during COVID-19 pandemic. For a long time, catechesis in the Korean Church narrowly focused on the act of producing Christians who would be loyal to the local church, rather than focusing on nurturing members loyal to Christ, an issue that has been problematized in recent publications on catechesis. Thus, the loss of social trust in the Korean Church and the decline of its public image exemplify how this type of catechesis as disciple-making for local church's benefit, mostly nurtures a vertical dimension of faith. The current teaching and learning method mostly employs a unilateral transfer of doctrine from the teacher to the learner and emphasizes the memorization of doctrine. This type of instruction renders the catechesis as the most lackluster and outdated form of Christian education. This essay aims to reconceptualize the traditional model of catechesis. This essay first critically evaluates current situations of catechesis and presents several alternative meanings on the concept of doctrine. Then it explores the theories of catechesis through different models posed by Christian educators such as John Westerhoff III and Richard Osmer. The final section is devoted to presenting an alternative form of catechesis that focuses on seeking holistic faith.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
• /
• v.73
• /
• pp.93-115
• /
• 2023

The purpose of this study is to explore implications for intergenerational Christian education in Korean churches and families that struggle with "generational fragmentations" focusing on the conception of reciprocity and participation. For the faith community in Korea, "generational fragmentations" does not merely mean communication gaps or the disconnection between generations but also the absence of reciprocity and communal participation as a genuine intergenerational community of faith. With this phenomenon in mind, this study explores the concept of "intergenerationality" in education, focusing on reciprocity and participation. Next, this study examines the concepts of reciprocity and participation found in John Dewey's seminal works, Democracy and Education and Experience and Education based on his ideas of democracy and experience in relation to intergenerational Christian education for the Korean church and families. The present paper then attempts to find implications for intergenerational Christian education in the Korean church and family, showing the importance of an intergenerational community of faith with reciprocity and communal participation, and communal spiritual journey with children and adults.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
• /
• v.70
• /
• pp.267-302
• /
• 2022

Digital transformation, which is accelerating in each area of society due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is also having a profound effect on Christian education. A representative example of digital transformation is the emergence of a digital world called the metaverse. This study understands the metaverse as an expanded space for Christian education and explores digital storytelling as a method for faith formation. It is argued that the characteristics of digital storytelling through metaverse spaces are characterized by interactivity, agency, audiovisuality, sociality, and openness, and that modification through Christian educational frames is necessary in order for this approach to be appropriated to Christian educational practice. To this end, this study examines Anne Wimberly's story-linking approach, and Mary Hess' approach on digital storytelling, which is understood as a way of faith formation for the liberation and Christian vocation through storytelling in a digital space, focusing on authority, authenticity, and agency. It is argued that Christian education on the Metaverse should be a place for change in the Christian life and formation of vocation, and a space where participants' active responses to God's grace be practiced in a digital space in a reciprocal way. This means that learners are encouraged to participate in expressive and relational education that is practiced in the form of play and creation, responding to God's initiative in the metaverse. This study argues that for digital storytelling through the metaverse to become a process of faith formation, it is necessary to connect stories of participants with the story of God's Kingdom in the expanded digital world, aim for a reciprocal space through hospitality and listening, and promote immersive participation and holistic reflection.