Exploring Gospel Partnerships in Japan & Korea

Robin Cho recently spent 12 days visiting pastors and churches in Japan and South Korea. In Japan, where less than 0.2% of the population identify as evangelical Christians, he was deeply encouraged by the sincerity and resilience of small, vibrant congregations. One church (New Community Church – Tokyo) gathered for three hours each Sunday, including an hour and a half of prayer and sermon discussion. Another church (Grace Harbor Church) meets in a room adjacent to a large movie theater overlooking a serene harbor in Tokyo. Their veteran pastor, Seima, is a mentor to many younger pastors and is an influential figure in the Tokyo church planting network. Overall, Robin visited three Japanese church services over two Sundays.

Japan’s main religion is Shintoism, where they believe in roughly 8 million Kami (or spirits) that reside in nature, ancestors, and even some humans. You’ll find many shrines throughout Tokyo and about half the Japanese population identify with this indigenous religion of Japan (the other major religion is Buddhism). Pastors share that Japanese residents are very superstitious, and you’ll often find residents stop in the busy streets of Tokyo to pray in front of one of their 100,000 shrines.

In South Korea, a major missionary-sending nation, pastors shared concerns about Christian decline across all demographics. The largest concern is among younger generations struggling under a highly competitive culture. Younger people (under 25) are simply not interested in Christianity. The startling statistics show that S. Korea has the highest suicide rate in the world (amongst all ages) and has the lowest birth rate in the world. Many are mentally in despair and pastors recognize that the solution is solely in Jesus and his gospel.

Robin met with at least seven pastors total in both countries. S. Korean pastor, Jae Yoo, mentors younger pastors including three interns that could potentially plant churches in and around universities in the northern part of Seoul to reach young people.

Across both contexts, there is growing interest in gospel-centered partnership and support, and we’re discerning how Neopolis can walk alongside leaders in East Asia for the long haul. Robin was amazed at how many gospel connections he made during this short trip. The challenges are steep, but God is doing something marvelous there.