(SOUTH KOREA) 2026 New Year Shepherd Conference Held in Korea with Record Attendance
- by ubfhq
- Dec 06, 2025
- 384 reads
By Caleb Choi
From December 1–3, we held the 2026 New Year Shepherd Conference at Dongwon Leaders Academy in Janghowon, Icheon, Gyeonggi-do. A total of 104 participants attended, including staff from across the country and eight missionaries, including General Director Ron Ward. This was the largest attendance we have seen in recent years. In the opening message, Pastor Nehemiah Kim, the Korea representative, delivered “Enlarge the Place of Your Tent” (Isaiah 54:2). He reflected on how God has expanded the tent through us, despite our shortcomings, to accomplish world missions. He encouraged us to broaden our hearts, which often narrow due to real-life challenges, and to pray with hope and vision for what God will accomplish through the WMC, the missionary conference, and the national youth and college student conference to be held in Korea next year.
After the opening message, we gathered in small groups for the first theme study. That evening, Yehoah Kim delivered the first theme message from 1 Timothy 4:1–16. He emphasized godliness, setting an example, and devotion to reading, encouraging, and teaching the Bible. He warned against superficial piety, which can easily take root and maintain only an appearance of godliness. He urged us to immerse ourselves in the God-breathed Scriptures, through which our thinking, values, and lives are transformed and matured. As a result, we resolved to live a life that focuses more on diligently reading, encouraging, and teaching the Bible in the new year.
Following the first theme message, Abraham Park (General Secretary, Gachon), Abraham Seo (Asan), and Maga Gu (Gwangju 3) presented the WMC Strategy Seminar Presentation. We reviewed how God has worked through past gatherings, identified current challenges, and heard reports from branches serving campus history with creative wisdom during these difficult times.
On the second day, General Director Ron Ward delivered “Love One Another” (John 13:1–38). He emphasized Jesus’ new commandment and called us to become a loving community by caring for one another and practicing humble service. That evening, reflections were shared by Ifranis (Cheongju), Deuk-hyun (Han River), and Daniel Lee (Suncheon). We also heard mission reports from missionaries Ben West (Minneapolis), David Kim (Arizona), and Ezra (Washington). Their testimonies of God’s grace and the revival taking place in North America brought us comfort and strength. Jonathan Kim (Gwangju 1) shared an update on preparations for the national youth and college student conference. John Isperl (World Mission Department Head, Daehakro) reported on preparations for the WMC, followed by a Q&A session. Registration for both conferences has now opened.
On the third day, Bok Ju (Baebong) delivered “Always Pray and Do Not Lose Heart” (Luke 18:1–8). Holding on to the slogan, “Let us pray. Let us pray together,” which Missionary Sarah Berry shared while serving in a difficult mission field, we resolved to deepen our prayer life. We committed ourselves to serve the upcoming conferences and campus evangelism with a persevering heart and prayer. We thank God for granting us spiritual strength, direction, fellowship, and rest through this New Year Shepherd Conference as we prepare for the WMC and the national youth and college student conference.
