The NOVA Experience: Week 5 and 6

The more time passes in NoVA, the more surreal it is that I'm actually here. I feel like everyday I'm picking up something new. It can be small like understanding a bit more about myself or big like attending the KCPC Overnight Staff Meeting and getting a crash course in the intricacies of the ministry. The greatest lesson I've learned so far is that "doing ministry" goes so much deeper than 9 to 5. It is truly a 24/7 job because there is ALWAYS something more to be done. A ministry will only go far as it's pastor and staff. Of course there are logistical aspects such as execution on Sundays and official events run by the church, but even the smaller things like fellowship throughout the week or touching base with newcomers are all "doing ministry." Being a solid Christian community isn't just going to church once or twice a week, it's actually doing life together with Christ smack dab in the middle of it all.

KCPC (Korean Central Presbyterian Church) is the largest Korean mega church on the East coast (almost 6000 members). The building looks like an airport, there are golf carts to transport people in the parking lot, there is a legitimate cafe where all proceeds go to missions work, a full-sized basketball court, and restaurant quality lunch is served everyday. The resources of the church is greater than anything I've ever seen. As you can imagine, more resources also means more politics. I can talk forever about the power struggle that can go on in a church but regardless, the capability of KCPC to impact a community is one of a kind. I saw as 800+ people (including me) came out to 5 AM prayer everyday this past week to start the fiscal year. I saw so many help pack 50,000 boxes of food for the poor. I saw as KCPC was a primary voice in the Washington Prayer Gathering yesterday and the number of members that came out to DC to pray for the city. Eye-opening.

I am the co-leader of Hospitality Team at S&L (the English ministry at KCPC) and Pastor Danny personally challenged me to take the team above and beyond. I took it upon myself to make a motley crew of people come together as a team but to be completely honest, its been tough. The reality is, commitment levels are different and schedules clash when involving 9 people with jobs or classes. It became clear that something was missing from this group and it wasn't until my co-leader Gloria threw an idea out there that I identified the problem. We were MISSING GOD. Before, our meetings were primarily logistical execution-based discussion, but she suggested one day to not talk about logistics but rather have prayer partners amongst the team. I couldn't believe I missed something so obvious. As soon as we prayed and shared our struggles with each other, I could visibly notice the comfort level increase during the meeting. I had been so focused on execution that I forgot what really mattered. Serving isn't about execution, it's about heart. Once the heart is right, the execution will follow. So simple, yet sin can easily cloud simplicity. Learning every day. 

Stay Easy,

Will