Program Purpose

World Mission University (WMU) intends to help churches thrive by strengthening ministries that support people as they “deepen their relationship with God, strengthen their relationships with one another, and contribute to the success of their communities and the world” (RFP, 2023). Engaging research and interviews, WMU identified issues and weaknesses facing small group ministry today in the Korean American and Korean immigrant church settings. As a result, WMU proposes the “Thriving Congregations Program” (TCP). Specifically, WMU identifies the need to seek new directions in small group ministry in recognition of the current changes in demographic, social, and cultural contexts. 

The purpose of WMU’s Thriving Congregations Program is to help pastors and small group leaders gain a deeper understanding about what creates thriving congregations and to assist leaders in practices, skills, and competencies toward a more effective small group ministry. This includes the employment of new media or small group ministry methods, and collaboratively explores with other churches how small group ministry might cultivate greater commitment to the church’s shared work. 

WMU proposes to accomplish these goals by merging WMU centers for pastors and small group leaders including educational resources for diverse ministry methods and the utilization of technological advancements. In addition, WMU will establish a network of churches (The Churches Association) to cultivate brainstorming and open discussions about small group ministry and share experiences promoting greater commitment and communication to accomplish the work of ministry.