This dissertation is to propose the theological implication of Young San Yonggi Cho's thought of ministry. The work and ministry of Young San Yonggi Cho and the Yoido Full Gospel Church(YFGC) are well known all over the world. The attempt to explore t...
This dissertation is to propose the theological implication of Young San Yonggi Cho's thought of ministry. The work and ministry of Young San Yonggi Cho and the Yoido Full Gospel Church(YFGC) are well known all over the world. The attempt to explore the theological implication of Young San Yonggi Cho's thought of ministry would be an important theological work. I try to concentrate on those parts of Young San's writings and sermons that deal with the relationship between the context of Korea and himself. Moreover, I attempt to tease out how his thought of ministry may be distinguished. Thus this study starts from 1936, when Young San was born, ending in 2008, when he established the 'Love and happiness subdivision business.'
In chapter two, I survey the background of Young San's conversion and his relationship with Pentecostal missionaries. The Pentecostal Movement stresses on the work of the Holy Spirit which leads believers to speak in tongues continually, to experience mystical and spiritual gifts, and to change human nature.
In chapter three, I deal with the theological foundation of Young San's thought of ministry. The foundation of Young San's theology is a firm belief in God as a 'Good God.' It also stresses on the grace of God through the blood of Jesus Christ, and acknowledgement on a partnership with the Holy Spirit.
In chapter four, I examine and explain the Young San's theology of hope. The fivefold gospel and the threefold blessing is the most emphasized of all Young San's teachings. Young San's theology of hope is a theology based on his personal experiences. Young San himself experienced hope in hopelessness. He suffered greatly from a young age from many things including economic collapse of his family, incurable lung disease, etc. I deal with the political, social, economic, and ministerial attitudes of Korea when Young San founded a new church. At that time, many people were driven to despair by the Japanese colonial government, Korea's liberation, the problems related to the foundation of Korea, the Korean war, and sociopolitical confusion in the postwar era. People did not have much hope in the future.
In chapter five, I survey Young San's theology of possibility. Young San emphasized 'possibility thinking'. He teaches us to change our mind with phrases like, "I can do it! Let's do it! Let's start!" It is possible through the Holy Spirit. But Young San encountered a crisis when the other pasters and churches tried to break his vision. After a while the Korean church began to take a new approach to understand the Holy Spirit movement of the Yoido Full Gospel Church. This new development was in contrast with before and also shows the developed status of the Korean church. Thus the Korean church agreed with Young San's Holy Spirit movement. As a result, many leaders of the Korean church played a significant role in the ministry and the Korean church began reveal. Also, the Full Gospel Church experienced rapid growth in a shot period of time.
In chapter six, I deal with the Young San's theology of creation. Young San emphasized the fourth dimension; especially in thinking, faith, dream, and words. The fourth dimension rules the third dimension and Young San required people to think, have faith, dream, and speak of the fourth dimension. For this, principle of looking ahead, have a buming desire, pray for assurance, and speak the word.
In chapter seven, I study Young San's theology of the "love and happiness subdivision business". YFGC has various missionary organizations, such as voluntary agencies, broadcasting systems, and Yong san has carried out distinguished works in diverse domains. The life of practicing social love comes from total commitment to the work of the Holy Spirit, continual access to the Lord through praying, speaking in tongues and recognition of it through the Cross meaning the union with Jesus Christ and will be fulfilled through practical love and happiness subdivision. I asserted that the "love and happiness subdivision" is important for the sake of church renewal and mission ministry and purification of society. It is also beneficial because it will give comfort and rewards, glory to God, and will strengthen faith.
In conclusion, I summarize and suggest the prospect of the study. Young San's thought of ministry was greatly influenced by the thought, theology, and ministry of the pentecostal missionaries, like Oral Roberts, Robert Schuller, Kenneth Hagin, Billy Graham, and Pat Robertson. However, Young San's theology surpasses them by the Young san's originality and superiority. God's Word is available as a mean of this life and so one should live a life of the faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and complete self-denial. This dissertation will contribute to understanding the Young San's thought of ministry and a extension of his ministry.