Part 4: The Church and the Healing of Dying Nations

It is very important for the evangelical and Charismatic church take a very long approach to the signs of the times. And with that make a new analysis of what John Wimber the Vineyard Church founder called "Doing the stuff". What does it mean for the 21st Century Church? Here is an example from South Korea of challenge and opportunity

A third of the Korean population are Christians. Evangelical, Pentecostal and Catholic. Pentecostal and charismatic movements have had a profound impact on the religious landscape of South Korea. These movements are characterized by a focus on the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and vibrant worship practices.

South Korea is home to some of the world's largest Pentecostal congregations, with Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul being the most notable example, boasting a membership of approximately 1 million. The growth of Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity in South Korea is attributed to various factors, including the movements' adaptability to Korean culture, emphasis on spiritual experiences, and active engagement in social issues.

The influence of Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity extends beyond large congregations. These movements have significantly contributed to South Korea's status as a major missionary-sending country, second only to the United States. South Korean missionaries are active worldwide, often working in challenging and sometimes dangerous environments to spread their faith.

Moreover, the Pentecostal and charismatic movements have been instrumental in shaping the theological and social outlook of Korean Christians. They have emphasized personal transformation, community engagement, and a proactive approach to social issues, which has resonated with many South Koreans. This has led to a vibrant Christian community that is actively involved in both local and global missions, humanitarian efforts, and social justice initiatives.

South Korea's population dynamics are characterized by a declining growth rate and an aging demographic. Christianity, particularly its Pentecostal and charismatic expressions, plays a significant role in the country's religious and social fabric. The impact of these movements is evident in the large congregations, extensive missionary activities, and the active engagement of Christians in societal issues, making South Korea a unique case of Christian growth and influence in Asia.

Here is challenge and and opportunity facing the church in South Korea for the 21st Century. I give this as an illustration that can be repeated to most of the rest of the world outside Africa.

Demographics of South Korea

Demographics of South Korea

Overview of population characteristics in South Korea

Population 51.6 million (2022 est.)

Life Expectancy 82.97 years (male: 79.88 years, female: 86.24 years)

Fertility Rate 0.78 children born/woman (2022)

Population Size and Demographics

As of 2024, South Korea's population is estimated to be approximately 51.75 million, according to projections based on the latest United Nations data. This figure represents a slight decline from previous years, with a 0.08% decrease from 2023 to 2024. The country has experienced a notable demographic shift over the past few decades, characterized by an aging population and one of the world's lowest fertility rates. In 2023, the total fertility rate was reported to be 0.72 children born per woman, indicating a significant challenge for future population growth. The median age in South Korea has also increased, reaching 45 years in 2023, which reflects the aging demographic trend

Here is the crisis in a number: In 2023 only 230,000 babies were born!

Now work this out:
Of that 230,000 the females who can bear children are 115,000. But they will only have 100,000 children of whom 50,000 will be female.

That is how a nation dies. It runs out of wombs to create babies.

Now here is the next stat from that population map. The average life expectancy is about 83 years. Look how few children at the lower portion of the population curve.

Here is the question: How many children will grow up to care for the huge number of elderly people living to 83? How many young workers to man the factories and companies and government structures? How many taxpayers to pay the national debt, pay for government services, pay for social security pensions for the elderly?

That is how an economy dies.

Now face the following realities already in the numbers. This graph is the same for all nations outside of Africa. Admittedly South Korea has a very low fertility rate of 0,77. Most of the others are between 1,0 and 1,3. But the end result is the same. If your fertility rate is not 2.1 children per woman in her lifetime then your nation is not replacing itself it is dying. The only difference is how quickly or how long. Japan, Asia, Europe, China, Russia, they are all in trouble. Which is why Eurpe allowed millions of illegal refugees into their nations. And destroyed their culture and identity.

But for all these dying nations the baby tragedy is irreversible. The young people of generation Z by and large are not interested in marriage, or the troubles and costs or children. The biggest consumers of products and services in an economy are families. They need houses, clothes, food, products, services. When you lack workers and consumers your economy dies.

Further example: By 2035 one third of China's population will be over 65. They also have a child crisis. Not enough marriages, families, children. Their difference is that they are doing all the critical massive infrastructure construction highways, bridges, new cities, airports, high speed trains, power stations...all that is being done now with their large worker population. Those workers will not be available for that kindof work in the years ahead.

The Challenge for the Church of the 21st Century

The church of South Korea has done a wonderful job of evangelization and sending missionaries all over the world.

Bit with modern internet and satellite communications and smart phones the whole world has access to the gospel story and download Bibles and preaching and teaching and wonderful hymns and gospel music.

So what is "Doing is doing the stuff" as John Wimber characterized the work of the church. For the Pentecostal and evangelical church of the 20th Century it was missions, church building ass per the book of Acts.

It was carrying out the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19. Go into all the world and preach the gospel. Praise the Lord the knowledge of the Lord is available all over the world as the waters cover the seas as scripture prophesied.

Here is what I believe is the task of the 21st Century church.:

Genesis 1:26-28 Be fruitful multiply and take dominion over the earth.
That means family, children disicpled by Godly parents and an economic system that prioritizes family growth instead of corporate and government growth.

As the unjust and sinners die out or are converted and the nations empty out....so our international opportunities to walk into empty cities and take over lands buildings, nations just grows and grows as we concentrate on our
Genesis 1 Fruitfulness and Dominion Mandate.

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