Pastors from 22 countries explore ministry to the next generation as CGI 50th-anniversary conference opens

[Financial News] The World Church Growth Conference, marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the International Church Growth Institute (CGI), opened on the 28th. Under the theme “The Holy Spirit: Transcending Generations,” it is a gathering where church leaders from around the world share their experiences of church growth and discuss the direction of ministry to the next generation.
According to Yoido Full Gospel Church, some 3,000 overseas pastors and missionaries from 22 countries, along with around 20,000 domestic pastors, church members and others, attended the opening worship service at 10 a.m. that day in the church’s main sanctuary and auxiliary sanctuaries in Seoul. The conference runs for four days, through the 31st.■ Half a century of church-growth experience... emphasis on prayer and sharingCGI was founded in November 1976 by the late Pastor Cho Yong-gi. It was established to analyze Yoido Full Gospel Church’s growth experience through biblical principles and share it with churches around the world.
The World Church Growth Conference is held in Seoul every two years. CGI says it has held some 600 seminars in 100 countries over the years. Rev. Young Hoon Lee took office as its second president in 2022.
The opening worship service began with flag-bearing contingents from various countries entering to the accompaniment of an orchestra, followed by an opening declaration by Jeong Ba-ul, chair of CGI’s special committee.
Rev. Lee delivered a sermon titled “Arise, Shine,” based on Isaiah 60:1. He said, “We must first rise, carrying dreams and hopes rooted in faith.” He outlined these practical steps: thorough repentance; being equipped with the word of God; absolute-positive faith; and unceasing prayer.
He also stressed that “the key driving force behind the revival of Yoido Full Gospel Church was not institutions or programs, but prayer alone.” He went on to urge churches to share the blessings they have received, help neighbors in need and spread the love of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Dominic Yeo, chair of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship (WAGF), presented Rev. Lee with a plaque commemorating the 50th anniversary. He said, “Technology and culture change rapidly, but the work of the Holy Spirit never changes. Let us fully carry the flame of revival into the next generation as well.”
After the sermon, participants followed Rev. Lee’s lead in shouting “Lord!” three times in their respective languages and praying aloud together. They prayed for revival in churches around the world, an end to the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East, world peace, and the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula.
■ 20 track workshops... large prayer rally on the 31stOn the afternoon of the 28th, 20 ministry workshops will be held in different tracks covering next-generation ministry, missions, church planting, media and more. On the 29th, Hendrik Vorster, Satish Kumar, Rev. Young Hoon Lee and others will give plenary lectures. The film “Young Cho Yong-gi” will also receive a special screening.
On the 30th, a Holy Spirit prayer meeting featuring Pastors Timotius Arifin, David Sumrall and Paula White will be held at Osanri Choi Jasil Memorial Fasting Prayer Mountain. That evening, the Friday Holy Spirit prayer meeting will continue at Yoido Full Gospel Church. Pastor Andrei Tishchenko of Ukraine is scheduled to preach at the Friday gathering.
On the 31st, a concert marking the 73rd anniversary of Hansei University’s founding and the CGI 50th Anniversary Prayer Rally will be held at Jamsil Student Gymnasium in Seoul. Pastors Rev. Young Hoon Lee and James Marocco will preach, and Pastor William Wilson will deliver congratulatory remarks.
The related events will conclude with the November 1 Sunday service at Yoido Full Gospel Church, featuring overseas guest speakers.
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