A Church's Commitment: Addressing Youth Housing and Support in Seoul

In the heart of Seoul, near Sungkyunkwan University, Myungryun Central Church is redefining what it means to be a church in the 21st century. For the past eight years, I, Pastor Son Ui-seok, have dedicated my ministry here, a move prompted by a desire to be where the youth are. Leaving a stable 10-year ministry in Yeongju, a region where young people often leave for opportunities elsewhere, I felt called to a place vibrant with youthful energy and aspirations.

“

I came to this church wanting to start anew in a place where young people gather. I came to a place with young people because I love young people.

Our pastoral mission extends beyond traditional sermons and congregant care; we actively seek to exert a positive influence on society, particularly for young adults navigating the uncertainties of career and future. Recognizing the critical housing challenges faced by students who relocate to Seoul for their education, Myungryun Central Church took a bold step. We transformed underutilized church facilities into affordable housing, initially charging a mere 100,000 won per month, now increased to 120,000 won. This initiative, funded by the church's reserves, has expanded from housing nine students to accommodating twenty-two across four locations. We've also opened our small group rooms and a dedicated study cafe for students, creating a supportive environment for their academic pursuits.

“

The most pressing need for young people was housing.

This commitment, however, wasn't without its initial hurdles. Some congregants questioned allocating church funds, primarily from older members, towards youth housing. The financial strain of operating these facilities at a loss also presented a challenge. Yet, inspired by the government's pandemic relief funds, we decided to extend similar support to our young congregants. Pooling personal resources and encouraging donations, we distributed 'disaster relief funds' to the youth, ensuring they were not economically disadvantaged during the pandemic.

“

I thought, shouldn't the church do something like this too?

As churches grapple with declining youth engagement and the increasing departure of young people from religious institutions, Myungryun Central Church offers a model for how congregations can become welcoming and supportive spaces. By focusing on tangible needs like housing and financial assistance, and by demonstrating a genuine commitment to the well-being of young adults, churches can fulfill their public role and foster a sense of belonging. Our hope is that more churches will embrace this outward-facing approach, becoming beacons of support and welcome for the younger generation.

“

Now, more than 10 people are on the waiting list for housing, but we have no more space.