GRACE HANIN
COMMUNITY CHURCH

Our LPD Church of the Week

Grace Hanin Community Church is one of two churches that joined our LPD/EFCC at our 2018 LPD Conference. The other church is Hope City Church, as this church plant became an “autonomous and interdependent” member church.

The “Hanin” in Grace Hanin Community Church is a reference to their Korean heritage and ministry.  Day by day, this church is known simply as “Grace Community Church.”

***

It was such a joy to welcome this church to our family, and we very much enjoy serving with them. Grace Community Chhurch  was planted by Pastor Shinil (Hyojin) Park in 2003. Their mission is to be, “A Church that transforms the world in the Name of Jesus.” This church has given birth to seven other churches, and is the largest church in the EFCC. This is a reflection of the changing population of our district and the EFCC, and also a tribute to the mission and ministry of this church. We celebrate them and what God is doing through this church family!

Grace Hanin Community Church hosted our 2020 LPD Conference on March 6,7 – just before COVID, and they blessed us with warm and generous hospitality.  Thanks so much, Grace Community Church!

***

Reports are that, as we may well only be half way through our time of COVID, many people are “grumpy,” “frustrated” and “impatient.” Churches are not necessarily immune from this :). This may not be a good start to the Season of Advent. We are all disappointed that we must be physically apart, and we all hope to be able to gather for Christmas – both as families and church families.

This week, EFCC Leadership Catalyst, Terry Kaufman shared the thoughts of Thom Rainer, as he prays for his local church in this time of COVID. It is both encouraging and a good reminder of the part we all play. He writes:

My COVID Manifesto for My Church

I love my church, and I will not stop believing God has full control of this congregation.

I love my church, and I will not stop believing God has full control of this congregation.
When everything seems in COVID chaos, I will remember He is always in control.

I love my church, and I will pray for my pastor every day.
Pastors are confronted with decisions and conflict daily. I will pray for them regularly.

I love my church, and I will not get into fights and feuds over masks and similar issues.
When I act like Christ, I always put others before myself.

I love my church, and I will attend faithfully.
Now is the time for the body of Christ to come together. I will be a part of that reunion.

I love my church, and I will continue to support her.
I will give abundantly and serve joyfully. My commitment will not wane in trying times.

I love my church, and I will point others to my congregation.
I will invite people enthusiastically and be a gospel bearer every week.

I love my church, and I will not engage in gossip and negative conversations.
When others attempt to engage me, I will walk away or offer positive words instead.

I love my church, and I will be an encourager to others.
I will intentionally encourage through spoken words, notes, and social media.

I love my church, because Christ loves my church.
My commitment is firm in good times and in the stresses of COVID.
I truly believe God has a better future for my congregation.
In His power and strength, I will be a part of it.

Thom Rainer has a website, “Church Answers,” that offers resources for church leaders. He has also offered a free  e-book,
Leading_a_Post_COVID_Church_eBook_ChurchAnswers.pdf
While much of this book might not relate to our current and constantly changing situation, it does challenge us to think about leading our churches out of COVID.
***