Drew University Library : University Archives : Theses and Dissertations
    
author Seungjae Shin
title A Study on Relational Evangelism and Church Growth Through House Church and Happy Day Ministry
abstract This study proposes an integrated revival model combining 'House Church' and the 'Happy Day Evangelism System' to overcome the crises of negative growth and loss of community in modern Korean churches.

Based on the New Testament model, the House Church empowers laypeople as active ministers rather than religious consumers. At Iksan Uri Church, delegating pastoral authority to lay leaders and implementing a systematic five-step "Life Study" discipleship program—comprising Assurance, Life, New, Godliness, and Experiencing God—accelerated spiritual growth.

Complementing this, the 'Happy Day Evangelism System' mobilizes the entire congregation through an eight-week process focused on relationship-based strategies. This system effectively lowers the psychological barriers for non-believers through scientific step-by-step contact and service-oriented outreach, supported by intense spiritual energy from relay fasting and early morning prayers.

The synergy of these systems provides a virtuous cycle where new families introduced through 'Happy Day' settle into the familial atmosphere of House Churches. This integration secures both the depth of relationships and the breadth of ministry. Furthermore, empowering lay leadership has enhanced the church's health and dynamism.

In conclusion, the case of Iksan Uri Church demonstrates that qualitative and quantitative revival is achievable when clergy and laity collaborate to embody the biblical prototype. This integrated model offers a sustainable strategy for Korean churches to restore their essential vitality and transform the world in the post-pandemic era.

school The Theological School, Drew University
degree D.Min. (2026)
advisor Younglae Kim
Meredith Hoxie Schol
committee Jinwook Chung
full textSShin.pdf