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Unaccredited Seminary
[Christian Life]An unaccredited seminary is a theological institution that trains ministers without formal government accreditation; in South Korea, this means accreditation from the Ministry of Education. Its graduates do not receive legally recognized degrees, and denominations apply differing standards when accepting such graduates.
Idol
[Bible]An idol is an image of a deity made to be worshiped in place of God or to represent God, or any object treated in that way. Scripture forbids making and worshiping idols, beginning with the Ten Commandments.
Offering
[Bible]An offering is a biblical term for something brought and presented to God, or for a gift sent to another person as a token of respect and goodwill. The concept extends from the sacrificial laws of the Old Testament to the New Testament understanding of devotion.
Oath
[Bible]An oath is an act in which God, or a being greater than oneself, is invoked as a witness to guarantee that one's words are true or that one will keep a promise. The Old Testament forbids swearing falsely, and in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught, "Swear not at all."
Diet of Worms
[History]The Diet of Worms was an imperial diet convened in 1521 by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V at Worms, Germany. At this assembly Martin Luther refused the demand to recant his writings, and the Edict of Worms was subsequently issued, placing him outside the protection of the law.
Diet of Speyer
[History]The Diet of Speyer was an imperial diet of the Holy Roman Empire held in Speyer, Germany, during the Reformation. The name "Protestant" originated in the Protestation lodged by Lutheran princes and cities at the diet of 1529.
Evangelist (Jeondosa)
[Church Offices]In Korean Protestant churches, an evangelist (jeondosa) is a minister who serves in a congregation before ordination as a pastor and is responsible for duties such as education, pastoral visitation, and preaching. The position is usually held by theological students or seminary graduates.
Pastor Emeritus
[Church Offices]Pastor emeritus is an honorary title that a church confers on a retired pastor who served that congregation for many years, in recognition of that service. The title carries no authority to govern the church; it expresses honor and respect.
Annual Conference
[Organization & Polity]In Methodism, an annual conference is both the yearly meeting at which the clergy and lay representatives of a given region decide on the ordination of ministers, clergy membership and appointments, and the administration of local churches, and the regional unit over which that meeting has jurisdiction.
District Conference
[Organization & Polity]A district conference is an intermediate-level body formed by the churches of a given region in Methodist, Holiness, Baptist, and other denominations, or the meeting that such a body holds. It occupies roughly the same position as the presbytery in Presbyterian churches.
Responsive Reading
[Worship & Rites]A responsive reading is an element of worship, and also the text used for it, in which the leader and the congregation read a passage of Scripture, usually from the Psalms, alternately verse by verse. In Korean Protestant churches it is also known as seongsi gyodok, "the alternate reading of sacred poems."
Congregational Meeting
[Organization & Polity]A congregational meeting is an assembly of all the baptized (communicant) members registered in a local church, convened to decide important matters such as electing church officers, calling a pastor, and approving the budget. The name is used in Presbyterian churches; in Korea, other denominations use names such as "general business meeting," and the courts refer to it as a "general meeting of church members."
Particular Church
[Organization & Polity]A particular church is an individual local church that belongs to the whole church throughout the world, the universal church. The term is used chiefly in Presbyterian church constitutions. In Korean Protestant usage, the corresponding term can also refer to a branch congregation that a megachurch establishes in another area.
Denomination
[Organization & Polity]A denomination is an organized body formed by churches that share a common confession of faith and system of church government. Several denominations may exist within a single denominational tradition.
Prayer
[Christian Life]Prayer is an act of faith in which believers offer praise, thanksgiving, confession, and petition to God; Protestants commonly describe it as "conversation with God." Korean Protestant churches are known for their active prayer gatherings, such as early morning prayer meetings and praying aloud together (tongseong gido).
Thanksgiving Offering
[Christian Life]A thanksgiving offering is an offering given in gratitude for grace received from God. In Korean churches, it is commonly given separately from regular offerings, with the giver writing the reason for thanksgiving on an offering envelope.
Vacation Bible School
[Christian Life]Vacation Bible School is an educational event in which a church gathers children and youth for several days during the summer vacation for Bible teaching, singing, and recreational activities. It is also called Bible school or VBS.
Sunday School
[Christian Life]Sunday school is an educational program in which a church teaches the Bible and the Christian faith to children and youth on Sunday. Today it is also known as church school.
Tithe
[Christian Life]The tithe is an offering of one-tenth of one's income given to God. In Korean Protestantism it is the most prominent regular offering.
Ecumenical Movement
[History]The ecumenical movement, also called the church unity movement, is an effort by Christian churches divided into many denominations to cooperate and seek unity while acknowledging their differences. Its leading international body is the World Council of Churches (WCC); in South Korea, its leading body is the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK).