Men's Mission Society

Definition and Meaning

The Men's Mission Society (namseongyohoe) is an association of the adult male laity of a congregation in Korean Protestant churches. The word "mission" in its name refers to proclaiming the gospel and supporting that work. In practice, however, its activities are not limited to mission support; they also include fellowship among members and service to the church. Depending on the denomination and congregation, it may instead be called the Men's Evangelistic Society (namjeondohoe). It is regarded as the counterpart to the Women's Evangelistic Society, the association of women members.

Biblical and Historical Background

Scripture does not directly mention an organization of this kind. Churches nevertheless explain the principle of lay participation in the work of the church and in mission by pointing to examples such as the seven men entrusted with relief and service in the church in Acts 6, or the lay coworkers who labored alongside Paul.

In Korean Protestantism, the Women's Evangelistic Society was active from an early period. As churches grew, organizations of male members also became established as congregational bodies, and denominational federations were later formed.

Practice in Korean Churches

Congregational Organization

• Societies are usually divided by age into several groups, such as the First Men's Mission Society and the Second Men's Mission Society. Members are adult male congregants, including deacons and elders.
• Each society has officers such as a president, vice president, general secretary, recording secretary, and treasurer, and holds regular meetings.
• In Presbyterian churches, the society generally operates under the guidance of the session. In other denominations as well, it is often run as a self-governing body under the guidance of the church's governing body.

Principal Activities

• Church service, such as directing parking, maintaining the sanctuary, and preparing for events
• Support for missionaries at home and abroad and for churches that are not yet self-supporting
• Fellowship among members and pastoral visitation
• Many churches hold an annual dedication service led by the Men's Mission Society.

Federations and Denominational Differences

Congregational societies are linked to regional and national federations. Presbyterian churches have federations at the presbytery level and national federations at the General Assembly level. Methodist, Baptist, and Full Gospel denominations are also reported to have similar national federations. These federations are responsible for joint events, mission support, and assistance with denominational events.

The name varies by denomination. The Presbyterian Church in Korea (HapDong) is reported to use "Men's Evangelistic Society," while the Presbyterian Church of Korea (TongHap) and the Korean Methodist Church are reported to use "Men's Mission Society." Despite the difference in name, their work is similar.