World Evangelization Mission Association

Overview

The World Evangelization Mission Association is an evangelistic movement led by Ryu Kwang-su and is commonly called the "Darakbang Evangelism Movement" or simply "Darakbang" (Korean for "upper room"). Ryu studied at the Graduate School of Theology of Chongshin University and served as a pastor in the Busan Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Korea (HapDong). In November 1991 the Busan Presbytery deposed him from the ministry. In 1997 he formed the "Presbyterian Church in Korea Evangelism General Assembly," and in 2011 the group joined the Presbyterian Church in Korea (GaeHyuk).

Principal Teachings and Points of Contention

Ryu describes the Darakbang Evangelism Movement as a Bible study movement for entering a region to be evangelized and carrying out evangelistic work there. The concerns raised by various denominations generally include the following:

• Demonology: Critics charge that the movement places excessive emphasis on the role of Satan and demons. Some researchers have argued that its teaching is related to the demonology of Kim Ki-dong (Berea).
• Soteriology: Critics charge that it emphasizes a distinctive "Darakbang-style" reception of Christ. It has also been criticized for equating receiving Christ with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the believer.
• Ecclesiology: Critics charge that it takes a negative, critical stance toward established churches. It has also been faulted for an exclusivism that regards Darakbang alone as proclaiming the true gospel.

Rulings by Denominations and Interdenominational Bodies

• Presbyterian Church in Korea (Kosin): Raised concerns at its 45th General Assembly in 1995 and adopted a further resolution at its 47th General Assembly in 1997. At its 63rd General Assembly in 2013 it upheld its judgment that the movement is heretical.
• Presbyterian Church in Korea (HapDong): Designated the movement as heretical at its 81st General Assembly in 1996. It upheld that resolution despite a petition for readmission from the Evangelism General Assembly in 2004 and a request in 2017 to lift the designation.
• Presbyterian Church of Korea (TongHap): At its 81st General Assembly in 1996 it designated the movement as "pseudo-Christian in character" and prohibited participation in it.
• Presbyterian Church in Korea (HapShin): In 1996 it judged the movement to hold "dangerous ideas" and prohibited participation in it.
• Korea Evangelical Holiness Church: In 1997 it designated the movement a "pseudo-Christian movement."
• Korean Methodist Church: In 1998 it designated the movement as heretical.
• In addition, the Presbyterian Church in Korea (Koryo), the Korea Baptist Convention, and the GaeHyuk denomination before it received the movement are reported to have judged it heretical or pseudo-Christian.

The Christian Council of Korea (CCK) added Darakbang to its list of heretical groups in 2004. However, after the GaeHyuk denomination received Darakbang, the CCK's executive committee lifted the charge of heresy against Ryu Kwang-su on January 14, 2013, by a vote of 44 in favor out of 67 members. Executive committee members from the HapDong denomination opposed the decision, arguing that lifting a heresy designation was a matter for each member denomination to decide, not for an interdenominational body. The Kosin, HapDong, and other denominations subsequently announced their withdrawal from the CCK, provoking major controversy.

The Organization's Position and Rebuttals

Ryu and his supporters have maintained that he was branded a heretic because of his emphasis on "Christ alone." They have also argued that the heresy designations were the product of struggles over ecclesiastical power. In 2012 the moderator of the GaeHyuk denomination submitted a report to the CCK stating that an examination of the theological views of Darakbang pastors had found no heretical elements. Professors at major theological seminaries rebutted this claim, arguing that the designations could not be explained as power struggles, since multiple denominations had each reached their own judgments.

Public Controversies

• In 2011 the GaeHyuk denomination split in two over the reception of Darakbang.
• In 2024, 101 pastors, missionaries, and others affiliated with Darakbang announced their departure from the movement. At a press conference on July 16 they criticized Darakbang's doctrines and demanded a financial audit showing how offerings had been used.
• Darakbang-affiliated churches subsequently left the GaeHyuk denomination in succession, and reports indicated that the two sides had parted ways.