This study has considered and analyzed the spiritual training in
Korean churches, as one element for the churches growth. This
study is developed logically in chapter 2 and explains why we
need spiritual exercises. In chapter 3 the principles of the spiritual
exercise are presented. These principles consist of the inner
ful lness, association among saints, community exercise,
participation and service. Chapter 4 addresses how the spiritual
exercises influence present Korean churches.
First, the revival movement has successfully aided Korean churches
reconstruction and development, but has bred some
misunderstanding. Secondly, the movement of a prayer house is both
positive and negative. However, the movement of lay believers
through the disciple training has led to the rising roles and
functions of lay believers. From the point of view that lay believers
are able to play an important role in this movement, we can expect
this movement will be a strong fountainhead for the spiritual
exercise.
Thirdly, the constructive model of spiritual exercise is presented
by the rearing of the disciple training through the activities of
small groups in Korean churches. As movement to produce biblical
believers and churches, the content of the exercises within the
disciple training presents a good model for spiritual exercise.
Fourthly, the spiritual exercise through Q.T(Quiet time) and
meditation emphasizes the life focusing on Biblical phrases and
prayer. Since the Reformation, the Bible has reached literally all of
the saints. But, in the reality of Korean churches, we assume that
only a minority of saints read the Bible, meditate and apply it to
their lives. Even though it can be distorted sometimes, the original
intention of Q.T(Quiet time), meditation and living a holy life as
Jesus did is only to let all saints obtain biblical spirituality.
Fifthly, there is the movement of worship and adoration in the
spiritual exercise. This movement began with an awareness that
saints can personally meet God in their worship. But, with good
intention, the center of worship should not be deviated from or
turned into a festival for men. The movement for returning to the
Ritual implies an attempt to recover biblical spirituality. That is,
recovery of the Eucharist faded in the modern churches aims at
returning to the Bible. On the other hand, it will be difficult for us
to maintain the balance with other spiritual exercises if we too
emphasize on worship and sacrament.
As viewed in the above, the movements of spirituality rising in
Korean churches since the late 20th century is important for the
recovery of the biblical churches. There is room for argument about
the spiritual exercise, but its essence is to raise Korean saints as
biblical Christians. If the spiritual exercise of Korean churches
could be fulfilled with significant alternatives, it can come to
positive fruition.