The mission of Wesley Theological Seminary is to equip persons for Christian ministry and leadership in the church and the world, to advance theological scholarship, and to model a prophetic voice in the public square.
Faces of Wesley
Meet 2009 Wesley Master of Divinity graduates and clergy couple YuJung and Dae Sung Park.
YuJung is originally from Seoul, South Korea and Dae Sung hails from Asan, South Korea.
Both are graduates of Methodist Theological University (Seoul, South Korea), where YuJung earned a B.A. in Christian Education and Dae Sung earned a B.Th. in Theology and an M.Th. in Church History.
YuJung’s ministry focus is primarily pastoral care and shepherding God’s people. Dae Sung’s church, Bethany Korean UMC, partners with a local nursing home to provide worship and counseling for seniors while also working with Milal Mission to assist those who are disabled. ”At Bethany Korean UMC, we have put our effort into reaching out into the community. We offer help to those who are Korean and are need transportation and translation. We also provide meals for the homeless in downtown Baltimore,” said Dae Sung.
Both YuJung and Dae Sung feel Wesley prepared them well for their current ministry. “Through the Community of Wesley, I learned American culture and diversity and received much support and love,’ said YuJung. “In addition, I was equipped in theology and practice in ministry through the PM&M (Practice, Mission & Ministry) program, which especially helped prepare me for ministry because I learned how to apply in ministry what I learned in the class.“
“When Bethany Korean UMC started seven years ago, I considered core values of ministry such as Gospel-Centered Worship, Gospel-Saturated Biblical Teaching, Gospel-Compelled Community, Gospel-Motivated Mission, Gospel-Driven Discipleship and Gospel-Empowered Service, all experienced and learned in my classes and life at Wesley,” said Dae Sung.
Something that inspires YuJung and Dae Sung Park:
“For my faith, I look to Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go,” said YuJung. This scripture inspires me and has comforted me throughout my stay within the U.S. (My) Being an immigrant and learning to navigate the language barrier/ not being a native speaker has been challenging. Learning to live and minister in the U.S. has also presented its challenges, but this scripture reminds me that God called me to ministry and that God is with me wherever I go.”
