Sarang Church is one of the largest churches in South Korea. Reverend Jung Hyun Oh took on the mantle of Senior Pastor of that church in 2003. Oh showed a deep love for his people and led them with a pastoral philosophy that focused on the development of a "total" discipleship plan. This plan is pulled from the Greek word, "Teleios." Teleios holds much theological weight in that it is word used from completeness, maturity, and wholeness. Oh, through years of mentoring and meditation upon the Word, called his church to adopt a philosophy that lays a foundation for a complete discipleship built on a biblical foundation. This discipleship philosophy is integrated through multiple generations and formats that invites the body of Christ into a communal relationship with God and with one another. Oh calls for a discipleship that is shared in prayer sessions, leadership gatherings, corporate worship, and in the home. Teleios disciple-making is the vehicle that paves the way for mature discipleship for all believers regardless of their circumstances.
The cover image features Rembrandt's Return of the Prodigal Son in the background, symbolizing the tears of Jesus' blood.
About the Author :
Reverend Dr. Jung-hyun Oh has been the senior pastor at SaRang Church in Seoul, South Korea since 2003. Rev. Oh is a passionate vision maker, constantly calling his church to live lives that are "not worthless as our God Himself is absolutely worthy." Under his leadership, Rev. Oh has witnessed a massive revival in his church through weekly prayer gatherings and dedication to a discipleship philosophy that has been adopted by the entire church. Rev. Oh focuses on the radical life-change through spiritual transformation in Christ. His leadership principle of leading with the "Shepherd's Heart" is woven through every facet of his church, leaning on the hope of the Holy Spirit's leading as He did during the 1st century.
Review :
"My dearest friend for over 30 years, Rev. Dr. John Oh is a remarkable leader, pastor, and disciple of Jesus. The fruit of his 40-plus years of pastoral leadership is evidenced by the impact of SaRang Church in Korea, the United States, and around the globe. It's also evidence of the Holy Spirit's leading in the same way that the Early Church increased in number by 50% every decade. By the 4th century, 50% of the Roman Empire's population was Christian. I know Dr. Oh is someone who lives what he believes and writes what he lives; there is much to be gleaned from his wisdom, experience, and passion for disciple-making in Teleios Discipleship."
-- Rick Warren
Founding Pastor of Saddleback Church "Rev. Dr. Oh has been a committed and passionate leader in the ministry of discipleship training not only in Korea, but also in a global context. This book is a crystallization of his 40-year long period of ministry and theological reflection. I would like to congratulate him on the publication of this book and hope that it will make a significant impact upon the renewal and revival of the global evangelical movement. The Teleios approach to discipleship sets out a very constructive approach to the relationship of Word and Spirit, which has much to offer the wider church."
-- Alister E. McGrath
Emeritus Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion, University of Oxford
"Make disciples, or decline and die! Modernity's challenge to the Christian church is simple, and Pastor Oh's Teleios Discipleship shows how well he understands the challenge. Like the West, Korea is highly modern, but unlike much of the Western church, the Korean church still holds a high view of the Word and Spirit. Discipleship is therefore essential, both for faithfulness to Jesus and for effective engagement with our modern world. Dr. Oh is showing us the way we must follow."
-- Os Guinness
English Author, Theologian & Social Critic, best known for The Call
"It has been my joy and honor to minister from time to time with Dr. John Oh at Sarang Church for many years, as the relationship between Sarang Church and Westminster Seminary is long and deep. I congratulate Dr. Oh on the completion of his magnum opus concerning the Teleios perspective on Christian discipleship in the local church. I am grateful for the fruit of his ministry that has blessed millions around the world through his leadership at his extraordinary church and through his diligent discipleship teaching and labors.
May the completion of this work be mightily used by the Holy Spirit for the building up of true disciples who seek to use their spiritual gifts faithfully in Christ's church as they grow in grace to full maturity in the gospel of our sovereign Lord.
Again, I congratulate Dr. Oh on this mile stone and for having served faithfully for many years by leading and discipling such a strategic congregation in the Reformed and Presbyterian tradition!"
-- Peter A. Lillback
President and Professor of Historical Theology & Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia
"A recent survey of global Christian leaders concluded that their number one concern across all regions was the same: shallow discipleship. If the church of Jesus Christ is to recover its evangelistic witness and cultural influence, our greatest need is to make true disciples who glorify God in every area of life. In Teleios Discipleship, Pastor John Jung Hyun Oh calls Korea and calls the worldwide church to count and to pay the high cost of following Jesus."
-- Philip G. Ryken
Eighth President of Wheaton College
"It is no wonder that the church across the world today seems so shallow, given that discipleship is so poorly understood. What we need now is a glorious, grace-fuelled vision of God's grand purpose to transform and renew his children and bring them to the perfection of Christlikeness. With the wisdom of a biblical scholar and the heart of a shepherd, this is what Pastor John Oh gives us. Take, read, and grow!"
-- Michael Reeves
President and Professor of Theology at Union School of Theology (UK)
