The Sengtuh (Life Place) Bible Ministry aims to revive the spirit of early Korean evangelists who traveled far and wide with crates of Bible extracts as well as the spirit of the Lollards, who spread the English Bible across Europe under the guidance of John Wycliffe in the 14th century. Sengtuh's primary goal is to help the churches read the Bible.
Sengtuh assists readers by targetting 'tough' parts of the Bible, especially the early chapters that might feel mythological, through modern concepts such as science, philsophy, ideology, history, and politics.
We do not pressure believers, who have been educated in theories like the Big Bang and evolution, to blindly accept stories, such as the Tree of Knowledge and Noah's Flood without understanding.
Instead, we emphasize that these parts of the Bible can be growth points for truth. For instance, Genesis 1-11 which covers from creation to the formation of Mesopotamian civilization and the Babylonian Empire. These topics are approached with insights into imperial history, power dynamics, kingship, and social sciences. This approach facilitates a deeper understanding of the central theme of God's Kingdom that permeates the Bible, including the complex New Testament concepts of Jesus, the Son of God, and the Kingdom of Heaven.
Before you know it, you'll find yourself taking a deep breath and saying, "Wow, I get the Bible!"
Sengtuh's History
In 2001, the "Wow! I get the Bible!" series began with writings and lectures at Bethel Church in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. In Korea, the movement started at Hosanna Church in Busan, and quickly spread globally through the Seoul Onnuri Church and CGN TV, becoming the most viewed bible seminar series. Since 2006, the organization has trained over 12,000 instructors of the course; among them 2,500 resides outside of Korea and 6,500 are pastors. Each year, around 1,000 new students enroll to become course instructors.
Sengtuh's Organization
Sengtuh has organically developed a global network of ministries. In Korea, there are 53 branches under 12 regional divisions led by dedicated volunteers who focus on operating the instructor schools.
Youth ministries are for Kids, Teenagers (YRG), and young adults (PEARL), including bible study curricula, camps, choirs, musicals and games.
The military ministry is particularly active, connecting trained instructors with chaplains and soldiers across Army, Navy and Air Force.
Additionally, specialized ministries for pastors, missionaries, and pastors' spouses have been established.
Internationally, Sengtuh operates in 51 countries across 80 cities. Working closely with the Korean headquarters and local leaders, they collaborate with overseas churches and missionaries aiming to translate and publish materials and train local instructors. Translations of their materials are available in English, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Thai, Mongolian, Burmese, Indonesian, Russian, Vietnamese and Nepali, with translations into Hindi, Swahili, Tagalog, and Taiwanese in progress.
The ministry for the next generation is flourishing. As the children's content was initially developed in English, it is being re-exported to English-speaking countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, where it is utilized as a Bible school program. It is also employed at KOSTE, the retreat for European students. Additionally, the development of materials and Bible training for adolescents is nurturing them to become individuals who take responsibility for their generation.
The Word is also at work in the next generation. The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges, yet Sengtuh expreienced divine assistance through innovative digital approaches, transforming the crisis into an opportunity for digital ministry. Moving forward, Sengtuh plans to continue with a hybrid model of in-person and digital ministry.
Sengtuh's Vision
Sengtuh aspires to create 500 short Bible videos for the next generation, develop Bible-based games, and produce Bible musicals. Sengtuh is committed to supporting all Christians in expanding God's Kingdom, based on the Word of God unitl the day our Lord returns.
The Word is at Work!
Congratulations! I wish your endless progress! Praise the Lord! Shalom!