Title: An Examination of Confucian influence on Korean Pastoral Leadership
Introduction
In retrospect of the Korean Protestant history, until around the 1990s, pastors were considered by most Koreans, regardless of their religious beliefs, as being among the most trusted leaders. They earned this trust during the Japanese oppression (1910-1945) because they were educational pioneers and fighters for national freedom as well as evangelists. Also, after the Korean War (1950-1953), they continued to be trusted by most Koreans as men of purity, warm heart, and integrity.
However, in the last decade or so of the twentieth century, there has been a growing doubt, especially among the younger generations of Koreans, as to the effectiveness of Korean pastors as leaders. For the younger generations who are not Christians, pastors do not seem to involve in socio-political issues, such as economic injustice, the freedom to gather and express. Likewise, for the younger generations who are Christians, pastors are seen as being too narrow-minded to embrace people who do not fit into a certain mold. For example, a Korean pastor would not welcome a young woman who changes the color of her hair or wears showy earrings. In a preaching class, a professor warns both men and women against colorful dress or splendid ornaments.
Some members of older generations are also critical. Lay people who previously did not dare to question or doubt the effectiveness and biblical foundation of pastoral leadership now are beginning to question or doubt it. These lay people noticed (observed) that many Korean pastors tried to follow models which were successful in the 1970s or ’80s but are not effective now. They equate conservative, a ...