Seminars for Workers

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Attendees of the 13th Seminar for Workers held at New Jerusalem Imae Temple are listening to the performance of the Chamber Orchestra.
Attendees of the 13th Seminar for Workers held at New Jerusalem Imae Temple are listening to the performance of the Chamber Orchestra.

The Seminar for Workers, organized by the World Mission Society Church of God, aims to provide support to workers with hectic schedules who rarely get a chance to rest. Through a diverse range of programs such as seminars covering various topics, joyful concerts, and workplace dramas, it offers comfort and rejuvenation. The initiative commenced in Siheung, Gyeonggi-do, Korea, in August 2018 and has been held 22 times.

Purpose of Seminar for Workers

Difficulties of Young Adult Workers

Young adults are often regarded as the future leaders and receive considerable attention. In a world with a youth population of 1.8 billion,[1] Ma Yun, the founder of Alibaba Group, once world’s largest e-commerce company, underscored the potential of the younger generation, stating, “Our future lies in the hands of the young”.[2] However, despite being the protagonists of the future, young people are struggling in fierce competition amid severe job scarcity. Upon entering the workforce, they find it hard to maintain passion and energy due to unfamiliar social dynamics and challenging interpersonal relationships. Many workers experience burnout syndrome, marked by profound fatigue and depletion of energy, as a result of excessive work commitments.[3][4] Annually, there are globally 340 million reported cases of industrial accidents and 160 million cases of work-related illnesses. The International Labour Organization [ILO] regularly updates these estimates, revealing a trend of increasing accidents and illnesses. In 2019, the World Health Organization [WHO] officially classified burnout syndrome as an occupational phenomenon in the International Classification of Diseases, highlighting the necessity of stress management and rest for workers.[5][6]

Recognizing the challenges faced by the younger generation, burdened with common worries and difficulties, the Church of God has sought to address their needs. The church implements educational programs such as IUBA, IWBA, and IMBA for young people encompassing university students, working professionals, and soldiers. Moreover, the church organizes and executes events aimed at empowering the younger generation to chart their own paths and shape the future. The Seminar for Workers is one such initiative.

Workers Comforting Workers

The driving force behind the seminars for workers is none other than young adult members. Drawing inspiration from the faith and teachings of the Bible, which serve as pillars and guides in life, they navigate through the struggles faced by the younger generation. They possess a deep empathy for the challenges experienced by their fellow coworkers, and based on this understanding, they select seminar topics and curate content. Additionally, they organize side events such as creating calligraphy postcards or arranging commemorative photo shoots, showcasing their diverse majors and skills. Those with special talents in music also contribute as performers in the concert held prior to the seminar. During a seminar held at the Church of God in Ora, Jeju, Kim Tae-seok, the chairman of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Council, commended the Church of God’s initiatives such as street cleanup and blood drive as foundational to fostering a healthy Jeju Island. Furthermore, he highlighted how events such as the seminar not only contribute to the mental well-being of residents but also serve as platforms for intergenerational communication and harmony.[7]

Programs

Calligraphy postcards made by young adult members at a side event
Calligraphy postcards made by young adult members at a side event
  • Concert
This concert features the Chamber Orchestra composed of young adult workers from the Church of God. With instruments like violin, viola, cello, flute, oboe, clarinet, euphonium, and others, they present a diverse repertoire that includes vibrant pieces such as the Church of God’s New Song, “I Imagine to Myself”,[8] Eric Satie’s “Je Te Veux,” Piazzolla’s “Libertango,” and selections from the movie “La La Land,” evoking comfort and joy in the hearts of attendees. Additionally, a quartet of young adult workers performs New Songs such as “There Is Only Heaven in My Heart”[9] and fusion Korean traditional music piece “A Beautiful Country,” accompanied by the orchestra.
  • W-Talk
'“W-Talk” is a section of cheerfully sharing the daily experiences of workers through “Workplace Drama” and “Empathy Talk.” In Workplace Dramas, typical behaviors exhibited by workers in any company are humorously and realistically portrayed, eliciting both amusement and empathy. These dramas smoothly pave the way for subsequent themes explored in Bible seminars. During Empathy Talk, attendees engage in conversations by sharing their responses to a pre-conducted survey. This section not only provides attendees with valuable workplace insights through witty exchanges but also instills courage and comfort as they witness fellow workers navigate and overcome challenges with wisdom. Sample questions for discussion include:
  1. What challenges you most at work?
  2. How do you recharge?
  3. When does your dad come to mind the most at work?
  4. When does your mom come to mind the most at work?
  • Bible Seminar
Presentations are delivered in diverse formats, addressing topics such as “Navigating an Uncertain Present: Preparing for the Future.” Their goal is to aid diligent workers in discovering foundational solutions to their concerns through the teachings of the Bible, providing authentic comfort and hope.
  • Seminar for Workers
With the theme “In Search of Happiness,” this event invites participants to reflect on the happiness that may have been momentarily forgotten amidst the complexities of daily life. It explores the unwavering support of family, particularly the boundless love of parents who selflessly provide, through a range of anecdotes, literary works, Bible verses, and more. Through this exploration, the true happiness we possess is unveiled.
  • Side Events
The events are composed of participatory booths such as writing calligraphy postcards, writing postcards to parents, photo zones, etc. Young adult workers prepare and operate the event themselves, before and after the main event.

Seminar History

Since its inception in 2018 in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, the Seminar for Workers has been regularly conducted at various churches nationwide, providing comfort and inspiration to approximately 35,000 working professionals (as of April 2023). In April 2019, a church member employed at a manufacturing company in Banwol Industrial Complex, Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, proposed organizing a seminar to enhance employee well-being. With enthusiastic approval from the company, the seminar was held in the workplace to convey messages of support to colleagues and share heartwarming inspiration.[10]

After the 19th seminar in December 2019, offline events were temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 20th seminar was resumed in July 2022 offline, which was simultaneously live-streamed online from the New Jerusalem Imae Temple. Since then, every offline event has been simultaneously live-streamed online, allowing young adult workers from all over the country to participate.

Times Time Location Remarks
1st Seminar 2018. 08. 19. Church of God in Jeongwang, Siheung[11]
2nd Seminar 2018. 10. 03. New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple[12]
3rd Seminar 2018. 10. 03. Church of God in Seogu, Daejeon[13]
4th Seminar 2018. 12. 30. Church of God in Dongjak, Seoul[14]
5th Seminar 2018. 12. 30. Church of God in Suyeong, Busan[14]
6th Seminar 2019. 03. 24. Church of God in Nakseom, Incheon[15]
7th Seminar 2019. 03. 24. Church of God in Euichang, Changwon[10]
8th Seminar 2019. 07. 07. Church of God in Dongdaemun, Seoul[16]
9th Seminar 2019. 07. 07. Church of God in Songpa, Seoul[17]
10th Seminar 2019. 07. 07. Church of God in Seogu, Gwangju[18]
11th Seminar 2019. 07. 14. Church of God in Gwanak, Seoul[19]
12th Seminar 2019. 07. 14. Church of God in Bukgu, Daegu
13th Seminar 2019. 09. 01. New Jerusalem Imae Temple[20]
14th Seminar 2019. 09. 01. Church of God in Seobuk, Cheonan[21]
15th Seminar 2019. 09. 01. Church of God in Ora, Jeju[22][7]
16th Seminar 2019. 09. 15. Church of God in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia[7]
17th Seminar 2019. 12. 01. Church of God in Gonghang, Seoul
18th Seminar 2019. 12. 01. Church of God in Chuncheon
19th Seminar 2019. 12. 01. Church of God in Hoseong, Jeonju[23]
20th Seminar 2022. 07. 22. New Jerusalem Imae Temple Live Online
21st Seminar 2022. 10. 30. New Jerusalem Imae Temple Simultaneous Online Live Broadcasting
22nd Seminar 2023. 04. 02. New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple Simultaneous Online Live Broadcasting

See also

References

  1. ↑ Youth | UNCCD, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
  2. ↑ "Jack Ma, "We Must Hire Youth and Women. . . The Future is in their Hands"". UNN. February 7, 2018.
  3. ↑ "Employees Reveal How Stress Affects Their Jobs". Business News Daily. February 16, 2016.
  4. ↑ "Young People: You're Burned Out And That's OK". Forbes. February 21, 2021.
  5. ↑ "World Statistic". International Labour Organization. July 13, 2021.
  6. ↑ Burn-out an “occupational phenomenon”: International Classification of Diseases, World Health Organization, May 28, 2019
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Healing Seminar for Workers Was Held in Three Cities of Korea and Ulaanbaatar of Mongolia". WATV.org. September 1, 2019.
  8. ↑ I Imagine to Myself, WATV MEDIA CAST, September 29, 2021
  9. ↑ There Is Only Heaven in My Heart, WATV MEDIA CAST, December 23, 2020
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Healing seminar for workers held at the Nakseom Church in Incheon and the Uichang Church in Changwon and Banwol National Industrial Complex". WATV News. March 24, 2019.
  11. ↑ "Church of God Hosts 'Healing Seminar for Workers'". Shina IlBo. August 20, 2018.
  12. ↑ "To Welcome Spring, Church of God Hosts a Seminar for Workers in Their 20s and 30s". The JoongAng Magazine. October 7, 2018.
  13. ↑ "Healing Seminar for Workers Held in Pangyo and Daejeon". WATV News. October 3, 2018.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Healing Seminar for Workers Held in Busan and Seoul". WATV News. December 30, 2018.
  15. ↑ "Church of God Hosts Healing Seminar for Workers". Joongboo Ilbo. March 25, 2019.
  16. ↑ "Church of God Hosts 'Healing Seminar for Workers' Cheering Up Young Adult Workers". Seoul Local News. July 16, 2019.
  17. ↑ ""Cheer up, Youth! Smile!" Healing Seminar for Workers". Monthly Chosun. July 31, 2019.
  18. ↑ "Church of God Holds 'Healing Seminar for Workers'". Sisa News. July 9, 2019.
  19. ↑ "Church of God Holds 'Healing Seminar for Workers'". Kanews. July 22, 2019.
  20. ↑ "Church of God Successfully Holds 'Healing Seminar' for Working Professionals". The Munhwa Ilbo. September 3, 2019.
  21. ↑ "The Church of God in Seobuk, Cheonan, Korea Provided Healing Place for Workers". Chung Cheong Ilbo. September 17, 2019.
  22. ↑ ""Cheer Up, Korean Workers!"". Jeju Environment News. August 29, 2019.
  23. ↑ "1,000 Participated in 19th Healing Seminar for Workers in Cheonju Hosung Church of God". Cheonbuk News. December 2, 2019.
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