Growing Church Conference Gathers in San Diego

Report submitted by Rev. Hongyun Won (Committee of Korean Ministry)

The 2026 Growing Church Conference (GCC) is a long-standing tradition of the Western Jurisdiction of the UMC, where Korean pastors of small churches gather to share ministry experiences and introduce collaborative programs. In 2026, the conference took a significant step forward by expanding its scope nationwide, opening its doors to Korean-American pastors from across the entire United States.

The group met February 9-12, 2026 at San Diego First UMC.

The core mission of this gathering is to explore ministerial competencies and programs that foster “Church Growing.” We believe that when a pastor experiences personal growth and transformation, the church naturally grows alongside them. 

This year’s conference featured in-depth presentations and passionate discussions on vital topics, including:

• • How pastors can find true rest and spiritual renewal.

• • Strategies for congregational care informed by the latest societal trends.

• • Holistic care through physical well-being and the “5 Love Languages.”

• • Honest reflections on the current challenges and pains faced by local churches.

Almost 10 Cal-Pac pastors were present in this year’s gathering, and Cal-Pac’s Rev. Changmin Lee, Rev. Hongyun Won, and Rev. Ken Suhr gave sermons and keynote presentations. Moving forward, the GCC will continue to serve as a vital platform, ensuring that Korean-American pastors are not walking alone but are working together to build healthy, thriving churches.

Rev. Hongyun Won
Senior Pastor, LA Gospel UMC
Member, CKM (Committee of Korean Ministry)