By Leah MarieAnn Klett, Assistant Editor Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Brian Chappell, the Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church in America, took center stage at a remarkable joint worship service in Seoul, South Korea, which drew together over 2 million Christians from various denominations on Reformation Sunday, October 27, 2024. | Screenshot/YouTube/Christian Today Korea
In an emotional address, Brian Chappell, a highly regarded American pastor and theologian, conveyed an urgent message to an audience that included many South Korean believers, emphasizing the critical importance of prayer amidst the rising tide of “immorality” in contemporary society.
During this influential gathering, Chappell reflected on the shared bonds between Christians, stating, “We join our hearts with yours, knowing that the blood of our Savior unites us into one family of God,” as he spoke to individuals both present at the event and participating online, reinforcing a sense of unity in faith.
The 69-year-old pastor expressed heartfelt appreciation for the fervent prayers of South Korean congregants, positioning his message as a clarion call for revival and a return to repentance, which he believes are crucial at this juncture.
Chappell warned against the consequences of secularization in the United States, emphasizing the disturbing consequences of the current cultural landscape, which he said has led to a worrying “loss of our youth, disrespect for biblical marriage, breakdown of our families, and the polarization of our people along political lines.”
In a moment of stark honesty, he acknowledged the American church’s susceptibility to the moral decay affecting society at large. “We confess that the American church has been affected by the moral decline of our secular society,” he remarked, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
He drew attention to the rapid erosion of biblical values, using it as a cautionary tale for his Korean counterparts. “We have been humbled by how quickly and deeply immorality has spread,” he noted, stressing that these societal shifts have led to a visible breakdown in family structures and diminished the Church’s influence among younger generations.
Chappell called on the Korean church to steadfastly maintain its traditional teachings concerning marriage, family, and faith in the face of these challenges. He stated, “Now we require the reviving work of the Holy Spirit. So we claim the promise of Scripture,” in a powerful affirmation of faith.
In a hopeful tone, he pointed toward the potential for spiritual renewal, citing the biblical assurance found in 1 Peter 5:6 that encourages believers to humble themselves before God, invoking the assurance that “He will lift us up.” This pivotal scripture framed his appeal for a revival rooted in genuine humility and deep commitment to God’s design.
Chappell passionately proclaimed, “We do not claim that we deserve this blessing,” yet he affirmed, “Still, we glorify God because He sent Jesus to lift His people from the guilt and power of sin.” He reinforced the message that Christians can only truly experience God’s love when they align their lives with His divine design.
He fervently prayed for a “fresh anointing of commitment” to biblical principles within Korea, expressing his hope that the faithfulness demonstrated by South Korean Christians could spark a similar restorative movement not only in the U.S. but across the globe.
The pastor’s address came to a fervent close with a heartfelt call to prayer, underlining the power of steadfast intercession as a transformative force. “May the world know God’s true love by the prayers that you offer this day,” he prayed, invoking the Holy Spirit to ignite a flame of faithfulness in the nation.
Chappell urged his audience to remember the significant historical example of the October prayer movement in 1989 in Leipzig, Germany, reminding them how thousands of Christians gathered at the St. Nicholas Church to courageously protest against an oppressive Communist regime.
He encouraged Korean believers to embrace the potential of prayer as a societal catalyst, equating their current commitment to faithfulness with that of the Leipzig Christians from decades past.
“Do not fear,” he urged passionately. “Pray, knowing that prayer is the power of the Church.” He instilled confidence in the gathered crowd that through their prayerful dedication, the “flame of Korean faithfulness” could effectively transform into a “fire of faith across all nations.”
As the worship service reached its conclusion, Chappell challenged attendees to actively combat moral decline through prayer and unwavering faith, stating, “So pray in the name of Jesus Christ, then His Kingdom will come and His will shall be done,” embodying his hope that the collective faith of this congregation would be a catalyst for a global movement.
Leah M. Klett is a reporter for The Christian Post. She can be reached at: leah.klett@christianpost.com
**Interview with Brian Chappell: A Call for Revival from Seoul**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Brian. It’s an honor to speak with you after such a powerful moment at the joint worship service in Seoul. Could you share with us what inspired your message about the critical importance of prayer in today’s society?
**Brian Chappell:** Thank you for having me. The inspiration comes from witnessing the challenges we face as a global Church. Prayer is our lifeline and our means of uniting as believers. In light of the growing immorality and secularization we see, particularly in the United States, I felt compelled to remind everyone that it is through prayer that we seek guidance and renewal from God.
**Editor:** You mentioned the concerning trends affecting families and youth in America. How do you believe the South Korean church can navigate these challenges while maintaining its biblical teachings?
**Brian Chappell:** The Korean church has a rich heritage of faith, and it’s crucial to hold steadfast to those principles of marriage and family amidst societal pressures. It’s about embodying those teachings in a way that shows their relevance to today’s world. Encouraging genuine conversations within the church community and promoting a deep commitment to God’s design will be vital.
**Editor:** Many in your audience were South Korean believers. What message did you hope they would take away from your address?
**Brian Chappell:** I hope they leave with a sense of urgency and hope. While we discussed the dangers of moral decay, I also emphasized the potential for revival. We can’t underestimate our ability to impact society positively through the Holy Spirit’s anointing. By collectively humbling ourselves before God and seeking His direction, we can help forge a future that aligns with biblical values.
**Editor:** You also referenced the importance of humility and reliance on Scripture. Why do you think this message is particularly important right now for Christians around the world?
**Brian Chappell:** Humility is often overshadowed in our current culture, where pride and self-reliance dominate. Reminding ourselves that we do not earn God’s grace but receive it through humility can transform our hearts and our communities. It’s crucial for Christians everywhere to understand that true revival begins with a humble acknowledgment of our need for God.
**Editor:** what was it like to be part of a gathering with over 2 million Christians? What does this say about the state of global Christianity today?
**Brian Chappell:** It was profoundly moving. This event displayed the power of unity across different denominations and cultures. It’s a testament to the resilience of the Christian faith worldwide. It shows that despite our challenges, there is a collective desire for revival, prayer, and a commitment to living out Christ’s teachings. The sheer number reflects an awakening within the Body of Christ, and I believe it’s just the beginning.
**Editor:** Thank you, Brian, for sharing your insights and messages of hope. Your words are a reminder of the power of faith in overcoming today’s challenges.
**Brian Chappell:** Thank you for having me. Let’s continue to pray for one another!
