By Lee Hyo-won
Rev. John Oak (Oak Han-heum), the founder of SaRang Community Church, one of the world's largest Presbyterian houses of worship, passed away Thursday. He was 72.
Oak had been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2006 and on Aug. 8 was hospitalized when he experienced high fever and respiratory problems due to pneumonia, said SaRang Community Church. He was being treated in the intensive care unit of the Seoul National University Hospital but died Thursday morning.
The pastor was born in 1938 in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province. After studying English literature at Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, he pursued graduate studies in theology at Chongshin University and Calvin Theoglogical Seminary, Michigan. He completed his doctorate at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia.
He opened the doors to SaRang Community Church in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul, to a handful of believers in 1978; it now has over 80,000 registered members including 45,000 attending believers.
Oak is recognized for initiating a program for fostering disciples that reached out to other Christian denominations, and was widely respected as a model evangelist. He was particularly known for his focus on both the Bible and realistic ways of following the teachings of the scriptures on a daily basis.
Oak also made headlines when he stepped down from his position at SaRang when he was 65, five years ahead of the regular retirement age -- thus breaking a problematic custom regarding late retirement prevalent in the local Protestant community.
The late reverend was also recognized for his missionary work and community service for underprivileged families, North Korean children and the physically disabled. However SaRang Church became a subject of controversy when it constructed a 210-billion-won chapel in Seocho-dong last year.
He has published over 100 books and focused on teaching disciples after his retirement. He is survived by his wife and three sons.