Every Generation: Preparing the Next 100 Years

As I have watched the recent debates surrounding Korean football, I have found myself reflecting on a number of things.

Some say the coach is the problem. Others say the football association is the problem.

But when we step back and look from a greater distance, the question changes:

Is the real problem actually a person?

Our players work as hard as anyone. They compete on the world's biggest stages and sacrifice much for the sake of Korea. It is difficult to question their commitment or effort.

So I find myself asking different questions:

What system is producing these players?
What culture is sustaining the game?
What kind of leadership is preparing for the future?

In the end, football does not develop through a handful of exceptional players alone.

Systems, culture, and long-term vision must grow together.

Japanese Football: A 100-Year Vision

Many people point to Japanese football today.

Japan was not always a strong football nation. In fact, its professional league started about ten years later than Korea's. (The Korean professional league was established in 1983.)

Yet Japan prepared not for one generation, but for many generations to come.
They chose the future over immediate results.
Rather than relying on a few star players, they invested in youth development, local football infrastructure, and a sustainable football culture.

That is why we see today's results.

Mission Drift

As I reflect on this, my thoughts naturally turn to Korean missions.

Missions, like football, cannot be sustained by a few outstanding missionaries or gifted leaders alone.

Are missionaries able to focus on ministry?
Are local leaders being raised up?
Is the next generation prepared to carry the mission forward?

Ultimately, missions also depend more on systems than on individuals.

History shows us many organizations that began with noble intentions but gradually lost sight of their original purpose. The YMCA is one such example.

The YMCA was originally founded to share the Gospel and lead young people to Christ.
Over time, however, in many countries its Christian identity has weakened, and it is often viewed primarily as a social service or advocacy organization.

Of course, there are still many YMCA organizations faithfully fulfilling their original mission.

But one lesson remains clear:
Good people do not last forever.

The passion of founders, the dedication of early leaders, and even a season of revival cannot by themselves guarantee the future.

Why FCA Is Establishing a Foundation

This is one reason why we at FCA have been considering the establishment of a foundation.

The name itself is not what matters.
Nor is it about expanding our size or influence.

In fact, it is the opposite.
We want to create a structure that does not depend on a single person.

We want to help ensure that a ministry centered on God's Word continues faithfully into the next generation.

We want to build an organization that remains healthy not only when great leaders are present, but also when ordinary leaders take their place. Even if a poor leader eventually emerges, we want safeguards in place so that our core values and mission cannot easily be compromised.

A foundation is not an organization for today.
It is a safeguard for the future.

Watching Korean football reminds me once again that what we need most is not another hero. What we need is leadership that thinks more about the future of the next generation than about the success of its own generation.

Standing on the Shoulders of Those Who Came Before Us

The truth is, we are already enjoying the fruit of such leadership. The Korea of today, and even today's Korean Church, did not come into existence overnight.

Think about the many missionaries who came to this land after the devastation of the Korean War more than seventy years ago. They did not come expecting immediate results.

They built schools.
They built hospitals.
They planted churches.
They trained leaders.
Most importantly, they prepared for the future.

Though they came from different backgrounds and denominations, they worked together for a vision greater than themselves: the Gospel.

Many of them probably never imagined that Korea would become the nation it is today within their lifetimes.

Yet they faithfully planted seeds.
They sowed with tears.
And today, we are enjoying the harvest.

When we look back, it is no exaggeration to say that modern Korea was built, in part, upon the long-term vision, sacrifice, and unity of those missionaries who prayed for and served this nation after the war.

If they had been concerned only with seeing immediate results in their own generation, today's Korea might never have existed.

Preparing for the year 2126 and the next hundred years ahead.
Being faithful today for a generation that will live after we are gone.

Perhaps that is the mission God has entrusted to us.

-Steve Ko