East Asia

Dr. Jeremy Budd

Field Strategy Coordinator

Updates

About Us

Taiwan District

Officially established in 1956

The Church of the Nazarene in Taiwan was established in 1956 and has been serving for more than 60 years. Taiwan has a population of around 23 million people and is known for its religious diversity, with Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religions being the most common.

The church continues to grow, especially among local and indigenous communities. It remains committed to sharing the message of holiness and making Christlike disciples while engaging a culture that values tradition, family, and community harmony.

Hong Kong District

Officially established in 1974

The Church of the Nazarene in Hong Kong began in 1974 and has served for over 50 years. Hong Kong is a highly urbanized city with a population of around 7.5 million people and a mix of religious beliefs, including Buddhism, Taoism, and Christianity.

The church ministers in a fast-paced, modern environment, focusing on discipleship, urban outreach, and reaching people from different walks of life. It continues to share the message of holiness in a dynamic and multicultural society.

Mongolia District

Officially established in 2017

The Church of the Nazarene in Mongolia was officially established in 2017, making it one of the newer mission fields. Mongolia has a population of about 3.4 million people, with Tibetan Buddhism and traditional beliefs shaping much of its culture.

Despite challenges such as a scattered population and harsh climate, the church is actively involved in outreach and church planting. It is dedicated to sharing the gospel and building communities of faith in a nation with a strong nomadic heritage.

Japan District

Beginnings in 1905 – Officially established in 1908

Japan has a population of around 125 million people and is known for its strong cultural identity shaped by Shinto and Buddhism. Christianity remains a small minority, and many people are not actively affiliated with a church, making it a unique mission field.

The Church of the Nazarene in Japan continues to serve in a society that values discipline, respect, and community harmony. Ministries often focus on relationship-building, discipleship, and long-term engagement. Despite challenges, the church remains committed to sharing the message of holiness and making Christlike disciples across the country.

5th Annual Nazarene Church in Kyoto 1935

Korea District

Beginnings in 1936 – Officially established in 1948

We are proud to have been members of the Church of the Nazarene in Korea for over 60 years. This is because the Church of the Nazarene stands within the evangelical tradition of historic Christian faith, emphasizing entire sanctification as a central doctrine of the Bible and actively participating in the missionary calling to expand God’s kingdom on earth.

This identity is not merely our own conviction, but a shared heritage and commitment embraced by Nazarene members around the world. In Korea, the church continues to uphold this foundation by nurturing spiritually mature believers and equipping leaders for faithful service.

As we move forward, we remain devoted to discipleship, prayer, and the proclamation of the gospel. We seek to faithfully engage our society with the message of holiness, becoming a church that reflects Christ in both word and action for future generations.

History

1905
Early Holiness Mission Work

Pastor Williams and Pastor Poole arrived from the United States and began missionary work, first in Tokyo and later in Kyoto where they opened Sunday School.

1905
October 1908
Beginning of Nazarene Mission Work

The Holiness Christian Church in the United States joined the Church of the Nazarene and was accepted by the Foreign Mission Bureau, marking the beginning of missionary work that later extended to Korea.

October 1908
1936
First Nazarene Church Established in Korea

Rev. Jang Seong-ok was sent to establish the first Church of the Nazarene in Korea. Another church was later established in Yeongcheon, Seoul.

1936
November 25–29, 1936
Founding of God’s Church

Defectors from the Holiness Church held a meeting in Pyongyang and adopted the “God’s Church Declaration.

November 25–29, 1936
Organized – April 1948
Union of Holiness Groups

Three holiness groups joined in Sajik-dong, Seoul and declared the founding of the Korean Christian Church.

Organized – April 1948
October 1948
Recognition of Nazarene Mission in Korea

The Church of the Nazarene mission in Korea was officially recognized by international leadership.

October 1948
Early 1950s (Korean War Period)
Destruction and Recovery

During the Korean War, many churches were destroyed and later rebuilt with international support.

Early 1950s (Korean War Period)
May 14, 1954
First American Missionary

Pastor Donald Owens was sent and a headquarters was established in Sajik-dong, Seoul. 

In the same year, the Nazarene Theological Seminary of Korea opened with 23 students.

May 14, 1954
May 1955
Church Officially Organized

The Church of the Nazarene in Korea was formally organized at Yeongcheon Church.

May 1955
Present Day
Growth of the Church

Currently, there are over 250 churches in five districts with around 40,000 believers, and missionaries are being sent to different countries including the Philippines, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, Japan, Italy, Australia, and China.

Present Day

Mission Center

Korea Nazarene Mission Center (KNMC)

Educational Institutions

Korea Nazarene University
Taiwan Nazarene Theological College
Japanese Nazarene Theological Seminary

Field Overview

Years of Serving

The Church of the Nazarene has been established for over sixty years.

Focused Growth

The churches of Southern Taiwan are generally healthy and growing. Most of these churches are among the indigenous Taiwanese people of the mountain areas.

Intercessory Prayer and Partnership

The district benefited in recent years from interaction with the Korea District. Training, prayer partnerships, and some Korean missionary pastors in Taiwan have been helpful.

Welcome—How Can We Help?

Popular Resources

Opportunities

Mission Teams

Missionary Profiles