Are you a Christian planning a trip or moving to Busan, South Korea? This review of Antioch International Ministry (AIM) might just be your guide to finding a church home away from home. I called AIM my church for almost two years, and I’d return in a heartbeat if I ever find myself in Busan again.

AIM in Busan, South Korea, is a thriving and diverse church community that embraces people from all walks of life. Known for its passionate worship, heartfelt preaching, and strong emphasis on missions, AIM provides a welcoming environment for both locals and internationals. The church is deeply committed to spreading the Gospel and fostering spiritual growth through dynamic services, small groups, and various outreach programs. With a focus on unity in diversity, AIM offers a vibrant space where individuals can connect, grow in their faith, and make a global impact.

AIM is the English branch of the well-known Sooyoungro Church. It’s not just a community for foreigners; many Koreans are also members. The diversity was captivating from my first visit, and I loved contributing to the unique mix.

Sooyoungro Church, located in Busan, South Korea, is a vibrant and welcoming Korean community known for its dynamic worship services and strong sense of fellowship. The church offers a blend of traditional and contemporary worship styles, creating an atmosphere where people from diverse backgrounds can connect and grow in their faith.

With a commitment to spiritual growth, Sooyoungro Church hosts various programs and activities for all ages, fostering a sense of belonging and spiritual nourishment. Its engaging sermons, passionate praise team, and active involvement in the local community make it a cherished place for both locals and visitors seeking a meaningful worship experience.

Service Location and Timing for Antioch International Ministry

Getting to AIM is a breeze. You can take the subway, bus, or drive. The main stop is in Suyeong-gu, and services are held in the large Ellev Theatre building, B2 floor. For any inquiries, just look up the church phone service on Google or email aimbusan@gmail.com.

Every Sunday morning, I was filled with excitement as I headed to AIM for fellowship. Often spending over an hour on the subway or bus, I would listen to the previous Sunday’s sermon on YouTube or the songs we were going to use for worship. It was truly the highlight of my week.

Service Times

Every Sunday, there’s a general meeting from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. If you have kids aged 6-12, there’s a Kids for Christ (KFC) service on the 6th floor. For new moms, there’s a cozy 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM gathering at the 2nd floor café.

Pre-COVID, we enjoyed a free bite at the café right after the main service—a fantastic time to chat and connect with others.

What makes Antioch International Ministry special?

After lunch, the church splits into community groups from 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM. These groups, scattered around the Ellev building, discuss the service and share life experiences. It’s a perfect time to connect personally and seek support or prayers.

One of my fondest memories was when our group leader took us out for lunch after service. Initially, it felt like eating with strangers, but they soon became friends who greeted me warmly every Sunday.

Joining a Group

To join a group, you need to be a church member, which involves a 4-week study with one of the Pastors. These foundational classes explain the church’s doctrines, its mission, and what to expect as a member. After completion, you’re assigned to a small group where you’ll experience life together as a family.

How can you get involved?

Like any church, AIM has many areas to serve. I was thrilled to join the praise team after my membership class. This small but vibrant group of around 10-15 people from different countries was a blend of musical styles. We rehearsed every Saturday morning, enjoying lunch and fun breaks together.

Despite my struggles with following beats, my leaders encouraged me to learn the tambourine and shaker, pushing me out of my comfort zone. l cannot claim to be a professional tambourine player now. But it was fun and a delight to try to mix its sounds with those of the drums, guitars and piano. 

AIM offers opportunities for growth in various aspects, whether in ushering, cleaning, or singing. The friendships I formed, especially with my British, Korean, Mozambiquan, Ghanian, Malawian, Indonesian, and American praise team friends, are some of my most cherished memories.

Cultural Diversity and Events

AIM’s pastors hail from diverse backgrounds—one from the United States of American, a Korean, and a South African—bringing a blend of cultural insights. I have never been to a church like this.

During Korean traditional holidays like Chuseok, the church organized events for members to learn about the Korean culture and enjoy traditional games and food.

We also celebrated American Thanksgiving with a delicious turkey dinner, and for Christmas, we had a musical evening where I sang with my African friends. Harmonizing in different African languages felt like a piece of home.

On Wednesdays and special days, AIM organized prayer sessions for regions worldwide, a touching reminder of the church’s global outlook.

Why Join Antioch International Ministry?

If you’re feeling lonely and need a church family, AIM offers a bond of friendship with warm-hearted people. 

The ministry also organizes fun outings, like picnics at Busan’s beaches, complete with group transportation and snacks. We had Bible games, fun activities, and plenty of time to relax and take pictures.

At times, we joined Sooyoungro Church for combined praise and worship sessions with the Korean congregation. These events were at the large auditorium and had a variety of Christians from the entire church. I was thrilled to know that, there were other services too. For example, I knew the Filipino service based solely for those from the Philipines. They had designated Pastors who preached in Tagalog, one of their native languages.

Though I cannot recall how many other countries had seperate services, but I am sure, there were numerous missionaries and Pastors sponsored by the church to preach the Gospel.

How amazing is it to be able to fellowship with your fellow nations in a foreign country?

My Most Remarkable AIM Experience

The pastors were always approachable and ready to offer encouragement and support. The warmth and friendliness extended to the pastors’ wives, who were welcoming both at church and during special home visits. Movie nights or simple gatherings were always accompanied by food and drinks, making me feel truly cared for.

One unforgettable act of kindness was during the COVID-19 pandemic when the church delivered food items to my doorstep and regularly checked on me online. This love in action made me feel alive and cared for, even in a foreign country.

I got a special gift after my membership class graduation. My beautiful ceramic mug and keyholder will be my souvenirs forever.

Though it’s been almost three years since I left AIM, my memories remain vivid. From May 2019 to December 2020, l felt very happy fellowshiping at this amazing church. I miss everyone and would love to relive that part of my life. 

While I can’t guarantee your experience will be identical, an open heart to God and respect for others will surely lead to a spiritually enriching and socially fulfilling time there. 

Living as a foreigner can be challenging, so why not make a new family and be a reason someone else learns about God? It’s a rare opportunity to share your culture and inspire others with your testimony. You will not only feel like giving but the reward of fellowshipping with others will your highlight like it was mine. 

There were countless times when work and life had me feeling overwhelmed, but I always found comfort and peace in the company of these amazing friends. Their advice and warm hugs felt like I was being wrapped in Jesus’ arms. The pastors were always there too—ready to listen, share, and pray with me.

Conclusion

I have been several miles away from many of these awesome people but I still feel grateful to have met many people from around the world for free.

It has been a blessing to be in touch with some of them though continents away and I wish I could play back the hands of time to be with them. I might not communicate with everyone I met at AIM regularly now, but I know I have lovely and kind brethren around the world. How amazing is that!?

Words and a few pictures can’t fully capture just how blessed I was at AIM. Some of my favorite memories were the lunches we shared and even celebrating my birthday together. We laughed, we talked about our struggles, and we got through the hard times as a family. How could I ever forget those special moments? They were the kind of experiences that leave a mark on your heart forever.

It’s important to note that things and people have certainly changed over time, as this blog reflects only my experience from 2019 to 2020. However, I still believe that being a part of AIM would be a blessed experience.

For more details about AIM, please check out their easy to use webiste here.

If you’re a tourist like me and love spending your Sunday mornings worshiping at a lively church, here are some more reviews of other churches in different countries and things to do in over 18 countries.