Engaging the Next Generation of the Korean Church through the New Korean Translation: Stategies for Effective Scripture Use

This study seeks to explore effective and context-sensitive strategies for revitalizing Scripture engagement amongst the next generation of the Korean Church — particularly Millennials (the “MZ Generation”) and Generation Alpha — amidst the shifting landscape of digital media, reduced attention spans, and declining biblical literacy. Characterized by short-form content consumption, visual orientation, and a preference for participatory digital environments, these generations often find traditional Bible formats inaccessible or disengaging. In response, the New Korean Translation offers a new, linguistically modern Korean translation that incorporates proper punctuation, simplified syntax, and a cadence suitable for oral reading and digital application.<br/> The study begins by revisiting the communal and oral traditions of early Korean Protestant Bible engagement, particularly through female-driven household evangelism and scripture narration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Drawing on both sociolinguistic and theological insights, the research then critically examines the media habits, identity formation, and self-expression tendencies of younger generations — such as the “God-saeng” lifestyle trend, the rise of blog-based self-documentation, and audio-sharing in mobile apps.<br/> From this foundation, the paper presents a comprehensive set of models for optimizing the use of the New Korean Translation: (1) digitally-mediated practices such as Scripture narration apps, PRS (Public Reading of Scripture) platforms, and blog reflections; and (2) offline practices including overnight reading retreats (“book-nights”), handwritten transcription, meditative repetition, and auditory learning via caption devices. These strategies are designed not merely for individual spiritual discipline, but to foster collective identity, sustained literacy, and embodied engagement with the Word.<br/> Ultimately, this study argues that reading Scripture must be reimagined as an integrative act of spiritual formation, cultural participation, and communal imagination. The New Korean Translation — with its reader-oriented language and recitation-ready structure — serves as a timely and potent tool for restoring the voice of Scripture among digitally native generations. Through its application, young Christians can cultivate deeper theological understanding and live out a Christ-centered, imaginative faith within a complex and media-saturated world.