Describe your most memorable experience at a Korean English-speaking ministry, either positive or negative.

An Incomplete Picture

James Cho, 20

Aurora, Colo.

Christian? Yes

I grew up in the church for a good part of my life, and was active in the youth group, especially during high school. Being involved in church activities, I was probably as heavily exposed to the Korean American Christian subculture as possible, and in many ways perpetuated it. As a student at a Christian college, inexperience with Christianity outside of the Korean American church has proved to be a disadvantage. It has certainly helped me to grow as a Christian, yet I feel as though it has also given me an extremely narrow scope concerning how Christianity is played out universally.

Breaking Up Is Easy To Do

Dae Yu, 34

Seattle, Wash.

Christian? No

I didn’t grow up with religion, so it was a big decision when I decided to start attending church. My parents never liked the constant infighting and subsequent church splits that resulted. As my luck would have it, just after I started attending church, the head pastor announced that he along with others were leaving to start a new church. I was shocked and disappointed. But as it happens, the youth pastor had a change of heart. He decided to stay with the church, as did I. Through it all, we became good friends, and we still keep in touch today.

Going Gung Ho

Janet Kim, 27

Tacoma, Wash.

Christian? Yes

Two young girls were sitting behind me during service. They were only about 10 years old. They sat and intently listened to the sermon. The pastor must have asked a question because I heard a small, but firm, “yes.” Most of us just mumble or silently nod, but they actually answered. At the end, the girls stood up to sing, even though they knew they were the only ones standing. They were so small that you could barely tell they were standing. After service, I saw them give each other high-fives as they exited their row.

Bridging The Divides

Kyung Chun (KC) Kye, 22

Edgewater, N.J.

Christian? Yes

Growing up as a pastor’s kid and being around leaders of the church, I had the opportunity to take a very personal look at the inner workings of Korean American churches, from the political division of conservative and liberal beliefs to the schisms brought about the approval or disapproval of the quality of the pastor’s leadership and message. As the new generation of second-, third- and fourth-generation Korean Americans are becoming more and more involved in the church, I believe that it is our responsibility to be aware of these divisions and make a conscious effort to rectify them by either theological, cultural or social reconciliation.

The Last Straw Of Church

Byung Chul Lee, 33