Just slept from 3pm-11pm...cannot fall asleep again. My body and mind feel warped...

Anyways, I was just thinking about a conversation I had with someone about Korean churches in Chicago. I remember when I was in high school, there were a good number of very large churches (1500+). I dunno if I have lost touch with the church scene here since then, but it seems that the number of Korean churches with such large congregations have dwindled down to a few...and yet the total number of Korean churches in Chicago have increased over the past decade.

What's going on here? Did churches get to large for their own good and God decided to trim them down a bit? Or is this the work of sinful man allowing the evil one to divide and conquer using tools of pride and arrogance? Many of the Korean churches have become too small and weak to accomplish anything as a result.

Why can't some of these churches (at least within the same denomination) come together and form a larger, stronger, united church? Some may argue that it's because there are too many pastors, and they all want their own church. I've seen large churches in Korea with a staff of over 5 pastors, and that's for the adult congregation alone. Why can't more of the Korean churches in Chicago be this way? Why can't more of the pastors learn to cooperate, share visions, share in the work of ministry?

The consequences of repeated divisions have taken a toll on the English speaking congregations. Younger generations have either been disillusioned and left church for good, or they have left the church of their family to join a larger EM ministry. Concerning the latter group, I used to look down on them...I felt they were weak, unwilling to "weather the storm", seeking a larger and more established group because it's easier and more fun. But I feel different about it now...isn't that how church should be? Coming together, united in faith, one in Christ. To be in a place where there are other's like you in your stage of life...to be able to share the same joys, burdens, etc.

The immigration church is such a bittersweet thing. Because Koreans feel lonely in a strange land, they have grouped together...and what better place than at church where ppl can hear the Good News. But it also brings in ppl who really have no intention of being changed or transformed...their only goal is to reach a status of power...they need to exert power in the microcosm of church since they have no power within American society. They don't speak the language, they are not respected, they are not recognized. Church offers an environment where they can speak the language, are respected and recognized.

If you look at many of the Korean churches here in Chicago...examine the elders and see if their children go to that church. If you look at the smaller churches, I can pretty much guarantee that it is rare to find the children of elders within that church. The point I'm trying to make is that many leaders of churches have lost touch with the next generation and their needs. Their children don't go there, so they don't really think about the EM. So all of their decisions are based upon the needs of the Korean speaking congregation. As a result, changes/additions to the church and its ministry to accomodate the next generation are not made-->no new hardships/no extra offerings/elders maintain their eldership/things are comfortable...-->young ppl leave.

And what exactly is the role of EM within the Korean church and American society as a whole? Are EM's supposed to take over once all the Korean speaking members have come and gone? Will there be any need for Korean language within these churches in years to come? Certainly, the number of Korean immigrants have greatly declined since the 70's and 80's. Should EM's just separate and form their own church, not based on a particular ethnicity?

Here's an interesting case....There's a presbyterian church called Lakeview in the Chicagoland area. Recently, their English speaking ministry (very large!) separated from the Korean church to form an independent church. The separation was mutual and the English congregation had the blessing of the Korean congregation. When I heard about this, I thought it was a great idea, even a model for other churches to follow. BUT then, I found out that Lakeview had begun another EM. I don't know the details...whether it's just HS students and lower or whether they're seeking to establish a college group and young adults as well, I don't know (if you do know the details, please leave a comment and enlighten me). But doesn't this sound counterproductive? Why establish another EM when you were so successful with the previous EM that they became independent? Shouldn't you just feed them into the independent english speaking church? If Lakeview becomes successful with a second EM, are they gonna make another English speaking independent church again?? Maybe there are good reasons why they are starting another EM...if it's just for the kids who go to church with parents, I understand. But if they're trying to start another college group and up, I just don't get it. Perhaps a small cohort of older english speaking members didn't want to leave and made the decisions to stay...speculation, but an acceptable reason to start another EM I guess.

Speaking of Lakeview, they are part of the PCUSA denomination (dunno about the independent EM church). There are many Chicago Korean churches within PCUSA that only have a handful of EM, college, and youth that are struggling on their own. Can't they join this new independent church as well? Does every single Korean church need its own EM?

I know I don't have all the answers...I don't think anyone really does. It's just that I'm frustrated by the things I see here in Chicago. I'm longing for change, for something radical to happen. I'm sick and tired of mediocre ministry. There's gotta be more than this.

It's not right to envy, but I must say I'm very jealous of my former BS teacher and discipler, Hak....I wish I could go to his church. I've been there only 4 times, and every single time it feels new and refreshing. Truly a special church made possible by His grace and timing. Check out Newsong