Ex-Bridge Builders
Lately, I have been in conversations with some Korean-American pastors of FOB (“Fresh Off the Bihangee”) descent who are on a quest to find a different kind of church. As a fellow FOB, I understood all too well their struggles, disappointments, and sorrows over the condition of their churches. There was no need to expound, explain, reiterate… They were using terms and phrases that were running around in my big head for years. We all embraced our calling to serve Korean-American churches because we thought we could bridge the gap that exists between the two cultures within one household. We felt privileged to serve His body with this unique calling. We were all so full of hope that with much patience and endurance along with much prayer and humility, we could do this well. We knew that the task wasn’t easy, but we knew that if anyone could do it, we as 1.5 generations could do it. We have been well-equipped to be bridge builders between cultures and generations. Fast forward several years… we are all leaving or thinking about leaving our first-generation Korean-American churches, realizing that our hopes of yesterdays are naive at best and wasteful at worst. So where do we go from here? After all, last time I checked kamr.org (‘Korean-American Ministry Resource), no church had listed “Ex-Bridge Builders” as a requirement for their EM pastor. So where do we go from here? Where do ex-bridge builders go to serve God’s Kingdom? What does God have in stored for us ex-bridge builders? Any ideas?
By God’s providence, you were brought here to America, experiencing multicultural uniqueness, received some of the best educations that millions would dream of, and most of all, experiencing God’s saving grace. All that is to say, all things work together for God’s sovereign and redemptive plans. Since God is much bigger than you and your plans, why limit your ministry context to only Korean-Americans? Scripture does not say, “For God so loved only Korean-Americans or Asian-Americans,” nor is the Great Commission to make disciples of only Korean-Americans. If you want to be missional (which I hope you do), you must battle against homogeneous mindset. There are countless churches looking for shepherds who can feed them all around in this country and elsewhere. You just need to look beyond what you’re used to or feel comfortable. But again, when was ministry about comfort and convenience? Whatever happened to doctrinal convictions, loyalty, commitment, sacrifice, and even death?
Perhaps as your sunbae pastor who can share your sympathy with battle scars, if I can be of your help and even other young Korean-American pastors, feel free to contact me.