Department

Seminary

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Charlie Davidson

Primary Subject Area

Sociology, Ethnic and Racial Studies; Religion, General; Religion, Philosophy of

Keywords

healthy church, church growth, evangelism, Korean-American church, leadership, social mission

Disciplines

Asian American Studies | Christianity | Missions and World Christianity | Practical Theology | Race and Ethnicity | Religion | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

Although Korean-Americans have high religious affiliation, they have a low religious commitment. Many Korean-Americans think of the church as a place for relaxation and social connection rather than a place of worship. With the distorted perspective towards the church, the Korean-American churches experience split and division; the church's growth stagnates or declines, and the church is no longer healthy. This project provides suggestions for becoming a healthy church through a case study of the Lord-Jesus Korean Church (LJKC) in Richmond, VA. Based on questionnaires, the project evaluates the effectiveness of the ministries of the LJKC and suggests recommendations for becoming a healthy church.