Korean American to Multi-Ethnic

From the Pastor to You:

For decades, Korean-American churches have been a sanctuary — a place where language, culture, and faith come together in harmony. These churches nurtured first-generation immigrants, helped them navigate a new land, and became a spiritual home for their children and grandchildren. Through these communities, God has raised leaders, nurtured faith, and built families that honor Him. Yet today, we face a moment that calls us to listen closely to God’s Spirit. The world around us is changing. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, non-Hispanic Whites now make up just under 58% of the population, while Hispanic, Asian, Black, and multiracial communities continue to grow. More than 10% of Americans now identify as multiracial — a number that has increased dramatically over the last decade. At the same time, the flow of Korean-born immigrants is slowing, with Korean-speaking immigrants declining by 5.5%, a trend expected to continue. Meanwhile, U.S.-born Korean Americans, who speak English, have grown from 27% to 45%, and this proportion will likely continue to rise. This means that younger generations of Korean Americans are increasingly English-speaking and more integrated into broader American society. These shifts are not just statistics; they are a call from God. Our mission field is expanding beyond what we may have originally imagined.

At RockSpring Church, we have seen glimpses of this change. We now welcome visitors from African American, Hispanic, Indian, and international backgrounds. While their presence is still occasional and they remain a minority in our congregation, their visits remind us that God is calling us to embrace a multi-ethnic vision for the future of our church. Some may wonder, “If we open our doors to everyone, will we lose our identity as a Korean-American church?” The answer is no. Our identity in Christ is not limited by ethnicity. The gospel calls us to make disciples of all nations, to break down walls of division, and to bring people together under Jesus’ lordship. Becoming a multi-ethnic church does not erase our heritage; it fulfills it. When people of different cultures, languages, and backgrounds worship, serve, and learn together, we embody the kingdom of God in a visible, tangible way.

As John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, taught, the church exists for one clear purpose: the saving of souls. His call for “salvation for all” goes hand in hand with his famous declaration, “The world is my parish.” God’s love and the mission of the church are not limited by boundaries of language, culture, or nation — they extend to every person, everywhere. When multi-ethnic and international guests visit our church to worship, let us reach out warmly, showing them the love of Christ through our words and actions. This is how RockSpring Church is meant to be — a living witness to God’s mission of reconciliation and love.

(The Statistics are from the 2020 U.S Census, and Pew Research on Korean-American immigration.)

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Won D. Kim

The Lead Pastor of RockSpring Church