Congregations Partner to Foster Korean Cultural Awareness

In October 2021, Bethel Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, experienced vandalism to their church building. As a result, Bethel Christian Church, a member of the North American Pacific/Asian Disciples, began a ministry partnership with First Christian Church of Noblesville, an English-speaking congregation to share space and facilities.

As the two congregations began to settle into the partnership, several youth from First Christian Church expressed interest in learning the Korean language and culture. The Bethel community identified several Korean adults who wanted to learn English and other older adults in the community want to get help related to English, such as connecting to local community services and understanding official documents or letters. Both communities identified that a ministry of mutual learning might have appeal in the wider community as well. Additionally, as members of both communities witness and experienced xenophobic, racist rhetoric and violence against Asian Americans in many parts of society, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, making this project all the more urgent. Their hope was that many issues could be mitigated by understanding each other’s traditions, differences, and social contexts. 

Considering this context, the congregations first launched a Korean language with a English language in development for launch later in the year. The congregations applied for support from National Benevolent Association’s Mission and Ministry Grant and the Region of Indiana’s Reconciliation Grant, whose funds come from the Reconciliation Ministry special offering. With the support of NBA and the Region of Indiana, they launched Korean Language Classes in mid-September with 15 students an instructor with plans to launch ESL classes later this year.  

Rev. Baek Hee Kim explains, “We hope this language project promotes and eventually expands and develops into a space for sharing cultures. And we will experience the vital role of social tolerance in making a pro-reconciling community.”