Title

INTERGENERATIONAL CHURCH SPLITS

School/Department

Cook School of Intercultural Studies

Publication Date

Winter 2012

Abstract

Generational and cultural differences between the first- and second-generation Korean-American church leaders have caused division, anxiety, and tension. Though nearly all immigrant churches recognize the difficulties of embracing different generations and cultures, the lack of attention has resulted in frustration, bitterness, and ultimately, separation of the church. This article explores key factors contributing to church splits in multigenerational Korean-American churches in the greater Los Angeles area. Research participants included seventeen second-generation Korean-Americans. While they were from different churches and various denominations, all participants were involved in a church split. Data was collected through open-ended, semi-structured interviews. A careful analysis of the data revealed that in leaving the first-generation Korean-American church, second-generation leaders pass through the following: 1) search for identity, 2) power struggle, 3) tension, and 4) separation. The article concludes with recommendations to help intergenerational churches bridge cultural and generational barriers

Keywords

Christianity and culture; Korean Americans; Los Angeles (Calif)

Publication Title

Great Commission Research Journal

Volume

3

Issue

2

First Page

218

Last Page

235

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