Bridging the Gap

“살아 계신 주, 나의 참된 소망! (Because he lives, I can face tomorrow!)” The powerful strains of praise sung by Korean voices filled the meeting hall at the Comfort Suites Airport Hotel in Seattle, Wash. Soon, the song’s English lyrics “Because I know he holds the future” began to sound as well.

Despite the subtle tension and awkwardness that can often accompany language and generational barriers, the atmosphere at the opening service of the 40th Annual Gathering and Conference of the Korean Ministers Association (KMA) of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) was one of profound unity. Both Korean-speaking and English-speaking participants opened their hearts to God and one another in worship.

Held from April 20 to 23, this year’s KMA Annual Gathering marked a historic milestone as the first time in the denomination’s history to fully embrace both Korean-speaking and English-speaking Korean ministers. Anchored by the theme “Unity in Diversity! Apart Together, Yet Together!” the event drew over 50 Korean-speaking and 20 English-speaking pastors and their spouses from across North America, along with ministry candidates preparing for ordination. Over the course of four days, they worshiped “together"” during joint sessions while deepening their ministry insights “apart” through concurrent programs tailored to their respective language and ministry environments.

From Isolation to a Shared Mission

This historic union was made possible through the dedication and sacrifice of organizers behind the scenes. Two years ago, when the former Korean Council was transitioning into the current Korean Ministers Association, the steering committee extended an invitation to English-speaking pastors as well. Responding to this call, Rev. James Lee (Christ Community Church of East Islip, N.Y.) and Rev. Young Kwang Kim (Brookfield [Wis.] CRC) became the first to attend the annual gathering.

But their first step was far from easy. Contrary to their expectations, the nature of the gathering at the time, which focused primarily on the needs of Korean-speaking pastors in immigrant contexts, felt like a significant barrier. Though all of the participants shared a clear bond as fellow ministers, the gaps stemming from differences in culture, educational background, denominational understanding, and ministry targets were deeper than expected. There were clear limits to finding genuine fellowship, sharing, and the specific learning they needed.

Ironically, the isolation and disconnect they felt that day sparked a new mission. They became convinced that there must be other Korean-American and Korean-Canadian pastors who faced the same challenges and who lacked a space where their needs could be met and shared.

The two pastors immediately reached out to English-speaking Korean ministers across North America to gather their input, started connecting through Zoom fellowship, and eventually hosted their first dedicated gathering for English-speaking Korean pastors in Orlando in early 2025 (First Gathering of English-Speaking Korean Pastors in Orlando). One of the most intensely debated topics at that gathering was whether or not to formally unite with the KMA Korean-speaking body. Various opinions collided, and for a while the prospect of a joint gathering seemed bleak. However, after a year of ongoing discussion and discernment, the groups aligned.

Representing the English-speaking bloc, Rev. James Lee summarized the deep meaning of this unity on-site in Seattle: “When we fully embrace our unique identity as Korean-Americans and Korean-Canadians, we are finally equipped to serve the kingdom of God more deeply and broadly.”

A Time of Learning and Sharing

On Tuesday morning the Korean-language program featured Rev. Sooho Lee (Olympic Presbyterian Church, Los Angeles, Calif.), who introduced a new paradigm for “small group sharing.” Participants realized anew that well-prepared sharing is a profound form of respect and consideration for others. Through a practical workshop where they rotated partners every three minutes to repeatedly share the same content, they experienced firsthand how their thoughts became clearer. While the unfamiliar method caused some clumsy and lighthearted moments filled with laughter, the deep vulnerability also brought tears, comfort, and mutual encouragement.

In the afternoon, Korean connector Catheryn Jo led a session titled “Dialogue with Denominational Leadership.” Following a presentation on the denomination's structure and agency ministries, an interview was conducted with Rev. MoonBae Kim (Korean Grace CRC, Grand Rapids, Mich.), who serves on the Candidacy Committee and has pastored a Korean immigrant church within the CRC for over 30 years. Rev. Kim spoke out with fundamental questions on how Korean churches can stand within the CRC with a sense of “ownership” rather than feeling like “strangers,” leaving a deep impression and drawing a warm response. The final session was an in-depth briefing by general secretary Zachary King regarding critical denominational issues that Korean churches need to be aware of.

Meanwhile, participants in the English-speaking track spent Tuesday morning discussing “Pastoral Identity in a Secularized Age” and how to protect it, led by Rev. Gil Suh (San Jose [Calif.] CRC) and Rev. Young Kwang Kim.

In the afternoon, everyone in attendance visited The Well Community Church, planted in nearby Bellevue, Wash., in 2013, to see the morning's lessons put into practice within a local ministry field. In particular, the testimony of Rev. Tim Pak, who answered God's call to serve despite having physical limitations as a visually impaired person, left a profound impact on everyone. Afterward, the participants embarked on a prayer walk through the Bellevue area, led by Rev. Samuel Lee (The Tapestry: Mundy Park, Coquitlam, B.C.). Reflecting on lessons they had learned earlier, they moved into deep prayer in the heart of the city, seeking to encounter God's voice and image throughout the urban landscape.

Pastor Min Kim (Love Global Vision Church, Clifton, N.J.), who is currently completing the EPMC process to be ordained as a minister of the Word in the CRC, attended the conference at the recommendation of his spiritual mentor, Rev. Eun Beom Kim. He shared that meeting seasoned English-speaking pastors and receiving practical ministry advice was of immense value.

“Because seminaries generally provide a Western-centric educational environment, they don’t explicitly teach us how to conduct English ministry within the unique context of a Korean immigrant church. I often felt at a loss in actual ministry, but the English-speaking pastors I met here served as wonderful role models. In particular, I learned so much from hearing the life-tested testimony of Pastor Tim Pak.”

A Time of Fellowship and Healing

On Wednesday, April 22, amid a drizzly Seattle morning, the Korean-speaking pastors and spouses enjoyed a relaxing time of fellowship outdoors, walking along beautiful forest paths including the Arboretum, the Azalea Way, and the Bloedel Reserve.

At the same time, the English-speaking ministers engaged in a time of ministry discussion on their identity as Korean-Americans and Korean-Canadians, led by Rev. Moses Kang (Faith Community Church, Wyckoff, N.J.). In the afternoon they explored downtown Seattle, taking in the local culture.

On Wednesday evening, after completing their respective schedules, the two groups converged for a banquet. Sitting together at mixed tables, the Korean-speaking and English-speaking participants shared a warm table fellowship. As they moved past language barriers to ask and answer questions about each other's ministries, the learnings they had accumulated “apart” throughout the week transitioned into a “shared” abundance. Rev. KwangBae Lee (The Story Church, Flushing, N.Y.) expressed the joy of the union, noting that while the dinner was short, it was a “practical opportunity to learn about and understand one another.”

A Vision for the Future and Blessing

The two groups, who had moved between operating “apart” and yet “together” throughout the conference, gathered once more on the morning of April 23 for a closing commissioning service. Rev. Lesli van Milligen, director of Thrive, delivered a sermon titled “Righteous Risk-Taking,” preaching from Matthew 14:22–33. Afterward, through a celebration of the Lord’s Supper, the participants reaffirmed that they are one in the body of Christ.

As the event’s final order of business, a special time of blessing was arranged for Rev. Dong Woo Nam (Henderson Christ Love Presbyterian Church, Las Vegas, Nev.), who is approaching retirement, and Rev. Lesli van Milligen, who plans to retire at the end of May. The participants raised their voices as one to sing “The Blessing,” expressing their gratitude for their work in the kingdom of God and for his blessings as they continue.

Van Milligen, who participated in the entire KMA event, shared her final reflections: “In this conference, I witnessed firsthand a living scene of intergenerational harmony. The capable leaders gathered here are gifted individuals poised to continue exerting a significant influence on the future ministry of the CRC. I especially feel the deep impact of their ministry gifts within our intercultural ministry contexts. It was a joy to be included in this precious event, and I am sincerely grateful for the communal blessing on my upcoming retirement.”