Exploring and Implementing a Compassionate Social Service Ministry in Korean American Churches

The purpose of this study is to explore the types and contents of church ministries provided by Korean American churches in the Chicagoland area. Using a conceptual content analysis, this study identified that most Korean American churches disproportionately offer an evangelical ministry to their fellow church members but overlook a compassionate social service ministry to their congregations, other ethnic minorities, the oppressed and unjust social issues. The most offered evangelical ministries are weekly worship services, evangelism, world mission, discipleship training, and Bible study. Only few churches provide financial aid support and pastoral care services to their church members and non-Korean community members. None of the sample churches participate at social actions or advocacy to resolve unjust socio-political issues such as poverty, police brutality, violence and war, or racial discrimination. Based on this finding, this study suggests that Korean American churches need to expand their ministries from an evangelical ministry centered on salvation and missionary to a compassionate and social service ministry to serve all humans in need and to transform unjust social systems.