Worship Weblog

Report #2 from Korean Worship and Music Conference

Posted by cicw

Thursday, August 13th, 2009

Second report from Paul Ryan: (read previous report)

At the 12th annual Korean Worship and Music Conference several themes and issues have emerged. One of the impressive aspects of this conference is the way that leaders have maintained the tension between their faith and the openness to creativity and experimentation. Like a tree deeply rooted, they’ve been able to sway with the wind. This was most evident last night in a creative adaptation of a traditional Korean folk play to the purposes of Christian worship and community building. During this event conferees sang, danced, and played using traditional games, melodies, and prayers of thanksgiving for harvest. At the same time, these elements were sanctified as they were directed toward God in thanksgiving for his blessings and in petition for his mercy and justice. At the conclusion of the event we gave thanks for Christ’s self-giving—his body and blood—and the table that he has prepared for us. This led directly into a feast of Korean foods.

This event was significant for the conferees. Most feel that their worship makes so little connection to their Korean roots. Most Korean Christian worship is traditionally Western, learned originally from American missionaries who taught them Western hymns and liturgies. Many have trouble incorporating traditional Korean culture in worship and actively shun such enculturation. Because of this, most of the conferees I’ve spoken with have trouble articulating what is unique about Korean-American worship. Other than using the Korean language, most feel that their worship is indistinguishable from traditional Presbyterian or Methodist services of worship. Many express a longing for more connections with their roots.

Upon reflection, one second generation Korean-American wondered if more of his generation would stay in the church if their worship was less traditionally Western. There has been a great exodus of second generation Korean-Americans from the church and the leaders of the church are actively searching for how to reach them and retain them. This second generation Korean-American confessed that the experience with traditional Korean folk play was healing and that more such experiences would be significant for his generation.

A related issue that has been discussed is the role and place of Praise & Worship music in Korean-American churches. Leaders of the churches see their youth drawn to experiential worship and stylistically modern/contemporary music. Alternate or second worship services, however, do not appear to be the answer. Such services end up driving a wedge between the generations. Is there a way to incorporate Praise & Worship music in their services? The issue is as sensitive as incorporating traditional Korean elements.

One dream, however, for Praise & Worship music is that there would be more exposure to Korean and Korean-American song writers. The churches are heavily influenced by Hillsongs and Vineyard, but these groups are not highlighting Korean song writers. Is there a way to identify those Koreans that are writing good songs and share their songs with the churches?

• Read previous report)

Tags: conferences, culture, Korean-Americans, pryan