Bakersfield Korean SDA Church
by Chan Park
Bakersfield Korean SDA Church
2424 Kenwood Rd.
Bakersfield, CA 93306
Contact: Chan Park
stchpark@gmail.com
We lost another leader. Not in a permanent sense, but due to a move or matriculation or other life changing event such as marriage. Bakersfield Korean Church was established circa 1980 and at its peak had a congregation close to 200. The youth group was also very active, as first place trophies in sports tournaments, and photo albums full of events testify. However, over the years the church followed the concept of “growing your own” and had the youth members directing and leading themselves. The problem with this idea is that our youth grow up and follow their career paths or move on − leaving their younger siblings and church brothers and sisters behind. The church membership and activities in turn would ebb and flow. I’m sure this issue is not unique to Bakersfield. The adults never envisioned a long term leadership strategy as they assumed that there will always be someone who can fill the void. Young minds are easily led astray and not having a structure and organization adds in their temptation to skip church. The problem of acquiring a youth pastor or leader must be solved in order for the Korean SDA churches to survive.
I recently had the opportunity to attend the deacons’ retreat (or strategic planning meeting). Bakersfield church was without a senior pastor for about 5 months and the adults learned from this experience what it is like not to have a full time pastor leading the flock. Also, with the recent departure of the youth group leader, the time was primed to discuss this topic. Our new pastor (Young Jin Kim) gave directions for small sub groups to brainstorm ideas using the SMART method. He explained that goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-limited/sensitive. Our group concluded that it is paramount to invest in the youth group and find a full time pastor for our children. Even more important than mission service abroad and soul saving efforts in our communities is the nurturing and developing of our next generation Korean American Seventh Day Adventists. It is not cliché to say “they are our future” as I know churches that have completely separated from the adult Korean church to create their own English speaking church. Then apart from having Korean food for potluck, what’s different from attending an American or Asian church?
Enough of my soap box rhetoric, and I would like to use this article to salute all of you who are leading the youth groups at your local churches. We need you to continue doing what you’re doing. I want to especially acknowledge Reen Chung, Eugene Kwon, James Kim, Joy Cho, John and Reena Cho, and Jason Lee (current leader) who have accepted the challenge in the past and present, to dedicate their time and efforts to the Bakersfield youth group. I apologize for my omission of not mentioning all past youth leaders in Bakersfield. I am a 3rd generation SDA and not a Nisei but a 1.5 generation Korean American. I accept the role as a bridge where I can relate to the wishes of the adults and the needs of the youth. My goal is to close the generation gap as much as possible. I guess I am motivated by selfish reasons of wanting my own 2 kids to have a meaningful spiritual life. Ultimately, our parents wish for us is to remain in the church as adults and not lose our Korean culture and heritage.
It is my humble prayer that the youth listen for their specific calling, whatever it may be, and remember that there are many spiritual gifts. We should all find our roles as part of the church body. Please utilize your talents and share them with the next generation. Youth symbolizes vitality and an active youth group is the life force of any church. If anyone has any ideas or knows someone who would be interested in coming to Bakersfield, please feel free to contact me.