The Structure and Social Functions of Korean Immigrant Churches in the United States

Abstract

A vast majority of Korean immigrants in the United States are affiliated with ethnic churches. Korean ethnic churches serve important social functions for Korean church members and the Korean community as a whole. This article has two major objectives. First, it provides descriptive information on the structure of Korean immigrant churches in the United States. More importantly, it systematically analyzes social functions of Korean immigrant churches. The article focuses on four major social functions: 1) providing fellowship for Korean immigrants; 2) maintaining the Korean cultural tradition; 3) providing social services for church members and the Korean community as a whole; and 4) providing social status and positions for Korean adult immigrants. Interviews with 131 Korean head pastors in New York City are the major data source for this study.