Hello everyone.

I trust that you have spent the past week in the peace of the Lord.

Today, I would like us to take some time to open the door to deeper conversations with our children. How is communication going in your homes—especially with children who are growing up between two cultures, Korean and American? As for our own family, raising three children, I must honestly confess that conversations with them have not always been easy. We try very hard to create time to talk with our children, yet there are moments when our hearts do not quite connect. Even though we live under the same roof, there are times when the children feel strangely distant. It is not easy for any of us to align our hearts while living in a dual‑cultural environment.

A few days ago, I was reading a bimonthly devotional magazine published by our denomination called Servants, and I came across an article that I felt was very necessary for all of us. The title was “How Can We Understand the Second Generation?” written by Rev. Grace Park, who pastors an American congregation. The article begins with a scene from a Sunday morning, where a respected elder named Elder Kim encounters a fourteen‑year‑old boy named James.

Elder Kim was someone who frequently reminded pastors and teachers that Korean traditions and customs must be preserved, and that children must be taught Korean language and manners. But on that Sunday morning, James walked into church with a Walkman in his ears. When he saw Elder Kim, he simply said, “Hello, Mr. Kim!” and swayed past him. The next day, the pastor and James’s parents heard complaints that James was rude and did not show proper respect to elders.

Rev. Grace Park pointed out several key differences between the cultures of the first generation and the 1.5 generation. She described the first generation as belonging to a “high‑context culture,” while the second generation belongs to a “low‑context culture.” In a high‑context culture, words and gestures carry meanings far deeper than what is outwardly expressed. But in a low‑context culture, the words and expressions used are understood to mean exactly what they say—no more, no less.

She also explained that the first generation comes from a hierarchical power culture, where there are always levels of rank, where those with power enjoy privileges, where one strives to appear strong, and where those without power accept their position and do not challenge authority. In contrast, the second generation lives in a democratic power culture, where the majority believes inequality must be corrected, where authority can be challenged, and where power is something the majority can claim. They believe structures can change through redistribution of power, and many of them possess the ability to do so.

Another difference is in the concept of time. The first generation tends to live in a multi‑time culture, where time is flexible and relationships take priority. But the second generation belongs to a mono‑time culture, where time is used precisely, schedules are planned to avoid waste, tardiness is disliked, and they become very frustrated when others are late.

In this way, we can see that the cultures in which the first and second generations live are quite different. But this does not mean one culture is superior or inferior. When we understand that these differences are simply the products of different life environments, the door to communication between the generations can open much more easily. Let us keep this in mind today.

Closing Words

Scripture says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them” (Psalm 127:3–5).

Our second‑generation children will live long in this land, revealing the glory of the Lord, fulfilling God’s purposes through the unique gifts He has given them. God has often allowed those with special callings to experience dual cultures—Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Daniel, Esther… Our ancestors in the faith lived through harsh dual‑cultural realities and yet fulfilled God’s will and brought Him glory.

These days, many immigrant churches struggle to find second‑generation pastors. And even when they do, many of these young leaders end up leaving Korean churches. We hear that when second‑generation leaders return to serve after completing their studies, they face unnecessary cultural barriers that discourage and hinder them. When second‑generation pastors come to your churches and minister in ways that differ from first‑generation pastors, we must first embrace them and make the effort to understand them.

Dear listeners, when we strive—in our homes, in our churches, and in our Korean‑American communities—to understand and learn each other’s cultures, then the breakdown of communication between parents and children, between the first and second generations, caused by discomfort or hostility, will no longer have a place among us. I pray that in this coming week, we will all make the effort to step together into the open space of true dialogue.

— Wan‑Hee Yoon, New York Korean Christian Broadcasting, “As I Am,” November 3, 1999