An Analysis of Causes of Schisms in Ethnic Churches: The Case of Korean-American Churches

The number of Korean-American churches has increased from fewer than 75 in 1970 to more than 1600 by the end of 1985. Conflicts and schism have accompanied this multiplication of churches. Using detailed case histories of 42 Korean-American churches selected from five different metropolitan areas, this paper attempts to identify the cause of schisms in Korean-American churches. Pastors with high quality professional training seem to be able to reduce strife and conflict in their churches. They often do so by organizing education programs for lay leaders which establish a strong “master-pupil” relationship between the pastor and his/her lay leaders. Formal affiliation with an American denomination such as the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), United Methodist Church, and the like, also appears to deter schisms in the churches. In contrast, competition for lay leadership positions has often developed into fierce factional struggles within the congregation and has led to church schisms.