About KALI
Preamble
The Korean American Leadership Initiative (KALI) exists to address urgent needs within the Korean American (KA) pastoral community. These needs are not just a matter of individual struggles but affect the larger PCA denomination.
KA Pastors Struggling with Burnout and Leaving Ministry
Many Korean-American pastors face emotional and spiritual exhaustion, resulting in burnout and early departure from ministry.Korean American Pastors Feeling Disconnected in the PCA
Though there are 5,000 teaching elders in the PCA, a growing number of Korean-American pastors report feeling isolated, often not at home in either Korean or predominantly White church spaces.Underrepresentation in the PCA
Korean Americans make up 5% of the PCA, yet their contributions and representation are underutilized, affecting the church’s mission and outreach.The PCA is Not Reflecting America’s Growing Diversity
As the country becomes more diverse, the PCA needs to reflect this in its leadership and its congregations to remain effective and inclusive.
Vision
Our vision is simple but powerful: Nourishing Korean-American pastors for the flourishing of the PCA.
Mission
Promote Networking and Fellowship: We create spaces for connection and mutual encouragement among pastors.
Encourage Spiritual Vitality and Longevity: We support pastors for sustainable ministry that thrives, benefiting not just their families and ministries, but the entire PCA.
Provide Culturally Contextualized Leadership Development: We offer leadership training tailored to the unique experiences of second and third-generation Korean-American pastors.
Equip ministers for church planting and church revitalization.
Core Values
A Life-Giving & Restful Community: Time spent with God and one another should be refreshing, joyful, fun, and life-giving. KALI intentionally offers unhurried and unencumbered spaces for Korean American pastors to receive nourishment with the purpose of continued flourishment in their homes, churches, and communities.
Culturally Contextualized Leadership Development: Empowering second-and third-generation Korean American pastors for the good of the PCA. When Korean American pastors are developed and equipped for ministry, the PCA directly benefits.
Kingdom Collaboration: Our desire is to galvanize engagement at all three levels of the PCA: local church, presbytery, General Assembly. To accomplish this, we focus on building relationships that are collaborative, not competitive, devoid of envy or rivalry, cheering each other on and celebrating our successes together.
Leadership
Walter Lee
Ambassador (Clarksville, MD)
