For the sake of context, I’m an African-American worship leader that values and actively promotes multi-ethnicity in worship. For me personally, part of my amazement with Heritage Mass Choir is their musicality and ability to capture the distinctive musical elements that are part of the legacy of the African-American worship culture…instrumentation, chord progressions, vocal intonation, vocal runs…etc. What’s even more amazing is that they are able to do this while singing in Korean! Many people of different ethnic backgrounds have borrowed from the African-American worship tradition, but have not quite been able to reproduce the same experience and musical feel that feels like part of the African-American “heart language” in worship. This is why I personally love and am amazed by this group!

As far as race relations go, I was not aware of the tension between African-Americans and Korean/Korean Americans. I personally have a deep love of Korean culture. That being said, from an early age, I was engaged with various elements from Korean culture, including food, martial arts, and deep friendships with Korean Americans. I may not be representative of the norm in that respect. However, there is a deep history of mistrust with certain cultures rooted in years of brokenness in our country. It will truly take God’s help to redeem the brokenness and bring healing to those place. I think discussions like this are part of that process.

Personally, I don’t think identifying oneself with their ethnic background stands at odds with identifying oneself as a follower of Jesus. In fact, I believe the former dramatically impacts the latter. I actually believe that identifying your ethnic background helps to understand your perspective toward God, your particular strengths, and your values. As people are able to identify that, they can also begin to recognize that there are differences. In my experience, these differences have opened my eyes to the ways others approach God. These have been a blessing to me and have expanded my approach to encountering God. It’s as though I’m learning a new “worship language”!

Or that this IS your true voice but it is somehow seen as less than feminine?

Or both? Or have I missed the point? Really interesting stuff and I’m eager to hear more about your experience and thoughts. A pertinent conversation for the church, for sure.