What began as a small group of Korean students seeking a local worship community has grown into a thriving congregation that meets every Sunday at Taylor University.
The Korean Church Community Indiana (KCCI) officially launched in October 2024. Its roots trace back to the previous year when students voiced a desire for a place to worship closer to home.
“A lot of those students who came to participate in the prospective students' event said that one of the best experiences they had was that church community,” Chin Chang, KCCI founder and Taylor professor of English & Modern Languages, said.
After prayer and counsel with his previous church, Korean First Presbyterian Church of Indiana, he decided to start a weekly service with Korean language worship, preaching and community.
Despite modest expectations by Chang, the first KCCI service in September drew a small but dedicated group.
“All of a sudden, we had about seven or eight students in the first week, even including myself and my wife — almost like 10,” Chang said. “I was like, ‘Wow, so many students came.’”
By the end of the year, attendance surged with Sunday services averaging 20 to 30 students.
For special events, such as a January gathering for prospective students, the church has seen more than 50 visitors. The impact extended beyond just the weekly gatherings, as students found renewed spiritual connection.
“Many prospective students talked about the church community and how they felt spiritually revived,” Chang said.
A Japanese parent whose child had drifted from faith, said that that the child found it again through KCCI when they visited as a prospective student.
“He texted me that his son came back spiritually revived,” Chang said. “And he said the church experience here was the best part of his experience. And so he decided to go back to a spiritual life.”
Beyond Sunday services, KCCI offers a Thursday evening prayer and praise gathering. Twenty to 35 students attend as well as special early morning prayer meetings throughout the year.
Junior Joy Heo, an active participant and leader in the church emphasized the personal significance of worshiping in her native tongue.
“I liked it because I could worship in my language,” Heo said. “When I worship in my language, I feel more observant to the meaning of the lyrics. When I listen to the sermon in Korean, I am able to apply it to my life.”
KCCI has also fostered leadership among students. Heo plays an active role in preparing for services by setting up chairs, distributing bulletins and leading a small group of five on Wednesdays.
Senior Hyunwook Lee, also helps lead an early morning group that meets multiple times a week to pray and commit their lives to the Lord.
“It has been a meaningful experience for me,” Lee said. “Through the service, we find a precious time to be with God. I see how God is working in this community and drawing us closer to Him.”
Though KCCI operates independently, Taylor University has supported the initiative. They provide access to campus facilities, with the group meeting every Sunday in the Memorial prayer Chapel. Chang said he envisions the student members and leaders eventually stepping into leadership roles in the various ministries and churches they will be a part of.
“I really want you guys to become ministers,” Chang said to the students. “When you graduate, I will consider that you guys are really church ministers.”
As KCCI embarks on its second year, its leaders remain committed to building a lasting, self-sustaining Korean community that will continue to impact Taylor University and beyond.
