In this CT article, Reverend Ko describes the challenges that New York Chinese Alliance Church leaders faced in welcoming Sex Offenders in their midst—balancing the need to safeguard the vulnerable while ministering to the broken and offering a place to worship and find redemption.
Must Pastors Report Abuse? Some States Aren’t Clear, But the Bible Is
In this Christianity Today article, Rev. Ko delves into the complex issue of mandatory reporting of abuse—a matter that has plagued the church for centuries. With the nuance of clergy-penitent privilege and non-uniformity of state laws, his argument is based on both civic duty and biblical obligation.
Reflections on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11
In an interview with Charles Morris of Haven Radio, Rev. Ko looks back on that fateful day, how it brought out the best in us, and why the Church has great reason to be hopeful!
How Racism Continues to Influence Health Disparities Among Families in Our Communities
Part of Denver Seminary’s Gospel Initiative, this forum on systemic racism in healthcare attempts to identify the magnitude and significance of health disparities created and sustained by racism while providing spiritual and redemptive ways to address these issues in a holistic way. It seeks to cultivate a biblical, social ethic by addressing aspects of the obligations, virtues, values, and vision essential to a thoroughly Christ-like social ethic.
What the Crucifixion and Resurrection Mean for Our Physical Healing
Spiritually these deeds save us. But do they mend our earthy bodies as well? Join Rev. Ko as he discusses the ramifications of both on healing in our lives with Christianity Today co-hosts Morgan Lee & Ted Olsen.
One Year of COVID-19: Lessons Learned
Vaccines are not virtual, diseases of epidemic potential will always be lurking, yet a golden era of translational science is upon us. What does the future hold? Reverend Ko shares a faith-based perspective in this episode of CMDA Matters with CMDA CEO Dr. Mike Chupp.
Veritas Forum on Politics, Science (&) Faith
Join Pastor Rasool Berry, Kayana Jean-Philippe, Dr. Joshua Swamidass, and Rev. Ko as they discuss the underlying mistrust of medical science, the development of COVID-19 vaccines, and faith informed responses to the pandemic.
A Return to Prayer
How to Pray?
In times of crisis, we can easily become overwhelmed by the numerous prayer needs of our families, churches, offices, nation, and the world. Alliance Life staff asked six Alliance workers, including Rev. Ko, to offer a blueprint of how to pray for various requests. We trust that their thoughts will bring you clarity and direction as you intercede. (Alliance Life Staff)
Kingdom Opportunities For Bridging COVID-19 Disparities
As we enter into a challenging winter season, Coronavirus continues to change and impact the way we live our lives. In this Lausanne Global Analysis article, authors Stephen Ko, Jennifer Jao, and Paul Hudson describe how the global church has the unique opportunity to creatively bridge disparities from the COVID-19 pandemic.
*The Lausanne Movement was started by Dr. Billy Graham in the early 70s. He perceived a need for a global congress to reframe Christian missions in a world of political, economic, intellectual, and religious upheaval. The First Lausanne Congress was convened in 1973 with over 2400 participants from 150 nations. Time called it a “formidable forum, possible the widest-ranging meeting of Christians every held.” Since that time, Lausanne Meetings occur every several years, and over 30 pressings missional challenges are advanced through networks.
Four Principles to Foster Anti-Racism in Children at Every Stage
“The sin of racism has existed since the fall of mankind. Original sin marked the inauguration of prejudice ……. What can churches do to combat the sin of racism within their congregations, families, and communities? Sound theology and current research encourages them to engage their infants, toddlers, and young children early instead of waiting.”
Stephen Ko
In this Missio Alliance article, Reverend Ko articulates four principles to help pastors, church leaders, and parents combat racism within their churches, families, and communities.
Serving the Homeless Seminar
Join Brett Hartford (Director of NYC Relief Outreach) and the NYCAC Pastoral Staff as we examine how to better love our homeless friends in an unprecedented time. Secondary to COVID-19, homelessness is on the rise in NYC. With a 61% higher mortality rate among homeless staying in shelters compared to NYC overall, many of our homeless friends are choosing to stay on the streets. As a church, we have much to learn. May we be a church who not only knows the story of the Good Samaritan, but lives it as well.
Treating our Homeless Neighbors with Dignity
After months of being closed, 3Stone is preparing to re-open on September 6.
Closing the church is easy. Turn off the lights. Lock the doors. Tell the congregation to stay away.
Re-opening, especially while Coronavirus still lurks, is much more complicated. It requires careful planning, thoughtful dialogue, and thorough consideration. Yet, even the most meticulous strategies are bound to miss something.
Today, I walked into our Church Annex to clean the floors for the first time in several months. As I made my way to the front entrance from the inside, I was shocked to find the doors barricaded. Two mattresses, a couch, futon, luggage, and other personal belongings completely blocked both doors from the outside.
The Annex building sits on Delancey Street. Two large glass doors provide an open view of the busy street that offers direct access to the Williamsburg Bridge. An awning grants shade while protecting from the rain and other elements. With slightly recessed doors, it is an inviting place to rest. The broad sidewalk and well-lit street provide an extra measure of safety.
Coupled with the closure of the church, it’s easy to understand why our homeless friends chose to set up an encampment in front of the Annex.
What should I do? My first instinct was to call the NYC Sanitation Department to remove the furniture. Yet, as I began thinking and praying about the next steps, God asked how I would feel if someone threw away my furniture and personal belongings. The answer was simple— I would be irate!
As I considered the situation, I decided to wait until the homeless friends came back that evening. At about 9 pm, two brothers showed up to rest. After introducing myself, I shared about our partnership with Rescue Alliance members Bowery Mission, New York Relief, Salvation Army, and Hope for NY. They knew that we were a pillar church for Don’t Walk By, opening up our church for a welcome meal, while providing social services and medical care. One of them even carried a backpack he obtained during one of our outreaches.
We had a pleasant conversation. After providing food, cold drinks, and Bombas socks for them, I explained that we would be opening the church soon while politely requesting that they move their belongings. They were grateful to be treated with dignity and respect, saying, “By the morning, all the furniture will be gone, Pastor. Thanks for your hospitality.”
Sure enough, when the sun rose the next day—they were true to their word.
‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ (Matthew 25:37-40)
Re-Opening the Church Safely, Effectively and Biblically
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to wreak havoc on churches, families, and society—pastors have been overwhelmed by a new norm of online ministry, months of quarantine and isolation, and now the prospect of “Re-opening the Church” with so many unknowns. They face distinct pressure in deciding whether and when to resume live services. To re-open, churches must commit to developing strategies and guidance which ensure the safety of their congregations and effective operations of the Church, yet are also based on sound biblical principles and science. Join ICMDA CEO Dr. Peter Saunders and Rev. Ko as they explore these issues.
Financial Planning in Crisis
Founder of Twelve Two Capital, Zhi Li is a Christian Financial Planner. Zhi brings a wealth of financial services experience that can greatly benefit everyone during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our finances can be a source of great stress and anxiety”, says Li, “but they may also be a source of so much joy.” Tune in to this conversation on financial stewardship and contact Zhi with further questions.
Racism and Justice from an Asian American Perspective
Today, anti-Asian rhetoric is at an all-time high with the framing of Coronavirus as the Chinese Virus. Yet diseases do not discriminate in regards to race, ethnicity, or gender. COVID19 is not the Chinese Virus, Ebola is not the Black hemorrhagic fever, and influenza is not the White Man's Flu. The blame game is neither edifying nor unifying. For Christians in particular, we have a higher calling.
Thanks be to God (Galatians 2:20-21) that the final answer on racism and discrimination is not the murder of an Asian American or the lynching of an African American. Instead, the remedy is found at the Cross. Jesus took all the evil, both lurking and grossly disfigured, and transformed it into beauty. Discrimination was replaced by sacrifice. Judgment by reconciliation. Hate by love.
Join Senior Pastor Mitch Kim of Wellspring Alliance, Education Professor Julie Park from U Maryland, and Senior Pastor Stephen Kim of Great Commission Church for a discussion on Racism and Justice from an Asian American perspective.
How Sports Ministries Can Uniquely Offer Fitness This Summer
“Before the quarantine, our church hosted a weekly basketball ministry at a local public school in New York City. Every Monday night, church and community members laced up their high-tops while sharing the parquet. From hard fouls to rainbow threes, non-Christians witnessed the fellowship of believers while engaging in four-on-four tournaments. The friendships forged during basketball games emboldened church members to be intentional about evangelism. In time, they preached the gospel, winning over souls for the kingdom of God.”
Reverend Ko
In this Christianity Today Science article, Reverend Ko develops several principles for church leaders to bear in mind as they figure out how to build sports community while still prioritizing safety.
Our Calling in the Coronavirus Pandemic
“Few of us trained to treat sick communities and continents. Unfortunately, that is our task during a pandemic. The origin of the word comes from the Greek pandemos, where pan means everyone and demos means population. Pandemics confront us with not just one sick individual but with hundreds of thousands of ill patients. The responsible pathogen overwhelms both individual immune systems and community healthcare systems. The toll is individual and collective.” Reverend Ko
Coffee for Frontline Workers
As the epicenter of the global pandemic, frontline healthcare workers in NYC were overwhelmed by sick Coronavirus patients. At the same time, coffee shops shuttered as the hospitality industry came to a screeching halt amid a lockdown. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus says “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” This is precisely what 3Stone’s partnership with Kabisera, and later Petee’s Pie’s represents—living the gospel while sharing the love of Christ. Hear what inspired our own Choulene Li to develop this partnership and how you can still help! Contact the Caring Deacon (caring@3stone.org) or Evangelism Deacon (ev@3Stone.org) for more details.
"Race, Justice, and the Church's Response" - The Alliance
On June 3, Alliance President John Stumbo and Corporate Vice President Kelvin Walker hosted a panel of Alliance pastors to discuss the recent events in America. Listen in for insights from Black Christian leaders— like the following from Pastor Ron Morrison, “Change happens at the speed of relationships.” Grab a few of the recommended books at the end, join a non-violent demonstration, and be emboldened to speak, act, and love in a show of solidarity.
Wisdom In Restarting Sports Ministries
During Episode 2 of Upward Sports’ Uplift Webinar Series, Jody McEnroe and Mark Steinert were joined by Reverend Ko to discuss everything churches need to know about safe hygiene practices for youth sports. As churches across the nation venture into the uncharted territory of community ministry during a global pandemic, Dr. Ko shared insights at the intersection of faith, medicine, public health, and sports.