About
Korean
GMU Educational Research Center
Strengthening faith formation through research, resources, and community partnerships in Christ's love
A Warm Welcome from Our Director
Dr. Soo Young Lee
Project Director
I warmly welcome all of you who have found your way to our research institute! Our work is grounded in the biblical mandate found in the Shema and Deuteronomy 31:9-13, recognizing that parents and faith communities share the sacred responsibility of passing on faith to children.
Through the Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative (CPCI) project, supported by the Lilly Endowment Inc., we address the growing gap between parental responsibility and practice in children's faith education. While research confirms parents have greater influence than peers or media on children's spiritual development, busy modern schedules have shifted this vital role to church staff.
Addressing Modern Faith Formation Challenges
The Modern Dilemma
Busy parental schedules have become the norm, causing faith education responsibility to shift from parents to church pastors and teachers. This trend diminishes the crucial parental role in sharing faith with children at home.
Korean Immigrant Context
Korean immigrant families face unique challenges including cultural conflicts and language barriers between first and second/third generations. These factors create additional complexity in faith transmission.
Church Efforts & Obstacles
While many Korean immigrant churches recognize these challenges and make sincere efforts to address them, these attempts often encounter setbacks and need research-based solutions for lasting impact.
Our Mission & Vision
Participate in God's Mission
We conduct social scientific research to provide solutions to problems occurring in educational settings of churches, schools, society, and mission fields, actively participating in God's transformative work.
Academic Educational Information
We provide comprehensive academic educational information specifically designed for Christian education contexts, ensuring research-based approaches to faith formation challenges.
Christian Educator Networks
Through various material publication, production, and network formation, we create supportive communities of Christian educators and provide ongoing educational support.
Core Project Objectives
Daily Faith Integration
Provide educational resources and programs enabling parents and caregivers to share Christian faith and values with their children in daily life, helping them participate in faith practice and church liturgy through practical, accessible tools.
ASD Family Ministry
Collaborate with specialized Christian organizations to train church congregations in understanding and supporting families with children on the autism spectrum, developing comprehensive materials and support systems.
Based on this mission, our institute dedicates itself to solving various challenges that parents and teachers face in conveying faith to children, providing the support they need to raise children in vibrant, living faith.
Our Research Approach
Academic Foundation
Our work is grounded in rigorous educational and academic research methodologies. We conduct comprehensive studies that examine the intersection of faith formation, cultural dynamics, and family systems within Korean immigrant communities.
Recent research demonstrates that parental responsibility and role in children's faith education have significantly greater impact than peer influence or media exposure. This evidence-based understanding drives our program development and resource creation.
Practical Application
We translate research findings into practical materials and educational programs designed for parents, teachers, and church congregations. Our approach ensures that academic insights become accessible, actionable resources for daily faith formation practices.
Organizational Structure
Director
Dr. Soo Young Lee
Steering Committee
Budget & Policy
Editorial Committee
Publications & Research
Research Departments
Specialized Ministry Areas
Regional Cooperation
Field Connections & Programs
Our organizational structure ensures comprehensive oversight while maintaining focus on practical ministry applications. The Director represents the institute and leads all research initiatives, while specialized committees provide expertise in their respective areas. Research Departments conduct targeted studies in different ministry contexts, and Regional Cooperation strengthens field connections while developing community-based programs.
Key Research Areas
Christian Education Research Center
Establishing a comprehensive research hub focused on innovative approaches to Christian education within diverse cultural contexts, particularly addressing the unique needs of Korean immigrant communities.
Family Faith Formation Support
Developing evidence-based resources and programs that empower parents to become primary faith formation leaders in their homes, bridging the gap between church teachings and daily family life.
ASD Family Ministry Development
Creating specialized support systems and educational materials for families with children on the autism spectrum, ensuring inclusive faith communities that welcome and support all families.
Supporting Korean Immigrant Families
Korean immigrant families navigate complex challenges as they seek to maintain their faith heritage while adapting to American cultural contexts. Our research specifically addresses these unique circumstances, recognizing that cultural conflicts and language barriers between first and second/third generations create additional layers of complexity in faith transmission.
We develop culturally sensitive approaches that honor Korean Christian traditions while embracing American contexts. Our programs help bridge generational gaps, providing practical tools for families to maintain meaningful faith conversations across cultural and linguistic differences.

Generational Bridge-Building
Our research shows that when families receive appropriate support and resources, they can successfully navigate cultural transitions while maintaining strong faith foundations.
Join Our Mission
For Church Leaders
Access research-based resources and training programs designed to strengthen your congregation's family faith formation initiatives. Partner with us to develop customized solutions for your community's unique needs.
For Parents & Caregivers
Discover practical tools and educational materials that will empower you to become confident faith formation leaders in your home. Connect with supportive community networks and ongoing learning opportunities.
For Researchers & Partners
Collaborate with our team on cutting-edge research initiatives. Contribute to the growing body of knowledge about effective faith formation practices in diverse cultural contexts and specialized ministry areas.
Through your engagement, we hope to share our institute's mission and vision together. We will pray and strive so that the living legacy of faith may continue to the next generation in Christ's abundant love and grace for each family.