About
Korean
“Faithful Kids” GMU Christian Education 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
Welcome to the Faithful Kids Christian Education Research Center
Dear friends,
Welcome to the Faithful Kids Christian Education Research Center at Grace Mission University.
Our institute was founded as part of the Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative (CPCI), supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
Grounded in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:1–9) and Deuteronomy 31:9–13, we believe that parents and the church share a God-given calling to nurture the next generation in faith. Yet in today’s fast-paced world, many parents find it difficult to take an active role in their children’s faith formation—especially within Korean immigrant families facing language and cultural barriers.
Through CPCI, we seek to understand these challenges and provide research-based resources, practical curricula, and faith-nurturing tools that empower parents and churches to work together in raising children who love God.
We are also deeply committed to supporting families with children on the autism spectrum (ASD) and to helping churches create inclusive, Christ-centered environments where every family is valued and supported.
We invite you to join us in this journey—to strengthen families, equip churches, and pass on a living legacy of faith to the next generation through God’s love and grace.
With warm blessings,
Soo Young Lee, Ph.D.
Director, Faithful Kids Christian Education Research Center
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
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.
Our Vision
In a rapidly changing world shaped by digital technology and artificial intelligence, many children struggle to experience a personal and intimate relationship with God. Faithful Kids is dedicated to walking with parents as they nurture faith at home—helping them build emotional warmth, consistent communication, and genuine spiritual connection with their children.
We especially journey alongside Korean immigrant families who face not only generational differences but also challenges of language, culture, values, and, at times, disability—sharing together the hope of expanding God’s kingdom.
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.
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.
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.