Eugene Cho's Blog

Rosa Parks.

This woman.

Quiet but not timid.

Confident but not arrogant.

Fierce but not violent.

Strong, Courageous, and Prophetic.

…and a follower of Christ.

Rosa Parks.

“People always say that I didn’t give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn’t true. I was not tired physically, or no more tired than I usually was at the end of a working day. I was not old, although some people have an image of me as being old then. I was forty-two. No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.”

As many seek to honor her, it’s common and tempting for folks to only acknowledge parts of her. In a fast changing post-Christendom world, many will not want to acknowledge (or even know) the significance that her faith in Christ played in her life and thus, her activism. In other words, her activism was part of her discipleship. She was a lifelong Methodist and committed to her local church wherever she lived including the AME church in Montgomery. She later served as a deaconess when she moved to Detroit.

One of my favorite things about Rosa Parks was that she was known to have always be carrying around her Bible.

“I remember finding such comfort and peace while reading the Bible. Its teaching became a way of life and helped me in dealing with my day-to-day problems… From my upbringing and the Bible I learned people should stand up for rights just as the children of Israel stood up to the Pharaoh.”

When people condemn Christians for being judgmental, bigots, and hatemongers…we have to listen, in part, because it’s partly true. But…it’s partly true but not entirely true. To make a statement over the whole because of one, couple, or some is simply not accurate.  It’s true, there are some that are judgmental, bigots, and hate-mongers but that’s not at all the full story of the Church – the bride of Christ.

After listening for a few minutes of people going off on Christians, I love sharing the story of Rosa Parks with them. And they’re often dumbfounded to discover that she was a devout follower of Christ. And it’s not just Rosa…there’s a long list of people – known and unknown – that are clearly imperfect but living beautiful livings.

Words matter…but words with deeds, words with actions, faith in motion, love in Christ lived out…it’s the most powerful, compelling sermon anyone can hear.

As a preacher myself, I love teaching and preaching but compelling sermons aren’t just from pulpits. They’re preached around kitchen tables, by bedsides, on the streets, in company boardrooms, in your neighborhoods…and even on a bus.

Preach, Rosa. Preach, sista. Preach.

* Appreciate the comments and especially the critique via social email and email. Certainly shows my personal blind spots and privilege and my need to keep learning from others. Much to learn.

It’s just utterly tragic. I’m just starting to read the horrendous news of the shootings at Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs. Information is still being gathered for the shooter, his motivations, and the victims.

One of the killed was a first responder – Officer Garrett Swasey, a six year veteran of the campus police force of Univ. of Colorado (Colorado Springs). It wasn’t even his responsibility as a campus police officer to respond to this incident but he chose to go. If this isn’t heroism, I don’t know what is…

Let’s be honest: There’s been so much horrible news of police brutality throughout our country…news of police abusing their power and authority including and especially with their engagement with Black Americans. As some of you may know, I’ve been a vocal supporter of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Now, please hear me: The power dynamics (abuse of power) can not and should not be ignored, denied, or avoided. Yet, if we’re not wise and discerning, we can become lazy and continue these mistakes by making sweeping generalizations over the entire police force. 

Couple of my friends who are in the police force have shared this very new reality and tension:

“Eugene, folks don’t see us as human beings any more. They just see the uniform and thus, public enemy #1.”

This is important: To support one is not to reject the other. These two things should not be viewed as competing, contradictory, or antithetical. In other words, I’m trying to articulate – not very well – that one can and must challenge and protest against systemic injustice and still value the individuals that work with integrity within such difficult, unjust systems. These are indeed challenging and complex times….ones that require much prayer, courage, tenacity, and humility.

One easier-said-than-done way we can seek to remedy and fight against such broad stereotypes and generalizations is to choose to “see” each person. In other words, the intentionality behind the humanity of each person. This is clearly complex in the face of enormous structural and systemic issues and yet, this is so critical for us as Christians because we believe that each person is created in the Imago Dei – the image of God.

Clearly, I did not personally know Office Garrett. Never knew him. Never heard of him. And only now starting to soak in various narratives about his life. He was only 44 – one year younger than me. I’m sure like all of us, he had his flaws and failures but in reading about his story, this I know: I wish I had known him.

Penny, a friend just recently shared this with me on this very blog:

Officer Swasey served our little neighborhood and in fact came to our home in response to a call we made. He was also the personal pastor of what of our good friends. He could have chosen to stay on campus yesterday – leaving the CSPD officers and the El Paso County Police to handle the situation, but he instead went to protect and defend.

Garrett wasn’t just a “good” police officer. In other words, he was more than his uniform but even his uniform had purpose that was informed by his character and faith. He was also the husband to his wife, Rachel, and father to their two children: Elijah and Faith. All that knew him speaks deeply of his courage and faith in Christ. In fact, he we was also a co-pastor of a local church in Colorado Springs called Hope Chapel.

“Here’s a guy who worked full time as a police officer, and then gave a great amount of time to his local church and didn’t get a dime for it,” said Scott Dontanville, a co-pastor who knew Officer Swasey for 15 years. “He did it because it was the thing that he felt he needed to do.” [source]

Garrett Swasey: Christ Follower, Son, Husband, Father, Pastor, and Police Officer.

I never had the privilege of meeting you but…We see you. We honor you. We lift your wife, kids, family, church, and all those that are grieving your passing in heart and prayers. It is an honor to call you a brother-in-Christ and fellow co-laborer of the Gospel. Thank you for your courage and faith. As many mourn and grieve, may their tears turn to a growing peace – knowing that you are united and at peace with our God: Father, Savior, and Spirit.

We are all still in shock and pain. Yesterday, I wrote these brief words on social media about the tragic events at Emanuel AME Church in South Carolina.

There’s a time to argue issues and there’s a time to just grieve, mourn, weep. Now is that time to grieve, mourn, weep.

Tomorrow will come and may God give us wisdom and courage to be both fierce and gentle, prophetic and pastoral…in pursuit of God’s Kingdom here on this earth.

But today…we lament. We lament. We lament.

Well, we continue to lament, and grieve, and weep. And as we do so, we must have the courage indeed to be both fierce and gentle, prophetic and pastoral. We must have the courage to speak up. Today, I asked Rev. Liz Mosbo Verhage, one of our pastors at Quest Church and also an adjunct professor at North Park Theological Seminary, for permission to share her courageous post entitled, “An Open Letter to White Christians From a White Female Pastor.” 

Please take a read. Please take this heart.

An Open Letter to White Christians from a White Female Pastor

I am grieving and lamenting and beyond angry over what feels like open season on the Black Community/Church right now in the United States.

White Christians, this is the time to pay attention and be part of our nation’s struggle to understand and address the continual violence happening against our black sisters and brothers. When one part of the Body hurts we all hurt – when one part of the Body is repeatedly targeted, killed, not protected, pulled out of swimming pools, seen as threats when unarmed – and then misrepresented, silenced, or made small through ahistoric excuses, side-stepping through political mess, or any other form of evil – we need to stand up. We need to show up – loudly. We need to demand a different response – and start with our people in the church.

White church – and the wider church in general – this is the time for all of us to engage. Help present the truth wherever you can, whether it’s on facebook or over lunch at work. Fight for life, by holding up friends right now and grieving with those too tired to carry on, and preparing for advocacy and work that is necessary and is always before us in the future. Seek to understand, lament, and see the systems and principalities at work in our world, in our churches, maybe in our minds – ask Christ for the eyes to see. Thank you to all those already in the game – advocating, grieving, listening, standing with, and paying attention.

If you’re not sure what to do – start paying attention, right now. Read articles from the Black Community, notice the particular beauty and pain within the Black Church, start to feel this pain and shock and repeated abuse as if it were in your own family, because, well, it is. Pray, pray more, confess, lament, and learn more, and pray some more. Bring this up with your people. Ask about this reality of race and death at your church – where will it be addressed within worship this Sunday? Where will we take our part of the responsibility of educating, advocating, understanding, speaking out, and helping change how race and faith and life and death are seen in the US? Publicly share information and lament and hope with others. Publicly stand for and with and fight this sense of black life not being as valuable, as noticed, as mourned. The more we join the outrage and point to the truth that ‪#‎faithandracealwaysmatter‬ and ‪#‎BlackLivesMatter‬, the more we help open up spaces of lament, healing, Good News, justice, reconciliation, hope and the potential for life to flourish.

This is not a time to leave the black community alone, to let them mourn or be angry or fix it alone.

White Christians, we inherited this mess and this story of power and privilege and racism that shapes our individual lives, our corporate realities, and even our congregations. The wider church and the world will be shaped by how we choose to engage or turn away from this kind of death. Particularly those of us with any voice, leadership, influence, and the privilege to choose whether or not to engage issues of death and race – it is time to get in the game. Because of course, this is no game – these issues of racism and how we choose to see truthfully or speak up – these are literally matters of life and death for the Black Community. So it is past time to choose life, to advocate for our people – all people – in the Body of Christ. It is on our shoulders to be part of fighting the evil we are witnessing over and over in our nation that is taking and diminishing Black life – actively, with faith and hope and love, and with each other.

#‎payattention ‬ #‎prayforCharleston ‬ ‪

#‎standwiththeBlackChurch‬ ‪#‎OneBody‬

Rev. Liz Mosbo VerHage , Ph.D., is an ordained pastor, professor, preacher, teacher, author, practicing theologian, wife and mom. She is the Pastor of Global and Local Ministries at Quest Church in Seattle, equipping the church to engage in presence, justice, advocacy, and compassion, and is an adjunct teacher for the Urban Ministry M.Div. and D.Min. program at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago.

Tagged: charleston, Liz Mosbo Verhage

I need to share some thoughts. And I know that some of you may get confused, upset, or angry. That’s ok.

This past week, we saw another example of egregious mis-use of power; We witnessed another example or byproduct of systems, institutions, and structures that’s skewed or distorted; That diminishes the value of black bodies as lesser than…That’s what racism is. Not only can people be racist but what’s even more dangerous are structures that are distorted in such ways that it can be racialized … and people don’t even know. Which explains why after every nearly episode (Ferguson, Baltimore, Cleveland, McKinney, etc.) so many ask, “How is that racist?”

This is why – even at personal costs – we have to begin and continue to name certain things. Just name it! What officer Eric Casebolt did was wrong. He was out of control.

So, what’s justice in this situation? Is justice ensuring that he gets suspended or fired or forced to resign? That’s what happened, right? He resigned. (I initially thought he was fired). So, justice is served, right? On to the next story.

But…let’s pause for a moment. To be honest, I read news of his resignation with sadness; As a missed opportunity for our nation…a missed opportunity for us.  In fact, I would suggest that he shouldn’t have been able to resign. Able to walk away and thus, changing the narrative as the victim in the story. Happens too often.

This is where some of you might get confused with what I have to say. We don’t just need justice. We can’t just exclusively have an eye for an eye justice. We can’t just exact as much pain and suffering unto others. If an eye for an eye does indeed create a society of blind people (paraphrased from Gandhi), this is a version of justice that in the long run, will only create more fear, distrust, and division.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying justice is not important. Officer Casebolt ought to have been suspended for an indefinite time but what if we had room and space for redemption.

As Christians in particular, a Gospel story without redemption is a broken and bankrupt theology of the Gospel.

God is in the business of restoring broken and fallen people, right? I’d like to believe…I need to believe that for all of us…we are not defined by our very worst mistakes. In other words, the beauty of redemption – for you, me, us, and them – is the hope in knowing that Christ is not yet done with us.

In the same way that many are rightly and prophetically calling for a more dignified storytelling of all peoples (eg ruminate on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie), we must have the courage to believe this for others…for all of us. Meaning, is it possible for us to vilify and demonize Casebolt in such a way, that it’s not justice we’re seeking but retribution masked under the guise of justice? Do we believe that redemption and reconciliation is possible? Yes, clamoring for reconciliation with justice is lacking but such is seeking justice without a hope for reconciliation.

In other words, what does RESTORATIVE JUSTICE look like? My hope for the church (and for our larger society) is to be bent not just for the clamoring and demanding of swift justice but an imagination for restorative justice. Oh, we need a fresh imagination.

Can you imagine a story where Casebolt is indeed suspended but during this time, invited to undergo extensive counseling and additional training?
If Dajerria and her family was willing – since she should not feel obligated to engage in this process, can you imagine if he willingly went to Dajerria and truly apologized to her and her family? Truly apologized. Person to person. Have you ever seen a police officer after a tumultuous situation…apologize to the said person?
Can you imagine the impact this would have on Dajerria?
Can you imagine the impact on Eric?
Can you imagine if their two families got together to break bread?
Can you imagine the impact on local communities? On our nation?

Can you imagine?

What we need in the world isn’t just more of our version of justice but a glimpse of restorative justice that merges the biblical invitation and command of Micah 6:8 – “Seek justice. Love kindness. Walk humbly.”

Yes, it’s hard to imagine but we need a fresh vision…a fresh imagination.

But we don’t have to look too far for such a vision. If we look closely at the life of Jesus, this is the vision and imagination He offers to us.

Tagged: dajerria becton; eric casebolt; mckinney

I have some big news to share – news that will likely solicit mixed emotions for many people.

If you’re an internet junkie, it’s possible that you may have already heard as I’ve been receiving my share of texts and tweets. About two weeks ago, Quest Church – the church I lead – purchased Mars Hill Church (Ballard). Yes, that Mars Hill Church.

Since then, there’s been a trickling of blogs, online news, and television reports that have covered this. As such, there’s also been a trickling of criticism of why we would do business with MH, questions about the transactions, and simply, erroneous info about Quest on the blogosphere.

No, Quest is not a social gospel church. No, I’m not a socialist. No, we’re not an emergent church. No, I’m not an Angry Asian (OK, only sometimes). No, Quest is not a cult. No, I was not in a boy band in the 80s. Blah blah blah.

Because Quest deeply values transparency and integrity, I thought it would be good to answer the most common questions we’ve received thus far. We have nothing to hide and would actually ask for your help to clarify any false information or rumors that you may hear. We share this because of the highly sensitive firestorm surrounding MH this past year. We share this because we covet your support and prayers.

First, the official press release:

Quest Church has purchased the building formerly known as Mars Hill Church. Here’s the official press release:

Quest Church, a local Seattle church, has purchased the approximately 40,000 square foot building formerly owned by Mars Hill Church in Ballard (1401 NW Leary Way). Quest Church plans to move into the space later this year. Until that time, Cross and Crown Church, the congregation that was once Mars Hill Ballard, is renting the property from Quest Church . [read full release]

How did Quest get started?

Minhee and I planted Quest in 2001. After moving on from a Korean-American church in the suburbs in Lynnwood and a tough season on food stamps, unemployment, and then numerous months working as a custodian at Barnes & Noble, we hosted anyone and everyone that might be interested in this vision of a new church called Quest on a Saturday evening in December 2000. Thankfully, five people showed up. Add Minhee, myself, our daughter, and our 2nd in Minhee’s tummy because all churchplanters know that you count anyone and everyone. So, that makes 9! This group eventually became a small group bible study that met on Thursday evenings. This small group eventually became a very small Sunday worship gathering that labored for numerous months until we launched our church on October 2001.

I’m not trying to be facetious. There’s nothing fancy about Quest. We’re an incredibly imperfect church seeking to live out the Gospel. The foundation of Quest is the Gospel of Christ. This is what shapes and informs how we try to live out our faith. What that looks like to us is a commitment to our five pillars of mission: soul, community, reconciliation, compassion and justice, and global presence.

How did Quest manage to pay for this building?

From the beginning, it’s been part of our DNA to live out our convictions of justice, mercy, and compassion. To be about the whole Gospel. It’s for these reasons we started a non-profit community cafe and music venue called Q Cafe; We invested in local food banks, other church plants, global initiatives, etc. We also birthed an advocacy and drop-in center for those struggling with homelessness in Seattle called The Bridge Care Center. And while One Day’s Wages isn’t part of Quest, it’s a humanitarian organization that my wife and I founded in 2009 and thus far, we’ve raised over $2.6 million dollars for those living in extreme poverty around the world and 100% of all of those donations (minus credit card fees) go directly to partnerships.

So, how did Quest purchase the MH property?

Well, if you search the internet, the terms of the transaction is already public. We purchased the building for $9 million dollars and no, we didn’t have $9 million lying around. This was doable because we sold our current church property (under contract) for $7 million dollars. This, in itself, is a separate post because there’s a significant component of both grieving and celebrating the history of our current space. There will be many tears for our community in the coming months as we make this transition.

Quest began with nothing but after numerous years of renting space from Interbay Covenant Church, they did the most incredible, incredulous, Kingdom minded thing by dying to themselves, and gifting their entire property and church to Quest. After three years of discussions, prayers, and more prayers, Interbay merged and joined with Quest in 2007. Their generosity and Kingdom vision made this possible.

How did this come about for Quest?

Quest has been looking to relocate for over three years. We’re not a large church but three years ago, we were struggling with space. Since then, we’ve actually doubled in size (nearly 1000). We scoured the entire city for the right property, in the right neighborhood, for the right budget. Result: Nothing. We scoured the area for leasing possibilities because we weren’t married to owning property. Result: Nothing.

Through this process, we had hoped to remain close to our current location since we had been here for nearly 14 years and built many relationships.

We hoped to remain close to our homeless advocacy center in Ballard.

We hoped for a much larger space. Our current building is about 15,000 square feet and we were looking for something as close to 40,000 square feet and within our budget. We were literally told by some real estate folks that it was “impossible”.

We had hoped to find a church building to ensure a smoother transition.

No one could have imagined the situation at MH turning out the way that it turned out. When we first heard that the building would be available on the market, we met with their team and they expressed their desire to sell to a church if possible. They received a total of 10 offers – 9 from developers with tenants in tow and one from Quest. We weren’t the highest offer but we offered flexible conditions. They were true to their word for which we are grateful.

This was more than we could have imagined. It’s only 1.2 miles from our current space; 40,000 square feet. We are closer to the Bridge Care Center, and while we’ll be doing a great deal of painting and rebranding, the facilities are in great shape. And, umm, there’s a Trader Joe’s right across the street.

How do you feel about Mars Hill Church?

There are lots of mixed emotions here so let me simply share couple thoughts. And let me ask for your grace in navigating a delicate issue – in a season where many in the MH community are still hurting.

Mark Driscoll and I go back a while. While we may not be close friends, I consider him a brother-in-Christ and our churches are literally neighbors. I first met him in 2000. He invited me to preach at MH and I did – way back when they were renting space at First Presbyterian Church of Seattle. Minhee and I weren’t at a church back then. We were lonely and isolated after moving on from our previous church to prepare to plant a church. It was a difficult season. When Minhee gave birth to our 2nd child, we had no community which is why it meant so much to us that Mark and his wife, Grace, prepared and delivered a home cook meal. OK, so it wasn’t Korean food but no one’s perfect. His wife, Grace, was so kind to us and I’ll never forget that. Mark later invited me to consider joining his staff and after a month of casual courtship and an intense two hour theological UFC thrown-down on the issue women in leadership at Red Robin (which I believe I won), we parted ways. That was fifteen years ago.

Since then, I’ve had mixed feelings. At times, rejoicing over their growth and stories after stories of lives changed. Other times, if I’m truly honest, jealous of their growth and impact. And then other times, cringing at some of the jagged words, social commentary, and rumors of wounded people. I publicly questioned Driscoll’s views about Ultimate Fighting Jesus and even wrote a review of his book, Real Marriage – for which I was taken to task by some mentors and well known pastors. Yes, I was a little immature back then.

But I never saw it coming. Who did?

I truly grieved over what transpired at MH – for their church, for those who have been hurt, for those who remained, for many on the staff who were laid off, and yes, even for Mark and especially, his family. Our churches have some significant theological differences but they remain our sisters and brothers in Christ.

No, I’m not suggesting a free pass. There’s no escaping the issues that came to light. Leaders must be held to a higher standard. Churches – because we don’t exist alone in a city but impact the standing of other churches in that same city – must do the hard work of self-examination.

The scrutiny and critique were warranted but there’s a fine line and it was incredibly painful to witness some folks reveling in the pain and demise of MH. The threats to his family? Unacceptable. People publicly disclosing his home address? Vicious.

I know that there are many who are still hurting. I have read and personally heard some of the stories of deep wounds and I hope for healing and restoration in their lives. I pray for healing for the Driscoll family. I pray that God does something in Mark – believing that God is not yet done with him.

How is Quest unique or different from MH?

While most Seattle churches know about Quest, many outside of Seattle have no idea who we are. While I’m not fully certain of all the inner workings of MH, here are some unique convictions about Quest – some of which could be said of MH.

Our vision — simple yet profound, mysterious yet plain — is to be the Church. Quest is the expression of a vision and dream of a church where truth is sought, mystery acknowledged, compassion and justice embodied, culture and arts engaged, creativity and innovation fostered, diversity and multi-ethnicity embraced, authenticity and community pursued, and sharing the love of Christ the great cause. We are a Gospel-centered church. By Gospel, we mean, the good news of Jesus Christ who came to demonstrate the love of God the Father, and who is at work around Seattle and the larger world through the presence of the Holy Spirit. By Gospel, we are speaking of a Jesus that ushered in the Kingdom of God. The Gospel not only saves and reconciles us to God, but also pursues and ushers the Kingdom of God – here in our city and around the world.
We are a church that support women in all levels of leadership. We currently have four women who are pastors in our church – 3 of whom are ordained and 1 in process. Gail is our Executive Pastor. Liz has a fancy spancy Ph.D in Ethics. Brenda has a Doctors of Ministry and is also a professor at Seattle Pacific University, and Katey was first a college student when she arrived at Quest 13 years ago and is an amazing leader that shepherds our Children & Family Ministry. They are all incredibly gifted and talented women who love Jesus and I am so privileged to serve with them. We’re also blessed to have two female lay elders on our team.
We are an urban, multiethnic, multigenerational church that is compelled to the ministry of reconciliation. Our staff is diverse and our congregation – while we have a long way to go – is one of the most diverse churches in Seattle.
We are a church deeply committed to transparency. While we are led by a board of elders, all of our meeting minutes are available to our church membership upon request. Our congregation receives a full financial report (quarterly and annually) and our membership must approve the annual budgets. Staff salaries are all published and made available to our membership. If you want, you could easily know my salary because it was written about in the New York Times.
We’re not an island to ourselves. We initially began as an independent church plant. In June 2001, Quest connected with a denomination called The Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). The ECC is made up of more than 800 congregations who resonate with a similar vision and mission. Currently, we receive financial, spiritual, and relational support and accountability from them.
We are a church that seeks to be wise in our leadership so as not to build our church around the personality of one person. It’s for this reason (among others) that we have many of our pastors teach from the pulpit although I serve as the primary teacher (about 65%). I also take a three month sabbatical every three years – not just for rest for my soul and my family but as a reminder to me and the church that the church is about the priesthood of believers.
We are a church that seeks to be known for what we are for, rather than what we are against. Yes, we have our convictions and at times, that may put us in tension with the larger culture but we want to be known not just for our beliefs but for the manner we engage our city with respect, grace, and love. We have no strategy to be glamorous, famous, spectacular, mega, or even relevant. Our most important calling is to be faithful.

How can I pray and support Quest?

Please join us in prayer. Pray for the transition. Pray for the next few months as we get ready. Pray for our new tenants, Cross and Crown Church. It has been a joy to work with them through this transition and we want to see their ministry flourish as well.

Pray for our ongoing but also new relationships with our new neighbors in our new space. We hope to officially move in by October 2015. And while MH has done good ministry that have deeply impacted thousands of people, there’s also ‘baggage’ and pain associated with that building. I’m not saying this to slam MH but to simply convey what has transpired through the media over the past year. We need prayer to navigate this transition.

Pray for our fundraising. We are taking a big step of faith. We will need to raise $2.5 over the next year to cover the difference between the transactions and cover move-in costs. If you’ve been blessed by the ministry of Quest or simply want to be a part of this, please let me know. You can email me here or visit Our Next Quest.

Through it all, pray that we can bear witness to the Gospel. Ministry in the context of Seattle and the Northwest – like all other parts of the country and world – have their unique challenges. Pray that we will truly take to heart the two great commandments to Love God and Love People. Pray that many will come to know, love, and serve Jesus.

And lastly, pray for humility and wisdom.

And then more humility. And more wisdom.

Tagged: mars hill church, quest church, seattle

I have some big news to share.

If you’re an internet junkie, it’s possible that you may have already heard as I’ve been receiving my share of texts and tweets. About two weeks ago, we purchased Mars Hill Church (Ballard). Yes, that Mars Hill Church.

Since then, there’s been a trickling of blogs, online news, and television reports that have covered this. As such, there’s also been a trickling of criticism of why we would do business with MH, questions about the transactions, and simply, erroneous info about Quest on the blogosphere.

No, Quest is not a social justice church. No, I’m not a socialist. No, we’re not an emerging church. No, I’m not an Angry Asian (OK, only sometimes). No, Quest is not a cult. No, I was not in a boy band in the 80s. Blah blah blah.

Because Quest deeply values transparency and integrity, I thought it would be good to answer the most common questions we’ve received thus far. We have nothing to hide and would actually ask for your help to clarify any false information or rumors that you may hear.

First, the official press release:

Quest Church has purchased the building formerly known as Mars Hill Church. Here’s the official press release:

Quest Church, a local Seattle church, has purchased the approximately 40,000 square foot building formerly owned by Mars Hill Church in Ballard (1401 NW Leary Way). Quest Church plans to move into the space later this year. Until that time, Cross and Crown Church, the congregation that was once Mars Hill Ballard, is renting the property from Quest Church . [read full release]

How did Quest get started?

Minhee and I planted Quest in 2001. After moving on from a Korean-American church in the suburbs in Lynnwood and a tough season on food stamps, unemployment, and then numerous months working as a custodian at Barnes & Noble, we hosted anyone and everyone that might be interested in this vision of a new church called Quest on a Saturday evening in December 2000. Thankfully, five people showed up. Add Minhee, myself, and our two kids (at that time) and we had 9. Woohoo! This group eventually became a small group bible study that met on Thursday evenings. This small group eventually became a very small Sunday worship gathering that labored for numerous months until we launched our church on October 2001.

I’m not trying to be facetious. There’s nothing fancy about Quest. We’re an incredibly imperfect church seeking to live out the Gospel. The foundation of Quest is the Gospel of Christ. This is what shapes and informs how we try to live out our faith. What that looks like to us is a commitment to our five pillars of mission: soul, community, reconciliation, compassion and justice, and global presence.

How did Quest manage to pay for this building?

I have read some of the blogs and news articles and especially the over-the-top comments about churches.

From the beginning, it’s been part of our DNA to live out our convictions of justice, mercy, and compassion. To be about the whole Gospel. It’s for these reasons we started a non-profit community cafe and music venue called Q Cafe; We invested in local food banks, other church plants, global initiatives, etc. We also birthed an advocacy and drop-in center for those struggling with homelessness in Seattle called The Bridge Care Center. And while One Day’s Wages isn’t part of Quest, it’s a humanitarian organization that my wife and I founded in 2009 and thus far, we’ve raised over $2.6 million dollars for those living in extreme poverty around the world and 100% of all of those donations (minus credit card fees) go directly to partnerships.

So, how did Quest purchase the MH property?

Well, if you search the internet, the terms of the transaction is already public. We purchased the building for $9 million dollars. This was doable because we sold our current church property (under contract) for $7 million dollars. This, in itself, is a separate post because there’s a significant component of both grieving and celebrating the history of our current space. There will be many tears for our community in the coming months as we make this transition.

Quest began with nothing but after numerous years of renting space from Interbay Covenant Church, they did the most incredible, unthinkable, incredulous, Kingdom minded thing by dying to themselves, and gifting their entire property and church to Quest. After three years of discussions, prayers, and more prayers, Interbay merged and joined with Quest in 2007. Their generosity and Kingdom vision made this possible.

How did this come about for Quest?

Quest has been looking to relocate for over three years. We’re not a large church but three years ago, we were struggling with space. Since then, we’ve actually doubled in size and currently average about 900 people on Sundays. We scoured the entire city for the right property, in the right neighborhood, for the right budget. Result: Nothing.

Through this process, we had hoped to remain close to our current location since we had been here for nearly 14 years and built many relationships.

We hoped to remain close to our homeless advocacy center in Ballard.

We hoped for a much larger space. Our current building is about 15,000 square feet and we were looking for something as close to 40,000 square feet and within our budget. We were literally told by some real estate folks that it was impossible.

We had hoped to find a church that was in great condition.

No one could have imagined the situation at MH turning out the way that it turned out. When we first heard that the building would be available on the market, we met with their team and they expressed their desire to sell to a church if possible. They received a total of 10 offers – 9 from developers with tenants in tow and one from Quest. We weren’t the highest offer but we offered flexible conditions. They were true to their word for which we are grateful.

This was more than we could have imagined. It’s only 1.2 miles from our current space; 40,000 square feet. We are closer to the Bridge Care Center, and while we’ll be doing a great deal of painting and rebranding, the facilities are in great condition.

How do you feel about Mars Hill Church?

There are lots of mixed emotions here so let me simply share couple thoughts.

Mark Driscoll and I go back a while. We’re not close friends but I consider him a brother-in-Christ and our churches are literally neighbors. I first met him in 2000. He invited me to preach at MH and I did – way back when they were renting space at First Presbyterian Church of Seattle. Minhee and I weren’t at a church back then. We were lonely and isolated after moving on from our previous church to prepare to plant a church. It was a difficult season. When Minhee gave birth to our 2nd child, we had no community which is why it meant so much to us that Mark and his wife, Grace, visited us at the hospital and even delivered a home cook meal. OK, so it wasn’t Korean food but no one’s perfect. Mark invited me to join his staff and after a month of casual courtship and an intense two hour theological UFC thrown-down on women in leadership at Red Robin (which I believe I won), we parted ways. That was fifteen years ago.

Since then, I’ve had mixed emotions. At times, rejoicing over their growth and stories after stories of lives changed. Other times, if I’m truly honest, I was jealous of their growth and impact. And then other times, cringing at some of his jagged words, social commentary, and rumors of wounded people. I questioned his views about Ultimate Fighting Jesus and even wrote a review of his book, Real Marriage – for which I was taken to task by some mentors and well known pastors.

But I never saw it coming. Who did?

I truly grieved over what transpired at MH – for their church, for those who have been hurt, for those who remained, for many on the staff who were laid off, and yes, even for Mark and especially, his family. Our churches have some significant theological differences but they remain our sisters and brothers in Christ.

No, I’m not suggesting a free pass. There’s no escaping the issues that came to light. Leaders must be held to a higher standard. Churches – because we don’t exist alone in a city but impact the standing of all other churches in that same city – must be held accountable.

The scrutiny and criticisms were warranted but there’s a fine line and it was incredibly painful to witness some reveling in the pain and demise of MH. The threats to his family? Unacceptable. People publicly disclosing his home address? Vicious.

I know that there are many who are still hurting. I have read and personally heard some of the stories of deep wounds and I hope for healing and restoration in their lives. I pray for healing for the Driscoll family. I pray that God does something in Mark – believing that God is not yet done with him.

How is Quest unique or different from MH?

We’re receiving some outside scrutiny – both from Christians and the larger media. While most Seattle churches know about Quest, many outside of Seattle have no idea who we are so here are some unique things about Quest:

Our vision — simple yet profound, mysterious yet plain — is to be the Church. Quest is the expression of a vision and dream of a church where truth is sought, mystery acknowledged, compassion and justice embodied, culture and arts engaged, creativity and innovation fostered, diversity and multi-ethnicity embraced, authenticity and community pursued, and sharing the love of Christ the great cause. We are a Gospel-centered church. By Gospel, we mean, the good news of Jesus Christ who came to demonstrate the love of God the Father, and who is at work around Seattle and the larger world through the presence of the Holy Spirit. By Gospel, we are speaking of a Jesus that ushered in the Kingdom of God. The Gospel not only saves and reconciles us to God, but also pursues and ushers the Kingdom of God – here in our city and around the world.
We are a church that support women in all levels of leadership. We currently have four women who are pastors in our church – 3 of whom are ordained and 1 in process. Gail is our Executive Pastor. Liz has a fancy spancy Ph.D in Ethics. Brenda has a Doctors of Ministry and is also a professor at Seattle Pacific University, and Katey was first a college student when she arrived at Quest 13 years ago and is an amazing leader. They are all incredibly gifted and talented women who love Jesus and I am so privileged to serve with them. We’re also blessed to have two female lay elders on our team.
We are a multiethnic, multigenerational church that is compelled to the ministry of reconciliation. Our staff is diverse and our congregation – while we have a long way to go – is one of the most diverse churches in Seattle.
We are a church deeply committed to transparency. While we are led by a board of elders, all of our board minutes are available to our church membership. Our congregation receives a full financial report  (quarterly and annually) and our membership must approve the annual budgets. Staff salaries are all published and made available to our membership. If you want, you could easily know my salary because it was written about in the New York Times.
We’re not an island to ourselves. We initially began as an independent church plant. In June 2001, Quest connected with a denomination called The Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). The ECC is made up of people who resonate with our vision and mission. Currently, we receive financial, spiritual, and relational support from them. Because of our affiliation with the ECC, we are held accountable to a larger body.

How can I pray and support Quest?

Please join us in prayer.

Pray for the transition.

Pray for the next few months as we get ready. Pray for our new tenants, Cross and Crown Church.

Pray for our ongoing but also new relationships with our new neighbors in our new space. We hope to officially move in by October 2015. And while MH has done good ministry, there’s also ‘baggage’ and pain associated with that building. I’m not saying this to slam MH but to simply convey what has transpired through the media over the past year. We need prayer to navigate this transition.

Pray for our fundraising. We are taking a big step of faith. We will need to raise $2.5 over the next year to cover the difference between the transactions and move-in costs. If you’ve been blessed by the ministry of Quest or simply want to be a part of this, please let me know. You can email me here or visit Our Next Quest.

And lastly, pray for humility and wisdom. And then more humility. And more wisdom. Through it all, pray that we can bear witness to the Gospel – not rules, codes, or propositional truth…but Truth personified in our loving Savior – Jesus.

Tagged: mars hill church, quest church, seattle

It’s true. The topics of orphan care and adoption are incredibly complex. Anyone that says otherwise are naive or selling something. It’s complicated on their own and even more complicated in the same sentence. And even more complicated when you engage it on local, national, and international level. They might be undergirded by certain same principles but they can (and should) look different on the ground. There’s no one simple, generic solution. And whenever solutions are presented, eventually – surely enough – loopholes are found to be exploited or what’s relevant in one context and culture may not be as relevant – or even dangerous – in another context.

Adoption – locally and globally – are fraught with complexities and even justice issues. It’s sad but that is sometimes the case when people [in this case, adoptees and especially young children/babies] are seen as commodities – particularly in international adoption. When we speak about adoption or orphan care, we must begin with two overarching principles for us as followers of Christ: 1) God cares for children and thus, 2) Children must matter to us – their well being, their safety, their future. But often times, children themselves are often what’s most forgotten in these conversations, complexities, and politics.

Having said that – and while others may disagree with me, my conviction about international adoption is that we must seek to keep children with their biological families if at all possible and children are safe. This needs to be the pervasive ethic so that money isn’t the ruling factor – especially with international adoption.

Now, having said that, we know that we don’t always live in a society and culture of ideals and thus, the tension. This is why orphan care and adoption require much prayer, discernment and critical thinking.

This leads me to a film that I’d like to encourage you to watch: The Drop Box.

The Drop Box is a powerful documentary coming to theaters in March of 2015.

The film tells the story of Lee Jong-Rak, a pastor in Seoul, South Korea, and his wife, who built a drop box at the front of his church as a safe location for babies who are otherwise abandoned on the streets. It has an inspiring message for all of us, challenging us to consider what role we might play in advocating for orphans and supporting adoptive families.

If you live in Seattle and the Puget Sound, please be my guest for a special premiere screening event with other pro-life, adoption, and leaders from around the region. The event starts at 7 pm.  Seats are limited; registration is first come, first served.  [Poster Invitation]

What I deeply appreciate about The Drop Box film (I saw it couple months ago) is that not only does it acknowledge the complexity of these issues, it reminds us – beautifully and poignantly – that behind statistics and banter of issues – are real babies and infants that are created in the image of God. This needs to be a constant reminder lest we think this is just about policies, politics, and institutional systems. Life matters. Babies matter. Unborn babies. Infants matter. Children matter.

And in a world and culture that tend to gravitate towards superhero figures, this is a beautiful reminder of the story of  an ordinary person, Pastor Lee and his wife, and their willingness to live with a commitment to compassion and obedience to Christ – even at deep personal costs. Having been a pastor for couple years in Korea in the ’90s, I can tell you that there’s a certain allure of big and glamorous churches led by well known and glamorous pastors. And you don’t achieve that by caring for orphans abandoned on the streets.

Why is this film so powerful?

Because it speaks to the value and beauty of human life – every single human life including babies and toddlers that make up most of the orphans in Pastor Lee’s care: “disabled children.” In every part of the world, kids with physical disabilities are seen and judged instantly as second-class and disposable. This is why in many western countries, some sources cite 80-92% of unborn babies that are detected with Down Syndrome are aborted.

Let that sink in.

This is why this film matters.

It acknowledges the complexities.

It acknowledges cultural tensions and apathy.

It acknowledges the dangers and ethics of how having a drop box enabling mothers and fathers to drop off their babies.

But however complicated, we can’t just talk ethics, complexities and politics…and ignore the facts of aborted unborn babies and unwanted babies

This is why this film matters.

Because it declares that every life matters – even and especially the unwanted and disposable.

This is a glimpse of the Gospel.

This is a glimpse of the Kingdom.

This is a glimpse of the Gospel that declares that God sees us, meets us, and adopts us as sons and daughters.

Thank you, Pastor Lee. Thank you, Mrs. Lee.

목사님 – 사모님, 감사합니다.

Tagged: pastor lee jong-rak, the drop box film

“…Mourn with those who mourn.” [Romans 12:15]

This picture.

Wailing.

Crying.

Disbelief.

Incredulity.

Oh no, not again.

Just utter pain.

Deep lament.

It hurts to just stare at this photo and even more so, to imagine the shrieks and intensity of this father’s deep scream.

For a moment, put aside your views, your “I told you so” comments, or your aspirations to be a political commentator.

For us – especially as Christians –

if our Black brothers and sisters in Christ are hurting

…If they are truly our brothers and sisters in Christ;

And if we are truly the Body of Christ as we profess

…may we mourn with them.

May we truly listen – even to the shrieking cries of a father and mother.

Mourn with those who mourn.

And in mourning, may we capture a glimpse of why so many are so hurt, crestfallen, and angry…

We mourn for the Brown family.

We mourn for Ferguson.

We mourn for our Black sisters and brothers.

We mourn – even – for Darren Wilson and his family.

We mourn for us. All of us.

We mourn for America.

There will come a time to hope…but for now, I mourn.

There will come a time to hope…but for now, we mourn.

We lament.

And may the Lord meet us in our mourning…

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” [Psalm 34:18]

If you read one more thing about Ferguson, I invite you to read this post by Rev. Dr. Liz Mosbo Verhage: “Call to Arms – Arm to Arm – After Ferguson. It’s written for you.

[photo credit: Reuters]

Over two years ago on November 3, 2012, we heard about Kenneth Bae’s arrest in North Korea.

Over a year ago on August 10, 2013, we held a special prayer vigil for Kenneth Bae and his family.

Two weeks ago, we marked his two-year anniversary in North Korea and prayed for his liberation from captivity. His sister, Terri, shared some specific prayer requests and conveyed that it would take a miracle.

Last Sunday, we celebrated the news of his freedom and safe arrival in Seattle to be reunited with his family. There’s something special about family reunions.

Today, we had the joy of having Kenneth and his family worship with us at Quest Church. 

While this was the first Sunday ever that Kenneth had worshipped with Quest and I’m not his pastor, it was a privilege to come alongside their family during these past two years. He took a few minutes to express his gratitude for support and prayers and to remind us that He never felt alone…never felt abandoned by God.

This is the good news we must share.

As followers of Jesus, the good news is that whether in life or in death, in our mountaintops and valleys, in labor camp or in freedom…we are not alone. Christ is with us. This is not to suggest that our journey through pain, death, or valleys are pleasant. Hardly at all. But to simply convey that God is greater than our circumstances.

For the time being, Kenneth and his family have decided not to do any further interviews but rather to embrace this season of rest, family, and reflection…

But there will come a time when he’ll share his story. I had a meal with him and his family this past week…and it was a true encouragement to hear some of these stories. Rather than anger or bitterness, he has chosen the Christ of hope, love, and reconciliation.

But this isn’t my story to tell but it will happen some day and it will deeply encourage the wider global Church…

My words for Kenneth were very simple:

“Thank you for remaining faithful.”

[photo credits: 1) AP 2) Seattle Times 3) Seattle Times 4) Quest Church 5) Derek Sciba 6) Quest Church]

I’m sitting in front of my computer and I’m crying. And I can’t stop.

There’s a tidal wave of emotions. As a follower of Jesus, I’m ecstatic over Kenneth Bae’s release from jail. Many will know that he was detained in North Korea not because he was trying to topple its government but because of his faith in Christ and his love for the people of North Korea. And while many question the wisdom of going to a country like North Korea, I know that following Christ will sometimes lead us to places that might be irrational to many – even to the Church.

As a pastor, I’m overwhelmed with joy for Terri and Andy Chung, and their two daughters. Terri is Kenneth’s younger sister and their family worships at the church I lead, Quest Church. Having had numerous meetings with Terri’s mother, Myunghee, I can’t imagine how she must be feeling right now. For goodness sake, her love and devotion to her son led her to visit him in North Korea about a year ago. Just last Sunday, our church spent time hearing from Terri and praying for their family. It was emotional as we pondered his two years in captivity. Kenneth was in captivity for a total of 735 days…and tonight, they will be reunited.

And as I genuinely rejoice…

I’m reminded of what remains: a people under a brutal regime. Approximately 24.5 million people.

North Korea will always remain close to my heart. My great-grandfather was among the first to become a follower of Jesus in his village near Pyongyang. My parents were both born in what is now North Korea. My father was 6 when he fled away from the rising communist government. His stories are harrowing.

What my parents witnessed as young children were only the beginning of what has been labeled by many as one of the most oppressive governments in modern history. One can just reference the 2013 report on North Korea from the Human Rights Watch or this interview of “unimaginable suffering.” North Korea also ranks as “the place where Christian persecution is most extreme.” According to the Open Doors, approximately 50,000-70,000 Christians are imprisoned in labor camps. And that may be a very conservative number as some cite there are over 200,000 Christians in labor camps.

But the injustice doesn’t just extend to Christians, it’s pervasive:

Human rights in North Korea are severely restricted. International human rights organizations assess North Korea as a category of its own with no parallel in the contemporary world when it comes to human rights violations. Despite numerous rights being enshrined in the country’s constitution, in practice there is no right to free speech, and the only radio, television, music and news providers that are deemed legal are those operated by the government. It is estimated that between 150,000 and 200,000 political prisoners are detained in concentration camps, where they perform forced labour and risk summary beatings, torture and execution.

North Korea’s human rights record has been widely condemned, especially by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the European Union and the United Nations. North Korea is widely believed to have amongst the worst human rights record in the world. The General Assembly of the United Nations has since 2003 annually adopted a resolution condemning the country’s human rights record. The latest resolution of December 19, 2011, passed by a vote of 123–16 with 51 abstentions, urged the government in Pyongyang to end its “systematic, widespread and grave violations of human rights”, which included public executions and arbitrary detentions. North Korea rejected the resolution, saying it was politically motivated and based upon untrue fabrications. In February 2014, a UN special commission published a detailed, 400-page account based on first-hand testimonies documenting “unspeakable atrocities” committed in the country. [source]

And so, as we rejoice over the amazing news of Kenneth Bae’s release and other Americans (today and recently), let’s not forget the people of North Korea.

Some day, I will return to North Korea. Some day, I will return to the birthplace of my ancestors; the birthplace of my father and mother. We still have family in North Korea…that is, if they are still alive. We do not know. In 2003, I climbed Mt. Baekdusan at the border of China and North Korea and prayed for an opportunity some day to return home. I echo that prayer again.

These are my people but I know that God has not forgotten them.

May we not forget the people of North Korea…

Lord, may your light shine forth in North Korea.

Lord, in your mercy.

Lord, for your glory.