About

“Faithful Kids”
GMU Christian Education Research Center

Supporting Korean immigrant families as they nurture their children’s faith through the support of their churches, and fostering ASD-friendly church communities for children with autism and their families.

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. Founded through the Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative (CPCI) with support from Lilly Endowment Inc., our center is dedicated to strengthening faith formation in families and churches.

Rooted in the biblical vision of Deuteronomy 6:1–9 and 31:9–13, we believe that parents and churches share a sacred calling to nurture faith in the next generation. We are especially committed to supporting Korean immigrant families as they navigate the cultural, linguistic, and everyday challenges of raising children in faith.

Through research, practical resources, and congregational partnerships, we equip parents and churches with tools that encourage meaningful conversations, faith practices, and stronger connections between home and church.

A vital part of our work is the ASD-Friendly Church Initiative, which supports children with autism and their families while helping churches become more welcoming, understanding, and prepared communities of faith.

We invite you to join us as we strengthen families, equip churches, and nurture a living faith in the next generation through the love and grace of Christ.

With warm blessings,
Soo Young Lee, Ph.D.
Director, Faithful Kids Christian Education Research Center

Responding to Today’s Faith Formation Challenges

Changing Family Rhythms
Busy schedules and changing family routines can make it difficult for parents to take an active role in their children’s faith formation. As churches carry more of this responsibility, families may have fewer opportunities to talk about and practice faith together at home.
Korean Immigrant Family Context
Korean immigrant families often navigate cultural and language differences across generations. These challenges can make conversations about faith, values, and identity more difficult between parents and children.
Supporting Churches with Practical Solutions
Many Korean immigrant churches are already working faithfully to support families and strengthen faith across generations. Faithful Kids seeks to build on these efforts by providing research-informed resources and practical approaches that churches and families can use together.

Our Mission

Participating in God’s Mission
We conduct research that addresses real challenges in churches, schools, communities, and ministry settings, seeking practical ways to participate in God’s work of transformation.
Providing Research-Informed Resources
We offer reliable research, educational resources, and practical insights to support Christian educators, parents, and ministry leaders in nurturing faith across generations.
Building Christian Educator Networks
Through publications, resource development, and collaborative networks, we connect and support Christian educators as they learn, serve, and grow together.

Our Vision

In a rapidly changing world shaped by digital technology and artificial intelligence, Faithful Kids envisions families where children grow in a personal and lasting faith in God. We walk alongside parents as they nurture faith at home through loving relationships, meaningful conversations, and everyday practices of faith.

We are especially committed to Korean immigrant families navigating generational, cultural, and language differences, as well as families raising children with autism. Together with parents, churches, and ministry leaders, we seek to nurture the next generation and participate in God’s work in families and communities.

Core Project Objectives

Faith in Everyday Life
We provide practical resources and programs that help parents and caregivers nurture faith, share Christian values, and engage their children in meaningful faith practices at home and in church.
ASD-Friendly Church Initiative
We collaborate with Christian professionals and organizations to help churches better understand, welcome, and support children with autism and their families through training, resources, and practical guidance.

Through these initiatives, Faithful Kids seeks to address the real challenges parents, caregivers, and ministry leaders face in nurturing children’s faith and to support families in raising the next generation with a vibrant and enduring faith.

Supporting Korean Immigrant Families

Korean immigrant families often navigate generational, cultural, and language differences as they seek to nurture faith while living within the American context. Faithful Kids seeks to understand these experiences and respond with resources that reflect the unique needs of Korean American Christian families.

We develop culturally responsive approaches that honor Korean Christian heritage while engaging the realities of life in the United States. Through practical tools and resources, we help parents and children bridge generational differences, strengthen communication, and share faith meaningfully across cultures and languages.

Bridging Generations

With culturally responsive support and practical resources, families can bridge generational differences, navigate cultural transitions, and nurture a strong foundation of faith together.

Join Our Mission

For Church Leaders
Explore research-informed resources and training designed to strengthen faith formation in your congregation. Partner with us to develop practical approaches that reflect the needs of your church and families.
For Parents & Caregivers
Discover practical tools and resources to help you nurture your child’s faith at home. Connect with opportunities for learning, encouragement, and support along the way.
For Researchers & Partners
Collaborate with us in research, resource development, and ministry initiatives that strengthen faith formation across generations, cultures, and diverse family needs.

We invite you to join us in nurturing a living faith in the next generation.
Together, we seek to support families and churches as they grow in the love and grace of Christ.