For more than 46 years, Asbury Korean United Methodist Church (Asbury) has stood as a spiritual home for Korean immigrants in Denver. Once one of the city’s thriving Korean-centered congregations, Asbury has faced a steep decline in recent years, impacted by demographic shifts, the pandemic, and financial strain. Yet today, with the support of A Table for All and a renewed vision, Asbury is embracing a new chapter.

Pastor Haeil Park describes this shift as both urgent and profoundly hopeful: “When I first came to Asbury, I saw a community that was weighed down, consumed by the need to maintain a large 400-seat building. The support from A Table for All has felt like a deep, refreshing breath, revitalizing us and giving us the strength to move forward.”

Building an Inclusive Community

Asbury’s uniqueness lies in its willingness to move beyond a first-generation Korean model and become a church where diversity and belonging thrive. With A Table for All, it is intentionally reaching second- and third-generation Korean Americans, as well as multi-cultural families with Korean heritage.

The results are already visible. Families who once felt on the margins are now engaging in church life and stepping into leadership. “Our vision now includes embracing diversity and inclusivity, welcoming individuals and families from all backgrounds,” says Pastor Park. “We still honor our Korean heritage, but we are committed to reflecting the diversity of the Denver metro area.”

Ministries Making an Impact

A Table for All funding has helped Asbury create ministries designed to meet the needs of multicultural families:

• Men’s Mosaic at Asbury (MMA): A fellowship space for husbands of multicultural families, often American or Canadian, who struggle to fit in at Korean churches. This group continues to thrive as a strong support network.
• Moms Playdate Hub: A gathering place with a playroom and feeding area where Korean moms and their children can connect. Monthly parenting workshops and fellowship provide critical support.
• Essay Contest for Korean Heritage Families: Created for the 45th anniversary, this contest invited students from middle school through college and their parents to share their stories of multicultural family life. Winners received awards and shared their reflections in worship, bringing powerful new voices into the church’s story.

These ministries have not only met families where they are but also reshaped how the church sees its mission. “The most profound transformation has been our transition from a first-generation Korean American church to a truly multicultural congregation,” reflects Pastor Park.

A Revitalization Plan for the Future

To sustain its momentum, Asbury has adopted a three-year revitalization plan funded through proceeds from its recent property sale. The plan balances immediate stability with long-term growth, ensuring the congregation can thrive well into the future.

At its core, the plan invests in additional ministry staff to support the pastor and meet the needs of a growing congregation. It also strengthens existing ministries, while preparing to launch the new Salt and Light Ministry in 2026. By 2027, all four ministries will be fully supported, creating a strong foundation for lasting impact. 

A ministry reserve fund adds flexibility, enabling the church to respond to new opportunities or provide extra staffing support as needed. This thoughtful approach positions Asbury to grow in both spiritual vitality and financial sustainability.

A New Chapter Begins

Looking ahead, the church is preparing to move into a new worship space in November 2025, marking the beginning of its revitalized mission. “The future of Asbury is full of new possibilities,” says Pastor Park. “I’m filled with excitement for what lies ahead.”

From its heritage as a Korean immigrant church to its emerging identity as a diverse, multicultural congregation, Asbury embodies the spirit of renewal at the heart of A Table for All. By building bridges across cultures and generations, Asbury is showing what it means to be, as Pastor Park says, “the light and salt of the world, reflecting God’s love and grace in everything we do.”

For Asbury Korean UMC, this is more than a building project or a revitalization plan that reimagines who they are called to be. As the congregation welcomes families of many cultures and generations, their hope is that every person who walks through the doors will encounter a community of grace, belonging, and renewal.

Bishop Kristin Stoneking has affirmed her commitment to investing in new church revitalization efforts across the Mountain Sky Conference, ensuring that every child of God finds a loving and inclusive community. Inspired by retired Bishop Karen Oliveto, A Table for All helped 12 churches grow and thrive, and the techniques learned through this work now serve as the spark for broader vitality efforts across the Conference.

This vital work continues through the generosity of donors who support both their local churches and our shared mission. By building the A Table for All Endowment, we can sustain this transformative ministry for generations to come. To learn more—or to make a gift that strengthens churches like Asbury—please click here. Congregations interested in applying these revitalization practices are encouraged to reach out to Rev. Stephanie Moffitt.