Having a good discussion on NTPYAC on the Taiwanese church. I posted a comment on differences between the generations in church.
=== Post below ===
Within the Taiwanese church, there are various ministries. And each ministry focuses on different things. First generation (1G) focuses on different things than 1.5G and 2G. Each group has different needs. Each group has different expectations. While I was at ATPC, it was easy to see the differentiation between the three groups. Each group tended to sit among themselves, have meetings among themselves, and associate among themselves. Sure, there are some crossovers, but there are common characteristics of each group. (Below are generalities, and of course not everyone in the group fits all the characteristics, but it points out some differences among the groups)
1G:
– Speaks primarily Taiwanese
– Strong need for Taiwanese community fellowship
– Uncomfortable in American community
– Issues of work, family
– Dislikes change
– Strong Presbyterian heritage
– Little exposure to non-PCUSA denominations
– Thinks about Taiwan a lot
– Computer novices
– Likes hymns
– Sings amen at the end of all songs
1.5G:
– Speaks primarily Mandarin
– Strong need for Taiwanese community fellowship
– Adjusting to American community
– Issues of school, work
– Forced to change
– Nuetral Presbyterian stance
– Some exposure to non-PCUSA denominations
– Thinks about Taiwan a lot
– Computer savvy
– Likes hymns and praise songs
– Occasionaly sings amen at the end of songs
2G:
– Speaks primarily English
– Little need for Taiwanese community fellowship
– Comfortable in American community
– Issues of school, work
– Wants change
– Nuetral to against Presbyterian traditions
– Lots of exposure to non-PCUSA denominations
– Thinks about Taiwan when parents mentions it
– Computer savvy
– Likes praise songs
– Never sings amen at the end of songs