As a pastor and former CDC medical officer, Dr. Stephen Ko brings a unique and important perspective on the coronavirus and the Church’s response. His passion for evangelism and his expertise in public health inform the advice and encouragement he offers.
NAE President Walter Kim hosts Today’s Conversation, where you’ll hear Dr. Ko share:
How pandemics of the past compare to today’s coronavirus;
What epidemiological details are helpful for Christians to understand;
How stigma and racial stereotypes are affecting Asian Americans; and
What words he hopes will sum up the Church’s response.
Read a Portion of the Transcript
Walter: You’ve mentioned throughout this podcast the impact the coronavirus has had on multiple aspects of life. The coronavirus has strained the economy, mental health, education, at risk populations, community life, and on and on. It seems like our efforts must be broad and prolonged. What are the implications for the long-term nature of these challenges for the Church?
Dr. Ko: That’s a tough question. After this pandemic is over, the Church may never return to business as usual. Perhaps, Walter, that’s precisely what’s needed. We’re forced to consider church outside of building, worship without a concert, and fellowship that is intentional and creative. I hate to say it, but some churches may not survive this pandemic, Walter. Others will be born in this season of suffering, yet it’s always been during chaos and turmoil that the Church has flourished. So, I think time will tell that God is still sovereign.
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Today’s Conversation is brought to you by Christian Community Credit Union.
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Dr. Stephen Ko is senior pastor at New York Chinese Alliance Church in New York City, New York, and an adjunct professor at Alliance Theological Seminary. Ko received his M.Div. from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary while completing a Master’s of Public Health from Columbia University. He also holds an M.A. from William and Mary and an M.D. from the Medical College of Georgia. Ko was previously a medical officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a professor of global health at Boston University.
Walter Kim became the president of the National Association of Evangelicals in January 2020. He previously served as a pastor at Boston’s historic Park Street Church and at churches in Vancouver, Canada and Charlottesville, Virginia, as well as a campus chaplain at Yale University. He preaches, writes and engages in collaborative leadership to connect the Bible to the intellectual and cultural issues of the day. He regularly teaches in conferences and classrooms; addresses faith concerns with elected officials and public institutions; and provides theological and cultural commentary to leading news outlets. He serves on the boards of Christianity Today and World Relief and consults with a wide range of organizations. Kim received his Ph.D. from Harvard University in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, his M.Div. from Regent College in Vancouver, and his B.A. from Northwestern University.
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