Podcast Summary

Podcast: New Books Network
Host: Dave Broczek (B)
Guest: Dr. Mehari Tedla Korcho (C)
Book Discussed: Ethiopian Diaspora Churches on Mission: An Intergenerational Perspective on Ethiopian Churches in the United States (Langham Academic, 2024)
Date: October 1, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features a discussion with Dr. Mehari Tedla Korcho about his 2024 book examining Ethiopian diaspora churches in the United States. Drawing on his own experiences as an immigrant and leader within Ethiopian communities, Dr. Korcho explores the biblical and practical context of "diaspora mission," the complex intergenerational dynamics within these congregations, and both challenges and opportunities for engaging in cross-cultural ministry beyond their own ethnic group.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Dr. Mehari’s Background and Calling (03:02)

• Personal introduction: Dr. Korcho, originally from Ethiopia, lives in Colorado with his family. His background spans undergraduate studies in sociology (Lund University, Sweden) to a PhD in Intercultural Studies (Columbia International University, USA).
• Ministry experience: Dr. Korcho's missionary journey began in Ethiopia with campus ministry. Significant formative experiences occurred in Sweden, where he describes a transformative encounter mentoring a young Swedish Christian (“God actually convicted my ignorance about nations beyond my own community.” — 07:40). This led to a calling to mobilize diaspora communities into mission beyond their own group.
• Current work: Mobilizes believing diaspora communities for mission in the US and globally, especially focusing on Ethiopian churches’ potential.

2. Defining “Diaspora” and “Diaspora Mission” (10:49)

• Biblical foundation: The concept is ancient—seen when God moves people (believers and nonbelievers) to new locations for His mission (e.g., Ruth, Queen of Sheba; Acts 2, the Ethiopian eunuch; Israelite exiles).
• Contemporary relevance: Modern migration is more intense due to technological and social factors, but the idea is not new.
• Key quote:
  “Diaspora missions is an ancient biblical approach that God used for his mission... Even exiles, those people who came to a different nation because of persecution... have a message to tell.” (12:00-13:25)

3. Ethiopian Migration to the US – The Three Waves (17:22)

• Scale and timing: Ethiopians are the second largest African immigrant group in the US after Nigerians.
• Three waves of migration:
  • First wave (pre-1974): Predominantly students and officials, with a “sojourner” mentality, intending to return home.
  • Second wave (1974–1991): Political refugees fleeing the Derg regime, predominantly male, few families.
  • Third wave (1991–present): Large influx due to diversity visa lottery; arrival as families, exponential community growth, especially in Washington DC and other metropolitan areas.
• Quote:
  “Ethiopians are actually the second largest African immigrants in the United States... over 140 Ethiopian diaspora churches are there in America.” (17:58)

4. Development of Ethiopian Diaspora Churches in the US (23:54)

• Evolution:
  • First wave: Few formal institutions; mainly student conferences.
  • Second wave: First Ethiopian evangelical church plants, especially in Washington DC and California.
  • Third wave: Explosive church growth paralleling increased Evangelical Christianity in Ethiopia.
• Generational differences emerge: Different migration backgrounds, linguistic preferences, and degrees of attachment to homeland culture.

5. Research Aims and Methods (28:11)

• Objective: To encourage Ethiopian churches in the US to move from potential for mission to active cross-cultural engagement—including reaching beyond their own ethnic community and across generational lines.
• Research approach: Combined qualitative and quantitative methods—surveys and interviews of church members across age groups.

6. Intergenerational Dynamics (31:33)

• Generational definitions:
  • First generation (1.0): Migrated age 22+, strong attachment to Ethiopia, Amharic language church services.
  • 1.5 generation: Immigrated between ages 11–21; “in-between,” partial adaptation to US culture.
  • Second generation (2.0): Born/raised in the US or migrated before age 10; prefer English, closer to US culture.
• Challenge: Churches remain Amharic-centric, alienating younger generations; only 4–5 English-speaking churches planted by second-gen in 50 years.
  • Notable quote:
    “Graduation from high school is also graduation from the church, because there is no platform for the second generation...” (36:59)

7. Key Research Findings (38:45)

Understanding of Missions

• Prevailing view: Most respondents see missions traditionally—from the “West to the rest,” with Ethiopians as recipients, not senders.
• Biblical reference: Missions mostly defined by the Great Commission, not a broader biblical theology of God’s redemptive plan.

Practice of Missions

• Inward focus: Efforts and outreach predominantly target Ethiopians (locally and back home), rarely extending to non-Ethiopians.
• Transition from survival to isolation: The initial dependence on American churches has shifted to independence, sometimes leading to isolation and lack of inter-church collaboration.
• Generational divide: First generation focuses inwardly, neglecting younger members’ needs and potential for mission.
• Quote (on youth perspective):
  “My parents live in America, but their heart is in Ethiopia... I sometimes wonder, what about us? And now about America. So many things are happening here too. We want them to pay attention to what's happening here.” — (Second-gen respondent, cited at 47:51)

8. Opportunities and Strengths of Ethiopian Diaspora Churches (50:38)

• Community orientation: Strong sense of community contrasts with US individualism—can be a resource to revitalize struggling congregations in America.
• Spiritual fervency: Vibrant prayer and faith are notable hallmarks.
• Simplicity and resourcefulness: Ability to do ministry with limited resources, a model for US churches.
• Potential for positive influence: Possess much to offer, not just receive, in the US religious landscape.
• Quote:
  “That fervency in spirituality, that community is needed in the US; that simplicity is needed in the US...” (53:59)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “God actually convicted my ignorance about nations beyond my own community.”
  — Dr. Mehari Korcho, on his calling (07:40)

• “Diaspora missions is an ancient biblical approach that God used for his mission...”
  — Dr. Mehari Korcho (12:00)

• “My parents live in America, but their heart is in Ethiopia... I sometimes wonder, what about us?”
  — Second-generation interviewee, quoted by host (47:51)

• “Graduation from high school is also graduation from the church, because there is no platform for the second generation...”
  — Dr. Mehari Korcho, on youth disengagement (36:59)

• “America is a mission field today. I want Ethiopian immigrant churches... to see the missional aspect of their movement and not to limit God for themselves...”
  — Dr. Mehari Korcho (54:13)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:02 — Dr. Mehari’s personal journey and ministry calling
• 10:49 — Defining diaspora and biblical roots of diaspora mission
• 17:22 — Three migration waves and their impact
• 23:54 — Church development through these waves
• 28:11 — Research goals and approach
• 31:33 — Intergenerational distinctions and challenges
• 38:45 — Core research findings: understanding and practice of mission
• 47:51 — Second-generation perspective (“what about us?” quote)
• 50:38 — Strengths Ethiopian churches offer the broader church
• 53:59 — Encouragement for Ethiopian churches to be “missional” in the US
• 55:01 — Response to the book and community feedback
• 56:37 — Dr. Mehari’s future work and focus

Conclusion

Dr. Korcho’s work sheds light on the internal and external challenges facing Ethiopian diaspora congregations in the US. Despite vibrant faith and valuable community-oriented traditions, many churches remain insular and struggle to reach younger generations or engage outside their ethnic group. Nevertheless, their strengths—community, prayer, resourcefulness—position them to revitalize and enrich American Christianity if they embrace a broader missional outlook.

The host closed by thanking Dr. Korcho for his insights and contributions both to scholarship and ministry.