Discipleship and Asian American Identity

In this roundtable discussion moderated by Asian American Christian Collaborative President Pastor Raymond Chang, roundtable participants Dan Hyun, Founding Pastor of Village Church Baltimore, Reverend Duke Kwon of Grace Meridian Hill, and Reverend John Tung, English Pastor of Chinese Bible Church of Maryland delve into the topic of "Discipleship and Asian American Identity".

This discussion explores questions concerning Asian American identity, Christianity, and discipleship, and navigate the complexities that arise at the intersection of these themes.

MENTAL HEALTH AND SPIRITUALITY

In this roundtable conversation moderated by DJ Chuang, Director of Christian Asian Mental Health, Professor Joseph Barnett from the University of Maryland, College Park, Pastor Jason Chang from New Covenant Fellowship, and Reverend Joshua Cho (English Ministry) of Chinese Community Church delve into the imperative for church leaders to tackle mental health issues.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of normalizing conversations and ensuring congregants feel supported. They tackle questions related to the essential roles of prayer, mindfulness, and destigmatizing mental health, promoting a comprehensive approach that integrates faith, professional help, and community support.

Women in Ministry

In this roundtable discussion moderated by Asian American Christian Collaborative President Pastor Raymond Chang, Pastor Andrea Ackermann from Community Life of Christ City Church, Angela Chang, a pastor’s wife engaging in “life on life” ministry from New Covenant Fellowship Church, and Pastor Daniel Park from Restoration Church share their experiences growing up in the church as Asian Americans and discuss the role of leadership within the church. 

The conversation revolves around the topic of leadership within the church, exploring the historical contributions of women, delving into the challenges faced by women in leadership positions, and emphasizing the importance of recognizing and valuing the unique perspectives and contributions that women bring to the church.

Parenting and Family Ministry

In this dynamic roundtable led by Reverend Joshua Cho, EM Pastor from Chinese Community Church, leaders including Youth Director Dorothy Lau from Chinese Bible Church of Maryland; Reverend Duke Kwon, Lead Pastor at Grace Meridian Hill; and Jeremy Tseng, Family Ministry Director at Mosaic Silver Spring, delve into the topic of parenting and family ministry. They share valuable insights on incorporating faith into family life and addressing challenges such as busyness and cultural influences. 

The conversation extends to discipleship in daily activities, which includes creating a safe space for kids to ask questions. The leaders stress the importance of a prayerful parenting approach, highlighting the power of language, transparency, and grace for authentic connections with the next generation. It's a genuine exploration of empowering parents to integrate faith into meaningful family experiences and preparing the next generation of Jesus followers.

Volunteerism vs Professional Ministry

Volunteers are the backbone of church ministry. In this At the Table video, our presenters have a discussion on volunteerism in the church. Our speakers speak of generational differences in Asian American communities when it comes to volunteerism. They address different motivations for volunteering in the church. For some, they volunteer for legalistic reasons. For others, there is no reason to volunteer other than cultural or familial pressure. How do we invite and empower people to volunteer given these difficult realities?

Rev. Joshua Cho. English Pastor at the Chinese Community Church of Washington, DC, leads this At the Table conversation with Kevin Yi, College and Young Adults Pastor at Church Everyday in Northridge, CA, Dorothy Lau, Youth Director at The Chinese Bible Church of Maryland in Rockwall, MD, and Rev. Hugo Cheng, Senior Pastor at The Chinese Bible Church of Maryland in Rockwall, MD. Join in this conversation to help empower congregants to serve their church and their community.

Deconstruction and Reconstruction

In this round table discussion, Andrea Ackermann, Pastor of Community Life at Christ City Church, DC; Justin Fung, Pastor of Leadership and Spiritual Formation at Christ City Church, DC; and Reverend John Tung, English Pastor of Chinese Bible Church, MD, sit down with AACC President Raymond Chang to discuss modern deconstruction and reconstruction in the Asian American church. 

“Deconstruction” is a hot topic among many churches today. What is it and how do we respond to people who say they are experiencing deconstruction? This discussion helps us to navigate complex realities of doubt, church hurt, hypocrisy, and understanding that might lead individuals and communities to a process of deconstruction. 

In this discussion, we learn that deconstruction isn’t something to be feared. It’s a natural process of wrestling with our faith that can lead us to a greater understanding of God and ourselves.

Navigating Church in the Post-COVID Era

In this “At the Table” video, Raymond Chang sits down with ministry leaders to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted church ministry. Online services have decreased church attendance hampering people’s spiritual formation and discipleship and many challenges have caused people to rethink church post-COVID. Specific to Asian American congregations, Asian American hate crimes spiked during the pandemic and racial realities continue to frame post-COVID church.

How do churches continue to deal with these realities as we gather in person again? Join Raymond Chang, President of AACC, Carl Park, Pastor of Great Commission Community Church in Arlington, VA, Rev. Brian Lee, English Pastor of New Covenant Fellowship Church, and Rev. Hugo Cheng, Senior Pastor of Chinese Bible Church of Maryland, as they discuss what it looks like to serve in our churches post-COVID.

Cross racial dynamics

In this round table discussion, Daniel Hyun, Lead Pastor The Village Church Baltimore; Steven Park, Executive Director and Founder of Little Lights Urban Ministries, DC; and Joseph Barnet, Teaching Faculty of Psychology at the University of Maryland, discuss cross racial relationships and the different challenges churches face when encountering others from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.

This particular conversation centers around the tension of unity and diversity in our communities. It’s clear in scripture that God seeks racial reconciliation, but there is still a long way to go. What does it look like to seek both unity and diversity in our congregations without sacrificing one for the other?

This conversation will help others navigate these complex realities as churches seek racial reconciliation by embracing both unity and diversity.

How is the Gospel Culturally Relevant?

The gospel of Jesus Christ is always relevant. However, given shifts in our current culture, it seems like the gospel is resonating less and less with younger generations. Political realities, new family priorities, and social media have shifted the landscape of how the gospel is communicated and received in our current context. Our speakers will provide illustrations of addressing these issues to proclaim the gospel within Asian American communities, allowing the gospel to take on new expressions tailored to our present context.

Join Raymond Chang, President of AACC; Felix Chiu, Young Adult Intern at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland; Carl Park, Pastor at Great Commission Community Church in Arlington, VA; and Dorothy Lau, Youth Director at Chinese Bible Church of Maryland, as they discuss what it looks like for the gospel to be culturally relevant in order to engage younger generations.

This accompanying PDF allows you to deepen your engagement alongside the video and provides the needed questions as you consider choosing a mentor. It is a valuable tool for all youth ministry leaders, with its faith-centered approach reminding you that God is your ultimate guide.