AACC Pastors Gathering

You are invited to the AACC Pastors Gathering, April 22–24, 2026, hosted at River of Life Church in Santa Clara, CA

Pastoring as an Asian American today can feel isolating. Many leaders are navigating cultural complexity, generational change, and the weight of ministry with few spaces that truly understand the Asian American experience. This gathering is created by and for pastors and leaders who desire to be rooted in Jesus, be strengthened in their calling, and connect with peers who serve in similar contexts.

During our time together, you will engage updated research specific to Asian Americans, participate in facilitated conversations on contextually relevant issues, and enjoy really good food in meaningful community. In addition to a special track for first-time attendees, the gathering will offer 2 focused tracks for:

  1. Leaders serving in Asian American ministry contexts

  2. Asian American leaders serving in multi-ethnic settings.

This is not another conference to add to your workload. In many ways, it’s an anti-conference—which is why we call it a gathering. It is a space to be refreshed, resourced, and re-centered through authentic relationships, thoughtful theological reflection, and shared wisdom for Asian American ministry today. Above all, this gathering centers and celebrates your ministry to, with, and as Asian American Christian leaders. Much of the experience is designed for you to learn from and alongside others serving in similar contexts.

Join fellow pastors who believe we are stronger together—and that the future of the Asian American church is best discerned in community.

Event Details

  • Schedule

  • 11:00AM - Registration Opens

    12PM - Welcome & Lunch

    1PM - Worship and Opening Talk

    1:30PM - Connection Activity 

    2PM - Session 1

    2:30PM - Breakout 1

    3PM - Break

    3:15PM - Panel Discussion

    4:00PM - Church Tour: River of Life

    5:30PM - Dinner

    8PM - Fellowship

  • 8AM - Breakfast

    9AM - Worship

    9:15AM - Session 2

    9:45AM - Panel Discussion

    10:15AM - Break

    10:30AM - Breakout 2 

    12PM - Lunch

    1:30PM - Story Circles

    3PM - Break

    3:15PM - Case Studies

    5:30PM - Dinner

  • 8AM - Breakfast

    9AM - Worship

    9:30AM - Session 3

    10AM - Breakout 3

    10:30AM - Break

    10:45AM - What’s Next

    11:45AM - Survey

    12PM - End of Event

  • Airport

    The closest airport is San Jose, CA. If you want to fly into San Francisco or Oakland, you could do that as well, which is a little further away, but still within driving distance. Please book your flights to arrive before 10AM on the 22nd and leave after 3PM on the 24th.

  • Accommodations

    We have secured a dedicated room block at a significantly discounted rate of $155/night at the Delta Hotel for the AACC Pastors Gathering. To take advantage of our negotiated special group rate, please ensure your reservation is confirmed by April 9th.

    After this date, rooms and discounted pricing will be subject to availability.

Book Your Room Here

Register today at the link below!

Registration for the event is $299, made possible with the support of World Vision.

We are also proud to introduce AACC’s new Women in Ministry Scholarship Fund! This initiative offers a subsidized registration rate of $50, made possible by the support of a generous donor. See below for more details on eligibility and how to apply.

Don’t wait—registration ends on April 15!

Register here!

The WIM Scholarship Fund

Empowering Women in Ministry

At AACC, we are committed to the flourishing of those leading on the front lines of faith. We recognize that women in pastoral and professional ministry—including chaplains and campus ministers— often face unique systemic and financial hurdles. Through a generous donor, we are proud to offer subsidized registration rate of $50 (normally $299) for leaders in these roles.

Scholarship Details:

  • Consistent with the donor’s intent to support the flourishing of women in ministry, this scholarship is open to:

    • Ordained women in any denomination.

    • Women in professional ministry settings (Chaplaincy, Campus Ministry, etc.)

  • Once the scholarship fund is fully committed, we will be unable to accept further applications. While we wish we could support every leader, funds are limited. Preference will be given to applicants demonstrating the greatest financial need—specifically those serving in bi-vocational roles, small-budget congregations, or settings with limited professional development funding.

    • Deadline: We encourage early application, as scholarships are granted until the fund is depleted.

    • Review: Applications are reviewed by our selection committee to ensure alignment with the generous donor’s intent.

    • Notification: You will be notified of your status via email within 24 hours of your submission.

All information shared in this application is kept strictly confidential between you and our small review committee. AACC is an equal opportunity provider; while these funds are donor-restricted for women in ministry, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or disability.

Apply Here!

Hear from some of the pastors who attended the first gathering last year in Chicago

"The first AACC pastors gathering in Chicago created a rare and meaningful space for Asian American pastors to slow down, pray, and be renewed together as we explore what it means to do ministry as and for Asian Americans. I’m grateful for the way this gathering cultivates depth, honesty, and Kingdom partnership. I am looking forward to our time together at River of Life church."

CHARLES CHOE, TAPESTRY LA, LOS ANGELES, CA

"This pastors gathering is a really encouraging space for Asian American pastors. There’s honest sharing and genuine care for one another. As one of the younger pastors, I felt welcomed and encouraged. It’s a great place to make real Kingdom friendships. We’d love for you to join us!"

JUSTIN TUNG, HARVEST CHURCH OF NEW YORK, NY, NY

"I showed up to the AACC pastors’ gathering with low expectations. I’ll be honest, I went in thinking it was going to suck, but it became one of the most life-giving experiences I’ve had in a long time. The authentic relationships we formed reminded me how powerful it is to walk this journey alongside others who share the same calling. If you’re in need of rest, encouragement, and genuine community, this is the place to be."

TONY CHON, RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH, SANTA CLARA, CA

"The AACC Pastors Gathering in Chicago was a deeply encouraging experience. I found genuine camaraderie with like-minded leaders from similar ministry contexts and formed friendships that will last well beyond the event. The conversations were honest, the laughter was real, and the shared desire to help our churches grow as faithful disciples of Christ was refreshing. If you’re looking for a gathering that combines meaningful connection, thoughtful dialogue, and renewed perspective for ministry, I highly recommend being part of AACC."

JAYSON JOHN, NEW LIFE BIBLE CHURCH, NORMAN, OK