At the Table
The Asian American Christian Collaborative presents "At the Table," a series of roundtable discussions where Asian American Christian pastors and leaders come together to address pressing questions and issues that impact the broader Asian American Christian community, with a specific focus on the church. We’ve convene Asian American leaders across various cities and regions throughout the United States. We’ve begun in Washington D.C. and have continued in Los Angeles and Orange County. If you would like us to come to your city, reach out to us!
Washington D.C.
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.
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.
Engaging with the Next Generation
Fewer and fewer young people are attending church on a regular basis. What do we do when young people leave and explore or question their own faith? How do we seek intergenerational ministry and provide a space for young people to thrive in the church and experience Christ in ways that resonate with them? Young people seek belonging and understanding within the church. Our speakers guide us in a conversation about what success looks like as we work to support and include young people in the church.
Brian Lee is the Senior Pastor of the English congregation at New Covenant Fellowship Church in Germantown, MD. Dorothy Lau is the Youth Director at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland. Steve Park is the Executive Director and founder of Little Lights Urban Ministries. Kevin Yi is the College and Young Adults Pastor at Church Everyday. Join them in their conversation on engaging the next generation.
How Can we flourish in our mental health?
In this At the Table discussion, Raymond Chang sits down with speakers to discuss mental health for Asian Americans. Our speakers discuss what it looks like to live a flourishing life and the particular challenges Asian Americans face when it comes to mental health. They discuss the unique intergenerational trauma Asian Americans face as well as the trauma that may be caused by immigration and traumatic refugee experiences.
Join Raymond Chang as he leads this discussion with Tommy Dyo, who is the National Strategic Partnering and Development for Epic Movement, Vivian Mabuni, who is an Author, Speaker, and Bible Teacher at Someday is Here, and Wendy Lew Toda, who is an artist, poet and coach. Together they will bring clarity on the mental health issues facing Asian Americans in particular.
How Can We Flourish in our Workplaces?
In this At the Table discussion, our speakers talk about what it looks like to flourish in the workplace as Asian American Christians. Work is an integral part of our existence. Our speakers discuss what it looks like for Asian Americans to work in majority white workspaces, what rhythms of work and rest look like, how the communal nature of Asian cultures influences how they act in the workplace, and more.
Join Vivian Long, Executive Director of the Long Family Foundation, who facilitates this discussion with Kevin Hayashida, Senior Pastor at Crossroads Community Church, Alice Matagora, Leader Development Initiative Team Lead with The Navigators, and Margaret Yu, an Epic Affiliate Staff and the Former National Executive Director of Epic Movement, as they discuss what it looks like for Asian American Christians to be in the workplace.
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.
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.
The Art of Discipleship
What is discipleship? What does it look like to disciple others? Our speakers discuss these questions in this "At the Table" conversation. They explore what it means to walk alongside others and encourage them to follow Jesus. They are ministry leaders who share their experiences and insights into how to practically disciple others in an Asian American context. Discipleship involves both instruction and relational development. Vulnerability and relationships are at the core of discipleship.
Join Steve Park, Founder and Executive Director of Little Lights Urban Ministries in Washington DC; Hugo Cheng, Senior Pastor at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland; Kevin Seto, College and Young Adult Minister at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland; and Kevin Yi, College and Young Adults Pastor at Church Everyday in Northridge, CA, as they discuss what it means to come alongside others and walk with them as disciples of Jesus.
orange county
next generation flourishing
In this At the Table discussion, Raymond Chang sits down with three college students to talk about their faith, experiences, and identity as Asian Americans. They speak about what it means to flourish and thrive in our world today. These speakers discuss the impact of mentors, what it looks like to navigate doubts and mental health, and what it looks like being an Asian American Christian and navigating their identity as both Asian Americans and Christians in our current context.
Join Raymond Chang, who is the President of AACC, along with Daniel Yang, a student at UC Davis, Julia Mabuni, a student at Biola University, and Izzy Koo, an author and student at Pepperdine University, as they discuss what it looks like to be an Asian American Christian college student and how their unique perspective can help us better understand who God is and how the church can engage with young people today.
How Can We Flourish in our Finances?
In this At the Table video, our speakers discuss money and finances. Our speakers discuss what it looks like to flourish financially without making money an idol. They also speak to the challenges Asian Americans face when it comes to idolizing money and the myth of the model minority. Finally, they discuss flourishing by being radically generous and giving our resources to the poor.
Join Dr. Allen Yeh, who is the Professor of Intercultural Studies and Missiology at Biola University, as he leads this conversation with Vivian Long, who is the Executive Director of the Long Family Foundation; Jeff Yim, who is a financial advisor for Eagle Strategies; and Kevin Hayashida, who is the Founding Pastor at Crossroads Community Church.
How Can We Flourish in our Relationships?
In this At the Table discussion, our speakers delve into what it looks like for Asian American Christians to flourish in their relationships with one another and with people who are different from them. They discuss how culture and experience influence how Asian Americans relate to those around them. They also address certain aspects of Asian cultures that can hinder genuine relationship-building and emphasize how vulnerability can help overcome these obstacles.
Join Ray Chang, President of the Asian American Christian Collaborative; Kevin Yi, the young adults/college pastor at a Korean immigrant church outside Los Angeles; Vivian Long, Executive Director of the Long Family Foundation; and Jill Rogers, a member of Crossroads Community Church, as they discuss these issues and explore how to live in light of them.
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.
Faith and Civic Engagement
In this special edition of "At the Table," our speakers discuss what public engagement looks like for Asian American Christians. Raymond Chang, President of Asian American Christian Collaborative, sits down with Phil Kim, who is the Senior Advisor in the Office of Public Engagement at the White House.
In this discussion, we hear about Kim’s experiences in entering the political realm and how his faith impacts how he engages with politics. Kim speaks about the issues Asian Americans face and how Christians in particular can engage with politics and social justice while still focusing on their spiritual lives, missions, and evangelism. He discusses how Asian American churches can balance their faith and public engagement. Join Raymond Chang and Phil Kim as they discuss faith and public engagement!
How Can we flourish in Discipling the Next Generation?
In this At the Table video, Raymond Chang sits down with Dr. Allen Yeh, Professor of Intercultural Studies and Missiology at Biola University; Dr. Susan Lim, a Writer and Historian; and Vivian Mabuni, a Speaker, podcast host of "Someday is Here", author, and sits on the Board of Trustees for Denver Seminary.
Our speakers discuss what it looks like for young people to flourish in their faith and some of the challenges the next generation faces in our complicated and messy world. They give practical advice on how to build relationships with the next generation and how to love them well.
How Can We Flourish in our faith?
In this At the Table discussion, our speakers explore what it means to have a flourishing faith in the context of one's Asian American identity. They delve into integrating one's Asian American identity into their faith, discussing how to thrive in multicultural environments despite potential discomfort. The speakers emphasize the importance of bringing our entire selves, including our culture and identity, into our faith journey.
Join Raymond Chang, President of AACC, Margaret Yu, former National Executive Director of Epic Movement and now a primary caregiver for elderly parents, Tommy Dyo, Strategic Partnerships and Development for Epic Movement, and Alice Matagora, Leader Development Initiative Team Lead with The Navigators, as they discuss what it means to live out our faith in light of our Asian American identity.