Center for Asian American Christianity

This recording is from the hybrid conference: "Healing Heritage: Stories of Faith, Selflessness, and Service of Filipino Nurses."Recorded on April 11, 2025.Find out more about the conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/caac-events/healing-heritage/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this guest episode of the podcast produced by CAAC partner Healing Heritage, principal investigator of Healing Heritage Dr. April Manalang delves into the profound experiences of Filipino nurses who served on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Featuring firsthand accounts, the episode highlights their immense sacrifices, the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on Filipino healthcare workers, and the resilience they displayed despite facing structural and cultural violence, including anti-Asian discrimination.Through intimate interviews, several nurses share their struggles, fears, and unwavering faith that helped them navigate the crisis. They reflect on the emotional toll, the feeling of invisibility despite their essential contributions, and the deep-rooted strength within the Filipino American nursing community. The episode also explores the critical role of faith, cultural identity, and advocacy in overcoming adversity.Join us for a moving and eye-opening discussion that honors the lives, sacrifices, and heroism of Filipino nurses—unsung warriors in the fight against the pandemic and social injustice.This podcast episode is produced by Healing Heritage in collaboration with the Religion, Race, and Democracy Lab at the University of Virginia.Photo by Hush Naidoo Jade Photography on Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

From the 2025 Asian American Mental Health Conference "Navigating Transitions with Faith and Resilience: Asian American Mental Health Across Life Stages." This workshop presentation is by Dr. Christina Kim, titled "Bridging the Gap: Spiritual Growth in Times of Conflict and Transition," recorded January 18, 2025. Find out more about the conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/2025-mental-health-conference/.Abstract:This interactive workshop explores how Asian American Christians can navigate seasons of transition, conflict, and loss with faith and relational wholeness. Drawing from personal experiences, attachment theory, and spiritual formation, we will reflect on the default patterns we bring to these spaces, the factors that shaped them, and how God might be inviting us to steward these moments for growth. Through guided questions and discussion, participants will gain tools to deepen their spiritual and relational journeys in times of uncertainty. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

From the 2025 Asian American Mental Health Conference "Navigating Transitions with Faith and Resilience: Asian American Mental Health Across Life Stages." This workshop presentation is by Dr. Sonia Prasadam, titled "Being Imperfect Parents: Transforming Parental Anxiety and Shame to Nurture Secure Children," recorded January 18, 2025. Find out more about the conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/2025-mental-health-conference/. Abstract: This workshop aims to help parents discover the strength that lies in their imperfections. It will map out how parents can model working through their failures to their children. This would address their feelings of anxiety and shame while helping their children feel less shame and anxiety across different areas of life. Together, we'll cultivate a home environment where both parents and children feel supported in embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth and connection.Photo by The Wedding Fog This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this episode of the Dialogues Podcast, David Chao interviews Tommy Dyo, a leader in Asian American ministry with Epic, to discuss intergenerational trauma, family history, and faith. Tommy shares his personal journey of uncovering his Japanese American heritage, including his family's incarceration during World War II, his grandfather's experiences as a U.S. veteran, and the lasting impact of these historical injustices. He reflects on how growing up in a multicultural environment shaped his identity and how understanding his family's past transformed his approach to ministry.Photo by Bob Chambers on Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

From the 2025 Asian American Mental Health Conference "Navigating Transitions with Faith and Resilience: Asian American Mental Health Across Life Stages." This workshop presentation is by Dr. Julia Lee, titled "How Not to Die: All the Way to the Bitter/Better End," recorded January 18, 2025. Find out more about the conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/2025-mental-health-conference/. Abstract: In general, North American society has difficulty in contending with the issue of death and how it “works,” and this manifests in multiple different ways. Throw in some Asian culture into the mix, and the avoidance of the topic of death is magnified. In relating stories of the ways people die, we hope to gain some insights as to how we can die “to the Lord,” and how we might be able to start creating ways that, even in our deaths, we can testify to the world of the goodness of God, not only in our own lives, but in all of God's people. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

From the 2025 Asian American Mental Health Conference "Navigating Transitions with Faith and Resilience: Asian American Mental Health Across Life Stages." This lecture is by Sonia Prasadam, titled "The Grip of Perfectionism and the Freedom of Grace," recorded January 17, 2025. Find out more about the conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/2025-mental-health-conference/.Abstract: This session brings to light how striving for perfectionism can quickly move from being something that motivates us, to being something that fills us with anxiety. We will look at some of its root causes such as “the fear of failure,” “fear of being judged by others,” and “feelings of shame,” which might emerge in adulthood, but develop throughout childhood. We will then see the beauty in experiencing failure, and how it might be even necessary as part of our Christian walk – an invitation to experience Grace, an invitation to learn dependence.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

From the 2025 Asian American Mental Health Conference "Navigating Transitions with Faith and Resilience: Asian American Mental Health Across Life Stages." This lecture is by Sangeetha Thomas, titled "Liminality and Relational Wholeness in a Fallen World," recorded January 17, 2025. Find out more about the conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/2025-mental-health-conference/ Abstract: Social disconnection and isolation have become increasingly prevalent in the United States. For Asian Americans, these experiences exist within a larger context of migration, racialization and intergenerational trauma. In addition, life transitions, such as career decisions, marriage and health-related challenges could introduce disagreements and conflicts that exacerbate disconnection and alienation. Focusing on themes of Holy Saturday, this talk focuses on spiritual formation as it occurs in these “spaces in between.” Drawing on psychological research and theory on attachment, this session focuses on the dynamic interplay between interpersonal relationships and spiritual growth as we navigate liminal spaces. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

From the 2025 Asian American Mental Health Conference "Navigating Transitions with Faith and Resilience: Asian American Mental Health Across Life Stages." This lecture is by Sangeetha Thomas, titled "Navigating Death and Meaning: Life Transitions, Trauma, and Faith in Asian American Mental Health," recorded January 17, 2025. Find out more about the conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/2025-mental-health-conference/ Abstract: How do we courageously and faithfully navigate the reality of death and the pain of loss throughout our lives? This session will examine the themes of Holy Friday – the passion and death of Christ, to discern a blueprint from which we can better understand and respond to death. Leaders will explore Christ's transformational act of love through His death that has fundamentally transformed our experiences of suffering and loss. This session will challenge leaders to see death through a lens of grace and hope while still recognizing the tragic pain and trauma of loss – ultimately, embracing the paradox of our Christian faith. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this episode, David Chao, director of the Center for Asian American Christianity, welcomes back psychotherapist Sangeetha Thomas, owner of Nepsis Counseling in Dallas, Texas. David and Sangeetha revisit key themes from their earlier conversation, including the challenging topic of death and loss, and expand on how individuals and communities can navigate mental well-being within a faith-centered framework. Join us as we dive deep into the intersections of mental health, faith, and the Asian American Christian experience. Sangeetha Thomas will be a plenary speaker at the 2025 Mental Health Conference "Navigating Transitions with Faith & Resilience: Asian American Mental Health Across Life Stages" on January 17–18, 2025. TW: brief allusions to suicidal ideation, pregnancy lossPhoto by Sven Brandsma on Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Liou joins David Chao to explore the complexities of ministry to Asian American Gen Z Christians. Reflecting on generational shifts, Jeff examines how cultural, vocational, and racial dynamics shape the faith journeys of young Asian Americans today. The conversation ranges from the evolving challenges of ethnic-specific ministry to the pressures of racial capitalism and the pursuit of well-being in a fractured world. With wisdom and candor, Jeff offers a call for churches to invest deeply in the local and embrace a posture of discernment, challenging faith leaders to rethink discipleship, vocation, and community in light of the Spirit's leading. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

The podcast, featuring Dr. Jonathan Tran and Dr. David Chao, examines recent developments in Asian American theology, highlighting its growing visibility alongside persistent challenges in penetrating mainstream theological discourse. Dr. Tran underscores the need to shift focus from dominant institutions to community-centered initiatives, recognizing the decline of interest in systematic theology and the importance of addressing generational dynamics within Asian American churches. He argues for a theology that integrates difference with shared foundations, using linguistic philosophy to illustrate the relational and contextual nature of faith. The discussion concludes with optimism about the creativity of Asian American Christians in shaping their faith journeys and the hope rooted in Jesus as an active agent of reconciliation and renewal.Photo by Andrew Seaman on Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

Dr. KC Choi, Kyungchik Han Chair Professor of Asian American Theology at Princeton Seminary, discusses his groundbreaking book Disciplined by Race: Theological Ethics and the Problem of Asian American Identity. Hosted by David Chao and Yanan Melo from the Center for Asian American Christianity, this dialogue explores the intersections of theology, ethics, and race, offering profound insights into the challenges and opportunities of understanding Asian American identity within a theological framework.Photo by Lina Stepanova on Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

This panel discussion is a part of the October 7 event “Asian Americans and the Presidential Election,” hosted by the Center for Asian American Christianity. The panelists, moderated by director of the CAAC David Chao, are Jerry Park (Baylor University), Khyati Joshi (Fairleigh Dickinson University), and Hyepin Im (Faith and Community Empowerment). The panelists delve into how Asian American leaders can build thriving ministries and politically engaged communities by focusing on culturally relevant theology, community support, and strong partnerships. Photo by Chris Hardy on Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

Dr. Khyati Joshi, co-founder of the Institute for Teaching Diversity and Social Justice, delves into themes of race, religion, and immigration in the U.S. She brings expertise in diversity, equity, and social justice, guiding educators, policymakers, and community leaders on recognizing and addressing systemic biases. Her talk emphasizes the importance of inclusive education and the tools necessary to foster understanding and meaningful engagement across diverse communities, especially within ecclesial contexts. Through her work, Dr. Joshi aims to provide actionable strategies to improve organizational inclusivity and promote social justice within a multicultural framework. This lecture sheds light on the experiences of Asian American communities and their complex relationship with mainstream religious and cultural narratives in the U.S., aiming to equip listeners with insights and resources for inclusive ministry.Photo by Meadow Marie on UnsplashLecture description: This lecture by Dr. Khyati Joshi, "Patriotism or Nationalism: What's It Going to Be for Asian American Religious Communities," was recorded as part of the CAAC event "Asian Americans and the Presidential Election" on October 7, 2024. Lecture description: The contrast between Trump's divisive approach and Harris's inclusive, multicultural message highlights the ongoing tension between those who seek to maintain the status quo and those who advocate for progressive, equitable change. While Asian American religious communities have long been overlooked, the Asian American community is the fastest growing voter group in America. This presentation will discuss factors influencing the vote in Asian American religious communities. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

Dr. Jerry Park's presentation examines Asian American political views through the lens of religion and White Christian Nationalism (WCN). His findings reveal that Asian American conservative Protestants show moderate support for WCN, which influenced their preference for Trump in the 2020 election. However, WCN support is not limited to conservative Christians, as Asian American Muslims, atheists, and agnostics also display varying levels. Park argues that religious affiliation, beyond ethnicity, is a significant predictor of Asian American political behavior, underscoring the need for more nuanced data collection to capture ideological diversity.Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. David Chao sits down with Dr. Justin Tse, Assistant Professor of Religion and Culture at Singapore Management University, to delve into his new book, Sheets of Scattered Sand: Cantonese Protestants and the Secular Dream of the Pacific Rim. Together, they explore the complex intersections of faith, identity, and politics in transpacific Chinese Christian communities. Dr. Tse shares personal insights and research findings on how Cantonese-speaking Protestants navigate secular civil societies across Vancouver, San Francisco, and Hong Kong, challenging both mainstream narratives and assumptions about political identity. Tune in to learn more about the historical and cultural influences shaping Chinese Christian communities and discover why Dr. Tse describes his book as a "love letter" to Cantonese Protestants. Don't miss this deep dive into transpacific Christianities, political identities, and the power of storytelling! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this episode, Jeff Liou joins David Chao and Yanan Rahim Melo to delve into the intersections of race, critical theory, and faith within the church. Jeff reflects on his personal journey from racial reconciliation work to deeper power analysis, unpacking how critical race theory (CRT) can reshape the church's approach to justice. He shares insights on navigating the often-controversial terrain of race and CRT in Christian communities, offering practical ways to address racial bias and foster inclusivity. Together, they discuss how examining church structures through a CRT lens can reveal hidden biases, challenging conventional approaches to faith, culture, and identity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this episode David Chao sits down with Jonathan Tran, Associate Dean for Faculty and Associate Professor of Theology and Great Texts at the Honors College, Baylor University, to explore themes from his book, Asian Americans and the Spirit of Racial Capitalism. Together, they dive into the complexities of racial capitalism, Asian American identity, and the role of faith in navigating these systemic realities. Dr. Tran shares insights on how racial and economic systems intersect, the challenges of Christian discipleship in capitalist structures, and how communities can imagine and live out alternative paths rooted in justice and mercy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this episode, Nate Samayo reflects with David Chao on his journey back to Guam and explores the deep connection between land, indigenous practices, and community. He discusses how traditional practices like weaving, carving, and medicine walks help reestablish a relationship with the land, challenging imperial and colonial structures. Nate shares his personal experiences and the importance of reclaiming Chamorro culture, values, and history in the face of modern challenges. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this episode, David C. Chao talks with Sangeetha Thomas, psychotherapist and owner of Nepsis Counseling. They discuss the topics of death and grief and how this relates specifically to an Asian American Christian audience. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this episode of the Dialogues Podcast, Dr. David Chao and Dr. Easten Law discuss World Christianity, ethnography, and migration. Dr. Law explains his research with Chinese Christians and the idea of lived theology. They discuss how ethnography can affect how we understand the use of doctrine in our theology.We had some audio difficulties so we apologize for the poor sound quality. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this episode of the Dialogues Podcast, David C. Chao interviews Albert Chu and Ross Lockhart, co-authors of Christianity: An Asian Religion in Vancouver. They discuss the religious context of Vancouver and the ways in which Christianity is changing alongside the growing migration of Christians from Asia. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this two-part episode of the Dialogues Podcast, David C. Chao interviews Aaron Stauffer, Associate Director of the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. David and Aaron discuss the importance of attending to the spirit of our communities toward the pursuit of better solidarities, relationalities, and reciprocities along lines of difference. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caacptsem.substack.com

In this episode of the Dialogues Podcast, David C. Chao interviews Aaron Stauffer, Associate Director of the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. David and Aaron discuss the importance of attending to the spirit of our communities toward the pursuit of better solidarities, relationalities, and reciprocities along lines of difference.

In this episode of the Dialogues Podcast, David C. Chao interviews Nathan Samayo, PhD student at Princeton Theological Seminary. Nathan Samayo is pursuing a PhD in Religion and Society. David and Nathan discuss his current trip to Guam, where Nathan is originally from. They discuss his personal history and how it intersects with his current research interests. Additional resources: Kelly Brown Douglas' Stand Your Ground: Black Bodies and the Justice of God https://orbisbooks.com/products/stand-your-ground Asian Pacific American Religions Research Initiative (APARRI) https://aparri.org/ Rev. Gail Song Bantum at Quest Church https://www.thebantumspace.com/gailbantum Dr. Brian Bantum https://www.thebantumspace.com/brianbantum Dr. Mayra Rivera https://hds.harvard.edu/people/mayra-rivera-rivera To Hell With Drowning (The Atlantic article about Guam, Militarism, and Climate Change) https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/11/oceania-pacific-climate-change-stories/620570/ The America that Americans Forget (New York Times Article on the political status of Chamorro people in Guam and the current relocation efforts of U.S. military personnel from Okinawa to Guam) https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/07/magazine/guam-american-military.html Prutehi Litekyan (social movement organizing against U.S. military infrastructure development in the village of Litekyan/Ritidian). https://www.saveritidian.org/

This lecture is from the 2024 Mental Health Conference "Intergenerational Wholeness for Asian Americans: Integrative Approaches to Christian Spiritual and Mental Health Formation." Discernment and the Will of God by Sharon Wada and Carrie Myers, recorded on January 13, 2024. Find out more about the conference here: https://caac.ptsem.edu/events/2024-mental-health-conference/ Abstract: Wise decision making in the life of the disciple builds on becoming a discerning person who is sensitive to God's ongoing guidance. Explore what discernment and decision-making look like for those who pursue a deepening Christian spirituality and hold AAPI cultural values.

This lecture is from the 2024 Mental Health Conference "Intergenerational Wholeness for Asian Americans: Integrative Approaches to Christian Spiritual and Mental Health Formation." Kingdom Values-Driven Parenting by Ming and Mako Nagasawa, recorded on January 13, 2024. Find out more about the conference here: ⁠https://caac.ptsem.edu/events/2024-mental-health-conference Abstract: What is good about Asian parenting styles? What needs redeeming by Christ? If Asian parents are too demanding, are White families too permissive? What are some important Scriptures to consider? We will talk about telling stories and giving verbal affirmation vs. silence; educating kids as missionaries vs. as capitalist competitors; and motivating kids through persevering joy and intrinsic virtues vs. needing to be better or best. We will also share stories of how our children, raised in Christian community and with a love for creation and justice, challenged their non-Christian grandparents about “success”: personal success is inseparable from community and global flourishing, because climate change makes clear that separating them was a mistake. We will also address how we as parents have handled disappointment as our kids go through faith and character struggles. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

This lecture is from the 2024 Mental Health Conference "Intergenerational Wholeness for Asian Americans: Integrative Approaches to Christian Spiritual and Mental Health Formation." Cultivating a Culture of Care: Pastoral Practices for Counseling in the local Asian American Church by Enoch Liao, recorded on January 13, 2024. Find out more about the conference here: https://caac.ptsem.edu/events/2024-me... Abstract: As servant leaders in a local Christian church, we already encounter a range of challenges and opportunities when it comes to a ministry of counseling. In many Asian churches in America, we not only have the typical challenges that most American churches face, but also have challenges presented by the compounding factors of multiple cultures, languages, and generations. In this workshop, a local church pastor in a Chinese heritage church shares some of the struggles he has observed in both his church and other churches. Come to hear stories and learn practices for pursuing intergenerational wholeness through cultivating a culture of biblical care and counseling in the local church. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

This lecture is from the 2024 Mental Health Conference "Intergenerational Wholeness for Asian Americans: Integrative Approaches to Christian Spiritual and Mental Health Formation." Pursuing Soul Care: A Calendar for Spiritual Health by Sharon Wada and Carrie Myers, recorded on January 13, 2024. Find out more about the conference here: https://caac.ptsem.edu/events/2024-mental-health-conference/ Abstract: Given the complexities and competing demands of AAPI life and ministry, spiritual health requires intention and planning. This workshop will explore the challenges of cultivating a culture of regular soul care and offer considerations for structuring daily life to make space for healthy spiritual practices. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

This lecture is from the 2024 Mental Health Conference "Intergenerational Wholeness for Asian Americans: Integrative Approaches to Christian Spiritual and Mental Health Formation." Discipleship 3.0: Parenting, Schooling, and Holistic Discipleship by Jen Blue, recorded on January 13, 2024. Find out more about the conference here: https://caac.ptsem.edu/events/2024-mental-health-conference/ Abstract: In my experience and from what I've seen in others, learning how to personally follow Jesus in tangible and real ways is often the first phase of discipleship. Learning how to live in Christian community, whether that be through marriage or intentional community, is a common second phase of discipleship. And for those of us called to be parents, whether of our own biological children or through foster care or adoption, parenting is the fertile field of opportunity for discipleship 3.0. In other words, it is really hard!! Nothing has driven me to the need for deeper personal healing than becoming a parent. I'd love to share my story with you of how my husband and I have tried to cooperate with the Lord and the ways he has used parenting and specifically, decisions about where to send our kids for school in South Los Angeles, to push us to go deeper and further in our faith. It's one thing to have chosen for ourselves that the call of Jesus and the upside kingdom are the path to life and abundant joy. It's another thing to make that choice again for our children. One additional note: my husband is African American, so inherent in my story are race and the blessings and challenges of cross-cultural dynamics. I'll weave those themes into my workshop as well. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

This lecture is from the 2024 Mental Health Conference "Intergenerational Wholeness for Asian Americans: Integrative Approaches to Christian Spiritual and Mental Health Formation." My Journey with Best Practices for a Mentally Healthy Church Staff by Alex Chang, recorded on January 13, 2024. Find out more about the conference here: https://caac.ptsem.edu/events/2024-mental-health-conference/ Abstract: This workshop will provide leaders with practical tools in order to elevate the importance of mental health for church staff. It will also weave in personal stories of how a young-ish Asian-American pastor learned to prioritize mental health for a staff that includes both ethnic and age diversity. Some of those stories will discuss seeing mental health professionals (both for personal and marital reasons), leading from the second chair, utilizing one's own Asian-American background to connect with others, and sharing a template for best practices. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

This lecture is from the 2024 Mental Health Conference "Intergenerational Wholeness for Asian Americans: Integrative Approaches to Christian Spiritual and Mental Health Formation." Welcome to My World: Wholistic Spiritual Formation by Sharon Wada and Carrie Myers, recorded on January 13, 2024. Find out more about the conference here: https://caac.ptsem.edu/events/2024-mental-health-conference/ Abstract: Wholistic spiritual formation is grounded in knowing your personality particularities and your communal contexts. Using a tri-focal lens to explore context, this workshop will consider the AAPI experience in family, society and God's economy. This workshop offers a framework for increasing one's awareness of God's movements and guidance in all spheres of life and fosters mindful listening and reflective question asking in the AAPI context. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

This lecture is from the 2024 Mental Health Conference "Intergenerational Wholeness for Asian Americans: Integrative Approaches to Christian Spiritual and Mental Health Formation." Alternatives to Asian American Achievement? by Greg Lee, recorded on January 13, 2024. Find out more about the conference here: https://caac.ptsem.edu/events/2024-mental-health-conference/ Abstract: Many Asian Americans immigrated to the United States for educational and professional opportunities, whether for themselves or their children. Many have achieved success in these areas. This workshop questions the compatibility of Christian faith with these material pursuits, concentrating on four areas Asian American Christians have not generally treated as matters for discipleship: academic achievement, wealth and poverty, residential location, and race. Each of these areas raises potential tensions between Christian discipleship and the desire to honor family sacrifices. By investigating these areas, this workshop encourages Asian American Christians to expand their conception of discipleship from individual faithfulness to faithful engagement with their social and political contexts. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

This lecture is from the 2024 Mental Health Conference "Intergenerational Wholeness for Asian Americans: Integrative Approaches to Christian Spiritual and Mental Health Formation." Leadership Formation Through Understanding Leadership Anxiety by Dave Lee, recorded on January 13, 2024. Find out more about the conference here: https://caac.ptsem.edu/events/2024-mental-health-conference/ Abstract: This interactive workshop will guide participants through empathetic reflection on pressures faced by the previous generation that produced leadership anxiety. Participants will consider how the previous generation's responses to their anxiety impacted leadership development in the next generation. By considering the pressures that shaped the previous generation's response to leadership anxiety and exploring what would have constituted the most effective responses, participants will begin formulating strategies to better cope with their own leadership anxiety. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

This is a session in the series Dialogues in Asian American Theology and Ministry, recorded on March 27, 2024. Description: While the dominant narratives in many Western seminaries are narratives of decline, Chloe Sun offers a counter-narrative from the Chinese diaspora, with Logos Evangelical Seminary as a case study. She invites a broader vision and conversation in theological education that includes voices from the majority world in diverse contexts. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

This is a session in the series Dialogues in Asian American Theology and Ministry, recorded on November 7, 2023. Description: Two authors of the Asian American discipleship book Learning Our Names further develop the themes of their chapters as they've engaged with readers and furthered their studies. Being Asian American for most of us means there is no return to our pre-immigration stories, lands, or even pre-colonial identities. Resisting our Racialization and engaging with racial and ethnic justice takes on greater importance as we consider what we want to pass on to future generations. Join us as we bring together our studies, our stories, and our ministry contexts in conversation with each other. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

This is a session in the series Dialogues in Asian American Theology and Ministry. Description: Christ Among the Classes (Orbis Books) paints a picture of Jesus among the rich and the poor of his day and calls the church to imitate Christ among the rich and the poor of our day by the power of the Spirit. In light of Asian and Asian-American cultures, where success is defined and pursued in particular ways, what might this call look like? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

This lecture was part of the 2024 Asian American Mental Health Conference “Intergenerational Wholeness for Asian Americans.” Find out more about the conference here: https://caac.ptsem.edu/events/2024-mental-health-conference/. Abstract: After the new-found excitement of coming to faith, we eventually encounter the limits of what we can achieve on our own in our spiritual journeys. We encounter a spiritual wall. This spiritual wall is a sign for a renewed encounter with God's grace in forms that perhaps we have not yet received. As Asian American Christians, our intergenerational family history along with our social history as Asians in the US and in God's divine economy factor into our experience of both spiritual walls and God's grace. Come to this plenary talk that introduces a framework for Asian American spiritual formation that emphasizes how God longs to meet us in all our spheres of life. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

From the 2024 Asian American Mental Health Conference "Intergenerational Wholeness for Asian Americans: Integrative Approaches to Christian Spiritual and Mental Health Formation." This lecture is by Jeney Park-Hearn, titled "From Crucible to Chalice: Reimagining Loss on the Pathway to Wholeness," recorded January 12, 2024. Find out more about the conference here: https://caac.ptsem.edu/events/2024-mental-health-conference/ Abstract: To tell the story of being Asian in America is difficult to imagine without mentioning loss. From the all-too-familiar accounts of immigration to our spirit's yearning for belonging amidst alienation, our stories are laced with loss and manifold attempts to flee from the pain of grief. The good news of our living faith, however, comes with an invitation to lean into the strain of loss and to reimagine it as a beckoning towards a lifelong, communal, and redemptive process that attunes and pivots our whole being towards an experiential and more holistic “knowledge” of God. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

From the 2024 Asian American Mental Health Conference "Intergenerational Wholeness for Asian Americans: Integrative Approaches to Christian Spiritual and Mental Health Formation." This lecture is by Dr. Jessica ChenFeng, titled "Honoring, Owning, and Integrating our Asian American Identities," recorded January 12, 2024. Find out more about the conference here: https://caac.ptsem.edu/events/2024-mental-health-conference/. Abstract: When we are part of families with a recent legacy of migration, we understand the desire to “forget what is behind” and “press toward the future.” In our desire to focus on the hopeful things ahead, we can often reject anything bad (past trauma, pain, grief, loss, shame, etc). In this plenary talk, we open-heartedly explore what it might look like to take an honest look at the “both-and”: the narratives of resilience, strength, and success alongside our family narratives of trauma, grief, and loss. How can we, in community, honor and own the fullness of our Asian American identities and legacies? Is it possible that in moving in the direction of courageously sitting with uncomfortable and dishonored histories that we can find freedom together to live life to the full? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

This lecture is from the 2024 Mental Health Conference "Intergenerational Wholeness for Asian Americans: Integrative Approaches to Christian Spiritual and Mental Health Formation." Opening remarks by David Chao, recorded on January 12, 2024. Find out more about the conference here: https://caac.ptsem.edu/events/2024-mental-health-conference/. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

In this episode of the Dialogues Podcast, David C. Chao interviews Jeney Park-Hearn, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Formation at Portland Seminary. David and Jeney discuss the importance of awareness of the self within familial, community, historical, and sociological contexts for a holistic understanding of God and for spiritual formation. Dr. Park-Hearn will be a plenary speaker for the upcoming conference "Intergenerational Wholeness for Asian Americans: Integrative Approaches to Christian Spiritual and Mental Health Formation." Register for the conference here: https://caac.ptsem.edu/events/2024-mental-health-conference/#register. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

In this episode of the Dialogues Podcast, David C. Chao interviews Sharon Wada. Sharon is director of Sustainable Faith (https://sustainablefaith.com/), a collective of spiritual directors and pastors working to create a spiritually healthy culture among leaders and their communities, and is a workshop leader for the upcoming conference "Intergenerational Wholeness for Asian Americans: Integrative Approaches to Christian Spiritual and Mental Health Formation." David and Sharon discuss what spiritual formation is and why it is important for pastors and church leaders in the Asian American context. Register for the conference here: https://caac.ptsem.edu/events/2024-mental-health-conference/#register. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

This is a session in the series Dialogues in Asian American Theology and Ministry. Description: In recent years, there has been an incredible rise in recognition and popularity of Korean cultural contents, ranging from movies to beauty products to TV dramas and music/K-pop. This whole phenomenon, known as Hallyu, has been a fantastic journey for me to enjoy and engage with, especially as a 1.5-generation Korean American immigrant English Ministry pastor who grew up in the states in the 1970's and 1980's. But beyond its entertainment value, it has been a fertile source for reflection and exploration on how we, the church, can do better in our ministries with young people and beyond. K-pop matters, let me tell you how. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

In this episode, David C. Chao interviews Jessica ChenFeng, Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Life at Fuller Theological Seminary. They discuss how migratory loss shapes the intergenerational family, the relationships between the first, second, and third generation. of immigrations, and the church at large. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

In this episode, Dr. David Chao interviews Rev. Sabrina Chan and E. David de Leon to discuss the content of their book Learning Our Names: Asian American Christians on Identity, Relationships and Vocation. Written during the pandemic, this book brings together authors of different Asian American backgrounds to help young adults navigate their faith and identity. Chan and de Leon talk about their writing process and obstacles along the way as they came together with other Asian American authors to write this book. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

This lecture was recorded on April 29, 2023, as part of the 2023 Asian American Theology Conference “Multiple Belongings in Transpacific Christianities: Christian Faith and Asian Migration to the US.” Find out more about the conference here: https://pts.events/events/aat-2023-mbtc/. Introduction by Dr. Easten Law of Princeton Theological Seminary. Abstract: What does it mean to have an authentically Chinese perspective on life and the world? It is well-attested that many second-generation Chinese Americans take issue with their parents' first-generation Chinese perspectives, and vice-versa. Although this can be attributable to age (e.g. 20th century vs. 21st century), and immigration (values of the “Old World” vs. the “New World”), it is also a function of the fact that the American categories of left, right, and center do not neatly fit within Chinese/Taiwanese political and cultural perspectives. This is where it becomes very confusing. How do we navigate and overcome these conflicting realities which are generational, cultural, and political in nature? Christianity offers some natural bridges with traditional Chinese culture, such as their mutual agreement on filial piety, honor/shame, and collectivism, as well as with Chinese American migrational reality of “strangers in exile.” Rather than simply a horizontal axis of “left” and “right,” a better spectrum would be a quadrant with horizontal and vertical axes reflecting not just politics but also generation/culture. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

This lecture was recorded on April 29, 2023, as part of the 2023 Asian American Theology Conference "Multiple Belongings in Transpacific Christianities: Christian Faith and Asian Migration to the US." Find out more about the conference here: https://pts.events/events/aat-2023-mbtc/. Introduction by Dr. Easten Law. Abstract: Migration is changing and revitalizing the religious and cultural landscape of the US. The mushrooming of places of worship by and for immigrants of every religious persuasion stands as an example of such a seismic change. The change of the US immigration laws in 1965 made it possible for Asian Indians to arrive in large numbers. Ethnic Asian Indian congregations formed by first-generation immigrants tried to recreate the worship experience of their home to find stability amid their disruptive and unsettling immigration experience. The second generation, who are born and raised in diasporic context, find the liturgy, worship, and preaching of first generation churches less suitable for their own spiritual experience and growth. The ongoing migration of Asian Indians to the US in parallel with the continued growth of the second generation results in a persistent tension between first and second generations as both generations seek fidelity to God with expressions of faith and worship that make sense for them. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

This lecture was recorded on April 29, 2023, as part of the 2023 Asian American Theology Conference “Multiple Belongings in Transpacific Christianities: Christian Faith and Asian Migration to the US.” Find out more about the conference here: https://pts.events/events/aat-2023-mbtc/. Introduction by Dr. Easten Law of Princeton Theological Seminary. Abstract: When the first wave of Korean immigrants came to the United States from 1903 to 1949, they experienced multiple layers of marginality. Many had escaped the tumultuous political landscape in Korea as exiles during Japanese colonial rule. Simultaneously, the US government and American society deemed Asians unassimilable aliens unfit for membership in the US. For these “exiled aliens,” Christianity functioned as a source of liberation, democracy, and belonging. In this talk, we will examine Christianity's role in the Korean independence movement and how today's immigrant churches may reclaim their prophetic role in our society and culture. We will explore the story of Moses and how the deconstruction of his identity led to his sense of liberation and belonging, providing a precondition for his ministry. Just as Moses experienced quadruple displacement, Korean immigrant churches navigated liminal spaces as Christians, immigrants, and exiles. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message

This lecture was recorded on April 29, 2023, as part of the 2023 Asian American Theology Conference “Multiple Belongings in Transpacific Christianities: Christian Faith and Asian Migration to the US.” Find out more about the conference here: https://pts.events/events/aat-2023-mbtc/. Introduction by Dr. Easten Law of Princeton Theological Seminary. Abstract: In 1517, Martin Luther initiated the Protestant Reformation and continued a “Christendom Project” to christianize European society. Less recognized, however, is the missio Dei and the Spirit of Christ moving across space since ancient times outside of Anglo-European languages and cultures. I dub the latter development “Post-Christendom Christianity.” Fast forward to the modern US context when the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act substantially repealed Chinese exclusion and simultaneously changed the face of US society. By extension, 1965 ushered in post-Christendom forms of Christianity from the majority world to the US. Rather than thinking in terms of Anglo-European formations of faith, which have naturalized doctrinal difference and similarity through various culture wars, US discourses about Christianity need new wineskins that make explicit the varying social formations of migrational Christianity from the majority world. I present a threefold formation of Asian American Christian consciousness as a post-Christendom way to understand the interplay of doctrine, practical reasoning, and identity formation. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ptscaac/message