NextGen and Youth Ministry Post-COVID with Justin Wong

In this episode of the AACC podcast, our host Ray Chang speaks with Pastor Justin Wong about the challenges and opportunities facing Gen Z within the Asian American church. While touching on the importance of understanding generational differences, the highlight of the conversation is on the impact of COVID-19 on youth ministry, and the need for churches to adapt to the unique needs of younger generations. Justin shares insights from his research emphasizing the significance of the older generations building trust, engaging with technology, and empowering the next generation of leaders through deeper connection. He also highlights the spiritual hunger of Gen Z and the necessity for churches to create safe spaces for discussion.   Join us in our new series of conversations about the Next Generation and share it with a friend!   Linked Resources: @justinhwong Hosts: Raymond Chang Guest: Justin Wong Podcast Manager: Gracie Hulse Producer: Daniel Harris Coordinator: Amber Rhee Follow us on IG:  @aachristcollab To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit  asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

Welcome to Season 6 of the AACC Podcast! In this episode of the AACC podcast, host Ray Chang and animator/editor Kevin Yi discuss the intersection of Asian American identity, youth ministry, and media. Kevin shares his journey from ministry to animation, highlighting his work on the Disney+ series, Armorsaurs, and the book The Jesus I Wish I Knew in High School. They explore themes of cultural translation, shame, redemption, and the importance of engaging in conversations about spirituality with younger generations. They also emphasize the need for Asian American voices in literature and the role of parents in fostering meaningful dialogue with their children. Join us in our new series of conversations about the Next Generation and share it with a friend! Linked Resources: Hosts: Raymond Chang Guest: Kevin Yi Podcast Manager: Gracie Hulse Producer: Daniel Harris Coordinator: Amber Rhee Follow us on IG:  @aachristcollab To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit  asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.  

In this episode of the AACC podcast, Ray Chang interviews Steven Kim, the Founder and Executive Director of Project Kinship, a community-rooted organization dedicated to serving marginalized communities impacted by incarceration. Steven shares his personal journey as a Korean American and the challenges he faced growing up, including racism and trauma. The conversation explores the role of the church in supporting marginalized individuals, the need for cultural understanding, and the importance of engaging younger generations in faith. Steven advocates for a shift from a 'saving' mentality to one of 'serving' and 'standing with' those in need, highlighting the power of kinship and community in healing and transformation. Join us in this important conversation about how we need pioneers to bring change. Linked Resources: https://www.projectkinship.org/ Hosts: Raymond Chang Guest: Steven Kim Podcast Manager: Gracie Hulse Producer: Daniel Harris Producers & Coordinators from Newsong: DJ Estioco, Jean Lee, Steven Kim Editor: Paul Yeej Kong  

In this episode of the AACC podcast, Ray Chang speaks with Professor Jennifer Koh about the complexities of immigration law and its intersection with human rights, social justice, and faith. They discuss the current state of immigration in the U.S., the myths surrounding immigrants, and the role of faith communities in advocating for vulnerable populations. The conversation also touches on the historical context of immigration laws, the challenges posed by current policies, and the importance of community engagement and support for immigrants. While recorded before January 2024, the insights in this episode remain remarkably timely today. Linked Resources: https://law.pepperdine.edu/faculty-research/jennifer-lee-koh/ www.newsong.net Hosts: Raymond Chang Guest: Jennifer Koh Podcast Manager: Gracie Hulse Producer: Daniel Harris Coordinator: Amber Rhee Producers & Coordinators from Newsong: DJ Estioco, Jean Lee, Steven Kim Editor: Paul Yeej Kong Follow us on IG:  @aachristcollab To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit  asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.  

In this episode of the AACC Podcast, our host, Ray Chang, continues his conversation with Pastor Dave Gibbons of Newsong Church in Southern California. Pastor Gibbons explores the profound impact of storytelling on healing and self-discovery. He shares insights on how personal narratives can resonate with readers, providing them with the words to express unspoken emotions. Pastor Gibbons presses on the importance of shared experiences and connections fostered through literature, highlighting the transformative power of stories in people's lives. Tune in to today's episode and share it with a friend! Dave Gibbons is also the author of The Shape of My Eyes. His book beautifully weaves historic reference points of the oppression and discrimination against Asian Americans with Dave's own personal story. Dave's wrestling with belonging in his family, in America, and in the church creates a raw, thought-provoking memoir about race, religion and finding home. Linked Resources: www.davegibbons.org www.newsong.net Hosts: Raymond Chang Guest: Dave Gibbons Manager: Gracie Hulse Producers: Daniel Harris & Josh Huver Coordinator: Amber Rhee Producers & Coordinators from Newsong: DJ Estioco, Jean Lee, Steven Kim Editor: Paul Yeej Kong Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.   A huge thank you to our episode's sponsor, Brazos Press. Brazos Press is a proud sponsor of the Asian American Christian Collaborative Conference 2025. Brazos Press publishes books that creatively draw upon the riches of the Christian story to deepen our understanding of God's world and inspire faithful reflection and engagement. Learn more at BrazosPress.com.

In this episode of the AACC Podcast, our host, Ray Chang engages with Pastor Dave Gibbons and they explore the unique position of Asian-Americans in society today, highlighting the cultural adaptability of AAPI and the opportunities available for them to leverage their experiences and voices in addressing societal challenges. Pastor Gibbons emphasizes the favor that Asian-Americans have in the current cultural landscape and the potential for their stories to inspire change. Join us in the conversation and share your thoughts with us! Dave Gibbons is also the author of The Shape of My Eyes. His book beautifully weaves historic reference points of the oppression and discrimination against Asian Americans with Dave's own personal story. Dave's wrestling with belonging in his family, in America, and in the church creates a raw, thought-provoking memoir about race, religion and finding home. Linked Resources: www.davegibbons.org www.newsong.net Hosts: Raymond Chang Guest: Dave Gibbons Manager: Gracie Hulse Producers: Daniel Harris & Josh Huver Coordinator: Amber Rhee Producers & Coordinators from Newsong: DJ Estioco, Jean Lee, Steven Kim Editor: Paul Yeej Kong Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com. A huge thank you to our episode's sponsor, CRU. At CRU, we're a caring community passionate about connecting people to Jesus. Through campus ministry, we help churches equip young adults, whether middle school, high school, or college, to live out their faith as multiplying disciples.

In this episode of the AACC podcast, host Ray Chang engages in a rich conversation with Helen Lee and Shin Maeng about their collaborative children's book 'Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World.' They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the evolution of its themes, particularly around prayer, and the importance of cultural identity in storytelling. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by Asian American creatives in the publishing industry and the hope that this book will inspire meaningful conversations between parents and children about prayer and global issues. Join us in the conversation! A huge thank you to our episode's sponsor Boston University's School of Theology. At Boston University's School of Theology pursue your ministry and public leadership as you become a leader ready to respond to the challenges of today's global religious landscape. Transform yourself, then change the world. Find out more about their programs on BU's School of Theology website at www.bu.edu/sth/. Linked Resources:https://www.shinmaeng.com/ https://www.helenleebooks.com/ Hosts: Raymond Chang Guests: Helen Lee and Shin Maeng Manager: Gracie Hulse Producers: Daniel Harris & Josh Huver Coordinator: Amber Rhee   Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab   To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

Today's episode explores the intersection of Asian American Christianity and justice, discussing the historical context of justice within Christianity, the separation of evangelism and justice, and the impact of Western individualism on Asian American faith. Our host, Raymond Chang, together with Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, emphasize the need to recover a theological understanding of justice and provide practical steps for engaging in justice within the Asian American community. Linked Resources:https://www.professorrah.com/ Hosts: Raymond Chang Guest: Reverend Dr. Soong-Chan Rah Engineer: Elliot Koo Producer: Daniel Harris Manager: Gracie Hulse Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

In this episode, AACC President, Ray Chang, and Professor Daniel D. Lee explore the complexities of Asian American Christianity, discussing the integration of theology and identity, the challenges faced by the community, and the importance of contextualized ministry. They emphasize the need for nuanced understanding and language to articulate the Asian American experience, while also highlighting the significance of preserving cultural heritage and history. This podcast provides insights into how Asian American Christians can navigate their identities and experiences within the broader context of faith and community. Linked Resources: https://aac.fuller.edu/   Hosts: Raymond Chang   Guest: Daniel D. Lee   Engineer: Elliot Koo   Producer: Daniel Harris   Manager: Gracie Hulse   Follow us on IG: @aachristcollab To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.

On this episode of the AACC Podcast, Ray Chang and Reverend Dr. Abraham Cho explore the complexities of Asian American Christian leadership, the journey into ministry, and the cultural identity that shapes their experiences. They discuss the challenges of navigating predominantly white evangelical spaces, the diverging paths of career choices among Asian Americans, and the cultural costs associated with these dynamics. As they explore the evolving landscape of American Christianity, particularly focusing on the experiences and challenges faced by Asian American Christians, Dr. Cho points out the significance of cultural identity in faith and leadership, encouraging younger leaders to embrace their unique experiences and take initiative in their communities. Listen or download for the whole conversation and share your feedback with us!    Linked Resource: https://www.globalfaithandwork.com/our-team/abe-cho     Hosts: Raymond Chang   Guest: Abraham Cho   Engineer: Elliot Koo   Producer: Daniel Harris   Manager: Gracie Hulse   Follow us on IG:  @aachristcollab   To find out more about AACC's work, donate, or learn more visit  asianamericanchristiancollaborative.com.