June 11-12, 2012
Topic: Journeying Together – A Cross-Border Conversation on Inter-generational North American Asian Christianity
Purpose: This mini-conference serves a two-fold purpose. First, it provides a platform for furthering our conversation on Asian ministry in Canada. Second, it nurtures a deeper understanding and open dialogue among our invited leaders in order to prayerfully cultivate a group of core leaders united in spirit, to move forward in searching the future of Asian ministry in Canada.
Subtopic: INTERPRETING CHRISTIANITY FOR ASIAN NORTH AMERICANS
by Rev. Dr. Esther Chung-Kim
Overview: The talks offer a historical perspective that seeks to understand the Christian past in order to move forward toward the growth of Asian North American Christian thought. Based on the study of Asian American Christianity, I will demonstrate that the treatment and reception of Asians in the broader American society has shaped the theological tendencies of Asian American Christians, ranging from very radical to very conservative theologies. A variety of factors have contributed to a complex situation for Asian American Christians, which range from immigration patterns, regional and national sentiment toward Asian Americans to Asian American scholarship Asian religious experiences and the growth of Asian American evangelicalism. In sum, the talks argue that Asian American Christian thinkers have increasing engaged in the process of shaping, constructing and negotiating new traditions, practices and theological positions that seek to address the issues and questions confronting Asian North Americans. Such efforts will contribute to the reinterpretation of Christian history that draws from the resources of the Christian past for the further and fuller development of Asian American theologies.
- Talk 1: Gaining a Voice
- Talk 2: Gaining a Tradition
Subtopic: INTERGENERATIONAL MISSION: THE TIPPING POINT OF ASIAN NORTH AMERICAN CHURCHES TODAY
By Rev. Dr. Timothy Tseng
Overview: As transnational and diasporic communities, Asian Christians in Canada and the United States face a similar “tipping point” regarding their ministry to emergent adults (college age to late 20s). Ministry practices and philosophies today will determine the future viability of Asian North American churches. How can pastors, lay leaders, and parents better understand, work with, and empower Asian Canadian young adults? This workshop explores some socio-historical factors that create intergenerational issues in ethnic immigrant churches. It also examines five top concerns of Asian North American emergents and offers practical ways to develop ministries among them. Finally, it will invite participants to envision the future of Asian Canadian ministries.
- Talk 1: “tossed back and forth…blown here and there: the dilemma of diaspora” [Eph 4:14]
- Talk 2: Five Cries of Asian North American Young Adults: Building up a mature intergenerational ministry [Eph 4:11-13]
Bible Sharing
By Dr. Craig Smith
- The Jerusalem Council: Much ado about Nothing? (Acts 15:1-21)
- The Pathway to Unity and Growth (Eph 4:1-13)
Bios of the Speakers
The Rev. Dr. Esther Chung-Kim
Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, CA
Rev. Dr. Esther Chung-Kim specializes in the History of World Christianity and has received degrees from Drew University, Princeton Theological Seminary and Duke University. Her book titled, Inventing Authority was published in spring 2011 and she is currently working on two other projects, an edited volume on the Reformation Commentary on Scripture: Acts of the Apostles and another book titled the Economics of Faith examining Reformation interpretations on wealth, poverty and the redistribution of wealth. Esther is also an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church.
The Rev. Dr. Timothy Tseng
Pastor of English Ministries, Canaan Taiwanese Christian Church, San Jose, CA
Former President and Executive Director, the Institute for the Study of Asian American Christianity
Rev. Dr. Timothy Tseng has served as faculty at Denver Seminary, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, and as Associate Professor of American Religious History and Director of the Asian American Center at the American Baptist Seminary of the West. He has been an adjunct professor at the University of San Francisco, the Pacific School of Religion, and Logos Evangelical Seminary. He believes that only an empowered Asian North American Christian community can contribute to the worldwide Church and transform society. Tim’s goal is to strengthen that community through research, teaching, and ministry. He has been married to Betty for 26 years and has happily raised two sons – one is in college and the other is a high school senior.
Dr. Craig Smith
Professor of Biblical Studies, Carey Theological College, Vancouver, BC
Dr. Craig Smith is originally from Ontario and has been a Professor of Biblical Studies and Chair of the Theology and Ministry Department at Sterling College in Kansas since 2007. Previous to this he was an associate professor of New Testament and Director of the Postgraduate Research Program at Trinity College in Bristol, England. From 1991-97, Craig was an Assistant Professor of New Testament at Alliance Bible Seminary in Manila, Philippines.
Craig received his MDiv from Tyndale University and Seminary in Toronto and his PhD from Bristol University in England. He has held several part-time pastoral positions in Manila and in Bristol. He is the author of 3 books of theology: Sermon Illustrations for Asian Audiences, Timothy’s Task and Paul’s Prospect: A New Reading of 2 Timothy and At the Crossroads at the Cross: Loving Our Enemies in the 21st Century. He has several more books in progress including a commentary on 2 Timothy.
Co-Sponsors
- Regent College Anglican Studies Program
- Carey Theological College & Carey Institute
- Hudson Taylor Center for Chinese Ministries at Tyndale University College & Seminary
- Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Ministerial Fellowship
