Asian Ministries
Asian Ministries is a mission program of American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS), American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA). At present, more than 130 Asian-American Baptist churches, congregations and fellowship groups exist within ABCUSA. These groups are comprised of first-, second- and third-generation Asian-Americans, and their descendants include Japanese, Filipinos, Chinese, Koreans, Indians, Burmese, Chins, Karens, Kachins, Mienh, Vietnamese, Thais, Laotians, Indonesians and Cambodians. More than 18 different languages and dialects are spoken, which makes Asian Ministries one of the most culturally rich and ethnically diverse groups within our denomination.
We are strengthening Asian Ministries’ mission and ministry, while responding to ABHMS’ mission goals by providing:
- pastoral and lay leadership development,
- church planting and transformation,
- evangelism and discipleship,
- recruitment and placement of professional church leadership,
- resource development,
- scholarships for theological and higher education,
- sensitization for Asian-American concerns,
- bridge-building and networking among language groups,
- interaction and cultivation of relationships with Intercultural Ministries,
- support for Asian women in ministry and
- partnership with the Asian-American Baptist Caucus.
For additional information about ABHMS Asian Ministries, contact Rev. Florence Li.
Asian Ministries Leader Training
ABHMS is offering a series of leadership training sessions in 2022. Though the primary target population is Asian and Burmese churches and communities, the training is open to the public for greater interaction and mutual learning. Below are the training dates, title, description and presenters. Please go to https://ccl.ministrelife.org/to enroll. With the exception of the Burma Young Adult Leaders conference and the Asian Conference in June, all sessions will be held virtually at no charge.
Dates/Time (ET) | Title | Presenters |
March 24 7-8:30 p.m. |
Asian Americans & Burmese History, Immigration Experiences in America & Impacts of Racism |
Dr. Russell Jeung, Professor of Asian American Studies, San Francisco State University; Co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate. One of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2021. Dr. Angelene Naw, Professor of History, Judson University. May 2016 YWCA, Elgin, Illinois, Racial Justice Award Recipient. |
April 21 7-8:30 p.m. |
Keeping Social, Economic and Mental Wellness Amidst Racial Injustice |
Beverly Chan, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, soul care and coach for children/adolescent and young adults. Tansy Kadoe, Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Christian-focused counselor. |
April 28-30 | Burma Young Adult Leaders Summit (By invitation only) |
Rev. Dr. Lone W. Lazum, Senior Pastor of Oakland Burmese Mission Baptist Church. Founder of the Shepherd Leadership Academy in 2018. Dr. Ardeth Maung Thawnghmung, Professor of Political Science, University of Massachusetts, Lowell. Specialist in Myanmar/Southeast Asian politics, ethnic politics, and political economy. Rev. Dr. Hrang Hlei, Director of Christian Education, Indiana Chin Baptist Church. Trainer and speaker for the Chin Baptist Churches USA. |
May 19 7-8:30 p.m. |
Building Cultural Intelligence |
Viviana E. Cornejo, Racial Curriculum and Instruction Specialist, Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) Rev. Jerome Burton, Pastor of Coit Community CRC. |
June 23-25 | Asian Conference in conjunction with Alliance of Asian American Baptist Churches Convocation – Racial Empowerment, Reconciliation and Faith Actions. |
Rev. Florence Li, ABHMS National Coordinator for Asian Ministries Rev. Michele Turek, Program Administrator, Alliance of Asian American Baptist Churches Keynote speaker: TBA |