Diversity is a gift within the Body of Christ—the June 2026 Catalyst Conference

VALLEY FORGE, PA (08/20/2026)—When churches strive for unity, differences are sometimes viewed as obstacles. Yet in the body of Christ, differences are vital. Paul’s evocative metaphor of different body parts underscores their interdependence. More than that, “there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it” (1 Corinthians 12:25–27).

Participants in the Catalyst Conference, an ABHMS event held in Indianapolis this past June.

This wisdom was the organizing principle of American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ (ABHMS) Catalyst Conference, held June 12-13, 2026, at the Falam Baptist Church of Indiana in Indianapolis. Hosted by Asian Ministries, the event took place under the theme “Unique and United in Christ,” inviting young Asian and Asian American Christians to discover what that looks like in practice and to honor the different gifts they are given. Thirty participants came from California, Indiana, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, representing nine ethnic groups.

In many Asian and Asian American church settings, age can influence who is perceived as fit to lead. Catalyst intentionally created space for 18–35-year-olds to design and lead ministry. "The conference was born out of their own vision, leadership, and passion for their own generation,” said ABHMS’ National Coordinator for Asian Ministries, Rev. Michele Turek. “Young people may have their own ideas and vision for how to approach certain aspects of ministry, but they are given little to no room to try them on their own for a variety of reasons.”

Min. Izzy Koo, NextGen Coordinator at Asian American Christian Collaborative (AACC) and the Saturday keynote speaker, said she discussed faith across diverse ministry contexts with Indian, Filipino, and Korean Americans at the event. “Every conversation reminded me that, while our stories are different, we are united by the same Savior,” she concluded.

The workshops included Responding to and Thriving Amid Intergenerational Conflicts, led by Pastor Luke Lagwi, and Christ-Centered Marriage, led by Turek, who also opened the conference with the introductory keynote, “The Body of Christ.” The conference also featured the Cultural Appreciation Booth. Under the guidance of event leader Min. Longshibeni Kikon, participants were encouraged to share their stories and listen to one another's unique traditions.

Interactive activities were designed for experiential learning and team building. Importantly, the activities concluded with planning and practical applications. One of the questions groups considered was an immediate step they could take to elevate an overlooked person or ministry in their church.

Catalyst is one of the initiatives of ABHMS’ Asian Ministries, which celebrates the vibrant cultural and linguistic diversity that enriches the American Baptist family. It will continue as an Asian Ministries program, and in keeping with Catalyst’s purpose, the participating young adult leaders will decide what Catalyst becomes.

By Rev. Dr. Anna Piela, senior writer and editor of The Christian Citizen