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ISAAC Nor Cal Update (May 5, 2011)
May 5, 2011
Dear friends of ISAAC Nor Cal!
Happy Easter and Cinco de Mayo! I pray that you are experiencing the joy of the Lord regardless of your circumstances! ISAAC is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, so we are eager to share with you what we’ve been doing since we started. We also want to unveil our hopes and aspirations for the next five years. So keep looking out for future updates. There are several important events and activities in this update. If you cannot participate, please invite your friends! – Tim Tseng
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1. Asian American Christianity: A Four Week Study (Sponsored by The Harvest Group’s Perspectives in World Christianity)
ISAAC is proud to offer this mini-course designed to help participants better understand and minister to Asian Americans!
Dates: Sundays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 4-7pm.
Location: Community Baptist Church, 2215 Curtner Ave., Campbell, CA 95008.
Cost for the course is $88 (cash and checks only, register at the door).
To register on line go to:
http://www.theharvestgroupforgod.org/harvestGroup/classes.html [updated 5/17/11]
2. INTRODUCING….ISAAC Arts and Lectures?! (Not to be confused with City Arts and Lectures)
ISAAC Nor Cal will offer occasional talks and lectures on a variety of topics in the upcoming year. These talks will stimulate deeper reflection for Christian faith in Asian American contexts, but will not be so academic that only a specialized audience can participate. We call it our ISAAC scholar program!
First up is Dr. Amos Yong: Asian American Evangelical Theology: Its Legacy and Mandate
Thursday, June 16, 2011 • 7:30-9:30 PM
Location: Canaan Taiwanese Christian Church
4405 Fortran Drive, San Jose, CA 95134
To register, go to: http://conta.cc/jKCn45
Summary: The task of Asian American evangelical theology remains to be undertaken. This lecture explores the internal logic of North American evangelicalism, which minimizes the impetus toward theological thinking among Asian Americans, and suggests how Asian American evangelicals can remind their evangelical colleagues about the necessity of engaging contextual reflection for the revitalization of the evangelical theological enterprise as a whole. A shortened version of this talk was given at ISAAC’s Asian American Equipping Symposium at Fuller in February 2011. It can be viewed here: http://vimeo.com/20826365 (21:59).
About the speaker: Amos Yong is the J. Rodman Williams Professor of Theology and Director of Doctor of Philosophy Program at Regent University in Virginia. His research interests are in Global Pentecostalism, Theology of disability, Theology and Science, Political Theology, Inter-faith Dialogue, and in Asian American Theology. His books include Hospitality and the Other: Pentecost, Christian Practices, and the Neighbor (Orbis, 2008), Theology and Down Syndrome: Reimagining Disability in Late Modernity (Baylor, 2007) and The Spirit Poured Out on All Flesh: Pentecostalism and the Possibility of Global Theology (Baker, 2005). Prior to academia, Yong was a pastor in various churches in California, Washington and Massachusetts, the son of a pastor and missionary raised in Stockton. He is married to Alma and has three children. For more information about Amos click this link. He will be Canaan Taiwanese Christian Church’s English ministry retreat speaker on June 17-19.
3. Good news! The Doctor of Missiology cohort in the area of Asian North American leadership (through Fuller Theological Seminary’s School of Intercultural Studies) has been “green lighted” and is now accepting applicants for Fall 2011. Here is an opportunity to work with ISAAC scholars Young Lee Hertig, Tim Tseng, and others. Go to http://wp.me/p7DTu-i0 for more information.
4. Thank you for a great Beyond Tiger Mom event with Helen Lee!
More than 120 participants joined us at Grace Alliance Church (Milipitas) on March 19 to reflect on how parents can help their children develop missional values. Thanks to you, we also collected $455 for Japan Disaster relief via World Vision. To engage this topic further, go to http://themissionalmom.com/.
5. In the works….
(a) Nor Cal Asian American Pastors’ retreat to discuss practical theological issues related to Asian American contexts and to network and have fun!
(b) Forthcoming books: Worship on the Way by Russell Yee (a case for Asian American worship) and Asian American Young Adults Primer (title tentative), edited by Jennifer Ikoma-Motzko and Timothy Tseng (based on Five Cries of Asian American Young Adults and other authors).
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Whew! I’m glad you read this far. To reward you, here is a nice devotional reflection from E. Stanley Jones, mid-twentieth missionary to India and advocate for peace and justice…
Joy is a mark of maturity. The sad, morose type of person is immature. For that unhappiness is being caused, almost entirely, through inner conflicts and wrong attitudes toward life. When we get rid of inner conflicts and wrong attitudes toward life, we will almost automatically burst into joy. For we are made for joy – made for it in the inner structure of our beings. And when we are truly ourselves by being truly His, then we are joyous, constitutionally. Rendell Harris says: “Joy is the strength of the people of God; it is their chief characteristic.” Where there is no joy there is no Christianity, and where there is no Christianity, there is no joy. “So there was much joy in that city,” was said of the Samaritan city, because “Philip…proclaimed to them the Christ.” Christ and joy go together. Where He is, there is joy, and where He is not, there is sadness. “And he went away sadly” – everybody goes away from Christ sadly. For when you go away from Christ you go away from joy. He is joy – a fountain of joy. The Christian way is piety set to music. It is fun!
O Jesus, to know Thee is to know joy. And it is joy that is not spasmodic, but continuous. For as long as Thou art within, joy is within, and any little thing sets if off. I am joyous in the thought of Thy joy. Amen.
— E. Stanley Jones, Christian Maturity (Abingdon, 1957)
Reflections on the Symposium at Fuller
We had an exciting symposium at Fuller Seminary two weeks ago. Presentations and other information will be made available soon. To view some photos, go to this link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=278672&id=18289178852&l=1f262fba1e
We are posting some initial reflections from Kevin Park and David Choi. Kevin Park is Associate for Theology in the Office of Theology and Worship, General Assembly Council of Presbyterian Church USA in Louisville, KY. David Choi is Senior Pastor of Praise Presbyterian Church in New Jersey. He received his PhD in church history from Princeton Theological Seminary. We invite others to share their thoughts, too!
Kevin Park:
One of my denomination’s (Presbyterian Church (USA)) confessions of faith includes this sentence:
“the Spirit gives us courage… to hear the voices of peoples long silenced…” (A Brief Statement of Faith, 70).
It takes courage to hear the silenced voices but it takes more courage for those voices to speak out. During the Asian American Equipping Symposium: Living Out the Gospel II—Asian American History—The Lost Coin, a symphony of courageous, creative, learned, and passionate voices was heard, not merely breaking the silence but catapulting Asian American history, ministry, biblical and theological scholarship to new levels. I was especially delighted to hear from Asian American women scholars, leaders and writers who wrote the book Mirrored Reflections: Reframing Biblical Characters. One of the ongoing challenges doing ministry in many Asian American contexts is that Asian American women are often still doubly marginalized in male dominated ministries of Asian American churches. The contributors of Mirrored Reflections have woven their stories with the stories of women in the Bible that results in fresh and often startling interpretations that inform and empower Asian American women and men. It was also gratifying to witness so many young 1.5 and 2nd generation Asian American scholars and pastors who are giving a resounding and robust voice to the often quiet if not silent Asian American experiences. The AAES was a gratifying experience that helped vindicate that Asian American Christianity in North America is embodied in thriving communities of faith with polyphonic voices that is multi-ethnic, multi-generational, and ecumenical, all grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
David Choi:
What remains with me is the pride I felt at seeing so many Asian American scholars engaged in this topic. While the research seems to be still in its infancy, it was great to hear from so many scholars doing good work and I look forward to their future contributions. I thought, overall, the speakers were relevant and helpful (some, of course, more so than others). I also like the plan of the symposium of having panels and then having responses to them. My one criticism would be that the responders to the panels were not sufficiently critical. They understandably lavished praise (often deserved), but they usually failed to raise the kinds of challenges that could have pushed them into deeper and more fruitful waters. Perhaps this is a reflection of the nature of Asian Americans to keep the peace? I also benefited much from the table discussions. In the future, I would suggest slowing the pace a bit, especially toward the end. Our table was too tired after the last session and we stopped talking. And it’s too bad because I thought the last panel was the most interesting and I would have enjoyed a follow-up discussion. In any case, thank you again for organizing this and I hope to be able to attend the next one.
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More reflections coming soon! – Tim Tseng
Asian North American Doctor of Missiology Cohort with Fuller Theological Seminary and ISAAC
Are you a leader seeking to focus on dynamic issues or burning questions within your context so that you can bring about change? We invite you to join us in this exciting program!
The School of Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary is pleased to announce that an Asian North American Missiology Cohort is gathering interest for a Fall 2011 launch with an on-campus intensive tentatively scheduled for November 28 -December 8, 2011.
As a group of missional practitioners, the ANA Missiology Cohort will collectively unpack unexamined assumptions that dictate ministry practices in such locales as the immigrant church, the Pan-Asian American church, parachurch ministries, and various mission organizations.
With this four-year program, key leaders will continue their ministries in-context, attending a cohort-based intensive once a year for four years. Each intensive consists of an eight-unit tutorial and a four-unit methodological course that will move research forward.
Students will study with a cohort of scholar-practitioners as faculty, including Dr. Mark Hopkins, Director of the Doctor of Missiology and Assistant Professor of Leadership at Fuller Seminary, Rev. Dr. Young Lee Hertig, Southern California Regional Director of ISAAC (Institute for the Study of Asian American Christianity)/AAWOL (Asian American Women on Leadership), and Rev. Dr. Timothy Tseng, Executive Director of ISAAC, who will serve as the primary cohort mentor. Further faculty will be scheduled to address the specific needs and goals of cohort participants.
Interested? Add your name to the ANA Missiology DMiss cohort “gathering interest” list by e-mailing dmiss@fuller.edu. All cohorts require a minimum number of interested applicants to be launched. The launch determination deadline for the cohort is April 29, 2011.
For further information please visit our website at www.fuller.edu/dmiss or contact Dave Stutzman at 626.584.5299.
Invite your colleagues and friends to join you in researching how you can strengthen your ministry!
National Update (Sept. 16, 2010)
Sept. 16, 2010
Greetings friends!
Now for upcoming events and updates.
SANACS Journal 2010 is now available!
Two quick announcements!
• 10% discount sale for ISAAC publications! Go to “publications” at the ISAAC website. Click “Buy” and enter code ‘ FOUND ‘ at checkout You will save 10% off your purchase! [offer ends Aug. 31, 2010]
• The new issue of the SANACS Journal is now available! This issue contains the papers presented at ISAAC So Cal’s Asian American Equipping Symposium held at Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, CA) on Nov. 2-3, 2009. Go to “publications” at the ISAAC website.
Report on the Asian American Symposium at Fuller Seminary: Young Lee Hertig
November 16, 2009
Apologies to Young Lee Hertig for the delay in posting this report… Tim Tseng
The Inaugural AAES Epiphany
By Young Lee Hertig, Director of ISAAC-SoCal/AAWOL (Asian American Women On Leadership)
The dream of gathering one of the most scattered group, Asian American Christian leaders, came true when the inaugural Asian American Equipping Symposium kicked off on November 2-3 at Fuller Theological Seminary. Initial idea came from ISAAC’S Executive Director, Timothy Tseng, who began lectureship circuits in Northern California with various Universities. In implementing the vision, as fellow African American pastors would say, “When you don’t have teeth to chew, gum it” relying on daily divine whispers and riding along the whimsical wind of the Spirit.
The first whisper in implementing the dream came through a meeting with Howard Loewen, Dean of School of Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary. When the Dean announced his fall Sabbatical, the new partnership emerged with Fuller’s Office of Alumni/ae and Church Relations turned dream possible. Tirelessly everyone in Mary Hubbard Given’s office devoted their time to the details of the two-day event—lecture, panel, breakout session, banquet, and luncheon.
The Program Highlights
The keynote speaker, Dr. Jonathan Tran, an Assistant Professor of Christian Ethics, framed the lectures of the past and future of Asian American churches with “both and” paradigm, not “either or.” It was the right frame to contain multiple facets of bridging the inaugural AAES aimed. Bridging both theologies with the Asian American churches, the past with the future, and diverse intra Asian American ethnic groups, Tran walked us through the interpretive path that was so rich in its contents and candor in delivery. Participants were captivated by vivid biblical narratives resonant with Asian American journeys. The panel responses on Monday included three school faculty and Asian American pastors: Jehu J. Hanciles, Mark Lau Branson, Miyoung Yoon Hammer, Ken Fong, and Michael Lee. We are so grateful for panelists taking their busy time off to deliver their insights.
Monday evening was the Asian American Leadership Banquet and 160 people filled the room, Payton 101 at Fuller Theological Seminary. At the 11th hour, the Women of Four (Mary Hubbard Given, Bert Jacklitch, Bonnie Stevens, and Young Lee Hertig) decided to change the banquet venue from the Rose Tournament House to Payton 101 to accommodate everyone who wanted to come to the banquet. We apologize for those who didn’t have time to check the last minute email sent out when we changed the venue for the banquet. At the banquet, President Rich Mouw almost turned his keynote address, Theological Imagination With Asian American Churches” in interpretive dance after Ashley Thaxton’s liturgical dance to the song, “In This Very Room,” sung by Debra Williams. We almost believed that he might since Mrs. Phyllis Mouw was present
On Tuesday Tran covered why Asian American Churches are the Future. The panelists were Charlene Jin Lee, Timothy Tseng, Charles Lee, Melanie Mar Chow, and Benjamin Shin. Gender issues in Asian American Churches, addressed by Charlene Jin Lee, in particular captivated everyone. Tran continued dialogue by email exchanges with Jin Lee even after his return to Texas.
The breakout sessions with Jonathan Wu and Melanie Mar Chow’s leadership, were divided into four To let you know, we will have four topics for discussion and strategic thinking:
1. The future of AA pastoral leadership
2. The future of AA women in ministry
3. The future of the intergenerational AA church
4. The future of theological formation in AA churches
Jonathan and Melanie expressed their appreciation of the deep level of engagement and learning happening in all of the groups as Jonathan Tran and the panelists paved the way for some serious interactions in our breakout groups. We are grateful to you all for navigating the direction toward constructive conversations and substantive outcomes. We deeply appreciate participants recommendations with the clarity to keep traction and momentum going forward.
Last but not the least, the inaugural AAES was possible through sponsorships of local churches, para-church organizations and friends. ISAAC appreciates all of your financial support that made our collective dreaming possible.
Asian American Equipping Symposium at Fuller Theological Seminary (Nov. 2-3, 2009)
Some highlights from Dr. Young Lee Hertig (scroll down to view updated schedule)
October 22, 2009
Dear Participants,
We are so excited about your participation in the first Asian American Equipping Symposium co-sponsored by Fuller Theological Seminary and ISAAC (Institute for the Study of Asian American Christianity) on November 2-3, 2009. On Monday November 2, onsite registration will start at 1:00pm just outside of Payton 101 at Fuller. On Tuesday, we will meet at the University Club on campus.
Let me share with you some highlights of the AA Equipping Symposium:
1) Dr. Jonathan Tran will offer us inspiring lectures on both challenges and hopes of Asian American Christianity which will generate wider discourse both in Academia and Asian American churches.
2) Panelists will be followed by Dr. Tran’s lecture interacting with the themes covered in his lecture. The panelists include faculty from Fuller’s three schools and local Asian American Pastors. On Monday the panelists include Dr. Jehu J. Hanciles (School of Intercultural Studies), Rev Dr. Mark Lau Branson (School of Theology), Dr. Miyoung Yoon Hammer (School of Psychology), Rev Dr. Kenneth Fong (Evergreen Baptist Church LA), Rev Dr. Michael Lee (YoungNak Celebration Church). On Tuesday the panelists include Dr. Charlene Jin Lee (Faculty at SFTS), Rev. Dr. Timothy Tseng (Executive Director of ISAAC), Rev. Melanie Mar Chow (USC Campus Pastor for JEMS), Rev Benjamin Shin (Talbot Seminary, and EM Pastor of Open Door Church), Rev. Charles Lee (the lead cultural catalyst and pastor for New Hope South Bay Church and Los Angeles).
3) At the Monday night banquet, President Richard J. Mouw will address a keynote speech on “Theological Imagining With Asian American Churches.” Also Drs. Se Yoon Kim and Yea Sun Kim will be awarded the “Asian American Scholarship/Leadership Legacy Award.
4) There will be special music and liturgical dance at the banquet (Ashley Thaxton and Noah Lau Branson, and Debra Williams)
5) Closing Worship will take place on Tuesday at 2:15 with a Charge from President Richard J. Mouw.
6) There will be a Business meeting at 3:00pm on Tuesday, November 3 for those who want to collaborate with next year’s Summer Equipping Program and the second annual Asian American Equipping Symposium in the fall of 2010.
In God’s grace,
Rev Young Lee Hertig, PhD
Director of ISAAC-SoCal and AAWOL (Asian American Women On Leadership)
OVERVIEW
This year’s symposium, “Living Out the Gospel,” will address continuity and change in the on-going development of Asian American church ministries. It will specifically question the difficult and often painful relationship between innovation and faithfulness in the lives of Asian Americans and Asian American churches. What reconciliation is possible between generations that define themselves by, on the one hand, immigration, tradition, and family, and on the other hand, individualism and autonomy, integration, and friendship by internet? If newly emerging Asian American churches remain loyal to their first-generation predecessors, will they be able to continue to move forward? What are Asian Americans sacrificing by leaving behind their mother churches and striking out on their own? What will “the Gospel” look like within the “living” context of changing Asian American identities, problems, and dreams? Richly theological and deeply personal, this year’s symposium will prove to be constructive.
This year’s lecturer will be Dr. Jonathan Tran (PhD Duke University) who is assistant professor of theological ethics in the Department of Religion at Baylor University, one of the largest Christian universities in the world. A former ministry practitioner with Asian American churches and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, he is author Faith on the Edge (IVP, 1999), The Vietnam War and Theologies of Memory: Time and Eternity in the Far Country (Blackwell, Fall 2009) and Theology and Foucault (T & T Clark International, Fall 2010). Emigrated from Vietnam at an early age, Dr. Tran’s journey into Christianity has been coupled with an ethnic awakening that has thoroughly influenced his theological life.
2009 Symposium Schedule
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2
1:00 pm Registration
1:30 Introduction and Announcements (Young Lee Hertig and Mary Given)
1:35 Welcoming address by the President Richard J. Mouw
1:45 Dr. Jonathan Tran, lecture 1: “Why Asian American Christianity has no future: The Over Against, Leaving Behind, and Separation from of Asian American Christian Identity”
2:45 Break
3:15 Panel & Q&A
4:15 Break out session
6:00 Banquet at the Tournament of Roses House/Wrigley Mansion
Banquet Schedule
6:00 Reception at the Tournament of Roses House
6:30 Congregational Songs led by Fuller Asian American Worship Team (Elisa Oh, Elliot Chung, and Rebekah Chang)
6:40 Welcome & Announcements: Young Lee Hertig and Mary Hubbard Given
6:50 Invocation by Rev Dr. Heemin Park
6:55 Dinner
7:30 AA Scholarship/Leadership Legacy Award to Drs. Se Yoon Kim & Yea Sun Kim (Presented by President Richard J. Mouw)
7:35 Dr. Se Yoon Kim’s Response
7:40 Inspirational music and liturgical dance, “In This Very Room” (Ashley Thanxton, Noah Lau Branson, Debra Williams)
7:45 Keynote address, Dr. Richard J. Mouw, President, Fuller Theological Seminary: “Theological Imagining with Asian American Churches”
8:00 Introduction to Lecture II “Asian American Church as Future” (Dr. Jonathan Tran)
8:20 Words of Encouragement & Benediction (Bishop Steven Leung)
8:30 Inspiration music: Ashley Thanxton, Debra Williams, Noah Lau Branson
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3
9:00 am Dr. Jonathan Tran, Lecture II: “Why Asian American Christianity is the future: Holding it together in Yellow Christianity”
10:00 Break
10:15 Panel & Q & A
11:15 Break
11:30 Breakout session
12:30 Lunch
1:45p Break out session plenary
2:15p Closing worship led by (Angel Wu, Dave Yu, Hannah Lee)
2:15 Congregational songs led by Asian American Worship Team
2:25 Charge by President Richard J. Mouw
2:40 Congregational response
2:45 Announcement and Benediction
2:55 Closing Hymn
3:00 Business meeting (open to all who would like to support ISAAC So. Cal.’s future programs)
Online Registration: CLICK HERE
The Symposium
The Asian American Christianity Symposium has been established in order to address the unique challenges facing Asian American Christians and churches in all their generational, cultural, and theological differences. Co-sponsored by the Institute for the Study of Asian American Christianity (ISAAC), the Urban Initiative, Fuller Theological Seminary, and Fuller’s Office of Alumni/ae and Church Relations. Fuller Seminary serves the largest and most diverse Asian American population in the United States, the annual symposium will provide an invigorating series of lectures by leading Asian American voices in theology and ministry.
The Objectives of the Symposium
• To engage in conversation with Asian American theologians and practitioners.
• To investigate and invest in the complex relationships between Asian American Christians, Asian American churches, and predominantly white seminary education.
• To challenge and construct Asian American theologies for the church.
ISAAC sponsored lectures and talks – Fall 2009
ISAAC will co-sponsor the following lectures, panels, and symposiums.
Wed., Sept. 23 | 4 PM | UC Berkeley, Moses Hall, 223, IIS Conference Room
Religious Policies in the People’s Republic of China featuring Dr. Fenggang Yang Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, and Director of the Center on Religion and Chinese Society, Purdue University. Dr. Fenggang Yang is the author of Chinese Christians in America: Conversion, Assimilation, and Adhesive Identities (Penn State University Press 1999), co-editor (with Tony Carnes) of Asian American Religions: The Making and Remaking of Borders and Boundaries (New York University Press 2004), and co-editor (with Joseph B. Tamney) of State, Market, and Religions in Chinese Societies (Brill Academic Publishers 2005).
This lecture is co-sponsored by U.C. Berkeley’s Religion, Politics, and Globalization Program, Institute of East Asian Studies, Center for Chinese Studies, and Department of Sociology. For more information, go to the RPGP website or contact Tim Tseng.
Sept. 24
ISAAC Research Seminar featuring Dr. Fenggang Yang and local researchers in Berkeley, CA. Contact James Chuck.
Oct. 21
Oct. 21 | 4 PM | UC Berkeley, Moses Hall, 223, IIS Conference Room
Filipino Faith: The Role of Religion in Diasporic Communities in America and Beyond featuring:
– Joaquin Jay Gonzalez III, Associate Professor of Politics; Director of the Yuchengco Philippine Studies Program, University of San Francisco and author of Filipino American
Faith in Action (New York University Press) and Religion on the Corner of Bliss and Nirvana (Duke University Press).
– Benjamin Pimentel, Author of Pareng Barack: Filipinos in Obama’s America; former reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle
Co-sponsored by U.C. Berkeley’s Religion, Politics, and Globalization Program. For more information go to the RPGP website or contact Tim Tseng.
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Nov. 2-3
Nov. 2-3 | Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA
Living Out The Gospel: Asian American Perspectives and Contributions: An Asian American Equipping Symposium featuring Dr. Jonathan Tran, Assistant Professor of Christian Ethics at Baylor University, and local pastors and scholars. Co-sponsored by Fuller Theological Seminary and the Urban Initiatve. Download informational flyer: AAEquipping Symposium_Nov 2-3. To register click this link or contact Young Lee Hertig.
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