From June 12-19, I spent time with Chinese Gospel Church of Massachusetts (CGCM, my home church) in Southborough, MA. As students are on break, I spent time visiting and serving churches that partner with me — seminars, preaching, presenting my ministry plan — because I value my partnerships tremendously & see them as a significant part of my in ministry. This is Part 2 of 3 about visiting CGCM!
This Friday I was given the opportunity to lead a seminar for parents (though there were some kids/youth there) on the topic of Asian-American identity. Ever since I came on staff, and particularly in one decisive instance in December, the questions and plight of parents has been a driving factor for me and the needs I am responding to. Since the parents are not Asian-American — they cannot provide their kids with a good model of how to navigate the identity journey. But I told them that they could do their best to pass on a version of Chinese culture to their kids that is at least good and Godly and scripturally attuned.
I explain how ethnicity and culture were intended by God to be ways of relating to Him and seeing His true character in our lives and communities. I shared 3 positive elements of Asian-American culture — material stewardship, community and church vitality — and three negative elements that Christian parents need to revise — authority instead of intimacy, materialism instead of Kingdom-view, fatalism instead of hope. Then I fielded some questions.
Thanks to Denny W, one of my supporters, we’ve got video of the WHOLE thing as well as some photos.
We started out in this room but then the audience grew too large.
Over 60 people? 80 maybe? I didn't count.
Explaining 3 positive elements that Chinese Christian parents are already teaching.
HSUVa 