SOLA Network

SummaryThis conversation explores the evolving landscape of global missions, the shift from Western-centric to polycentric models, and the vital role of Asian American leaders in the Great Commission. Lloyd Kim and Michael Low share insights on mission strategies, cultural dynamics, and the future of the global church.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Global Missions and Personal Journeys02:49 The Role of Immigrant Experiences in Missions05:48 The Lausanne Movement and Its Impact08:39 Shifting Paradigms: From West to Polycentric Missions11:56 The Changing Role of the Western Church in Global Missions14:52 Emerging Generations and Their View on Missions17:35 The Shift from Missions to Church Planting20:48 The Asian American Church and Its Missionary Impulse23:34 Addressing Global Needs and Opportunities26:07 Encouragement for Asian American Church LeadersOur guests share from their own experience and conviction, and the perspectives expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of SOLA Network or every leader associated with SOLA.

Vivian Mabuni shares her inspiring journey from campus ministry to family and marriage ministry, highlighting the biblical vision of marriage, cultural influences, and practical advice for couples. Discover how her insights can transform your understanding of marriage as a reflection of God's love and mission.00:00 Introduction to Marriage and Family Dynamics02:49 Shifting Perspectives on Marriage06:52 Cultural Influences on Marriage Values11:08 Theological Foundations of Marriage18:05 Empowerment in Marriage24:17 Navigating Emotions in Relationships29:26 The Impact of Social Media on Emotions34:11 Cultural Distinctions in Marriage Counseling39:58 Practical Tips for Thriving Marriages49:02 Conclusion and Reflections on Authenticity52:02 OutroOur guests share from their own experience and conviction, and the perspectives expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of SOLA Network or every leader associated with SOLA.

In this episode, Danny and Monica begin a new mini-series on scripture and Asian American parenting, and look at Deuteronomy 6:5-9. They discuss its practical guidance and applications for Asian American parenting. They examine how this passage has different applications in prior generations of immigrant family contexts and what those differences might teach Asian American parents today about parenting. They further seek to glean from Deuteronomy 6:5-9 how to live out parenting teenagers today. Resourceshttps://rootedministry.com/parents-primary-disciple-makers-children/ Parents Are the Primary Disciple-Makers Of Their Children by Anna Mead Harrishttps://sola.network/article/parenting-and-discipleship-for-a-new-school-year/ Parenting in the New School Year by Tim St. Johnhttps://rootedministry.com/parenting/resources/ Christian Parenting ResourcesOur guests share from their own experience and conviction, and the perspectives expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of SOLA Network or every leader associated with SOLA.

In this insightful interview, Tim St. John discusses the complexities of church hurt, especially within Asian American churches, and offers biblical guidance on healing, leadership, and discipleship. Discover practical steps for pastors and church members to navigate pain, restore trust, and reflect Christ's grace.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Tim St. John02:30 The Genesis of 'After Church Hurt'05:28 Understanding Church Hurt08:57 The Impact of Leadership on Church Hurt12:27 Ezekiel 34: A Call to Shepherds15:31 Identifying Neglect and Harshness in Leadership20:08 Real-Life Examples of Church Hurt22:50 The Impact of Pastoral Care on Mental Health24:01 Cultural Hierarchies and Their Effects26:41 Navigating Shame in Asian American Communities28:51 Understanding Spiritual Abuse30:33 Addressing Victim Mentality in Counseling36:30 The Journey from Victimhood to Grace44:42 OutroOur guests share from their own experience and conviction, and the perspectives expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of SOLA Network or every leader associated with SOLA.

Join us as we explore Lisa Pak's inspiring journey from Korean-Canadian roots to global missions, her insights on overcoming cultural and gender barriers in the church, and her passionate call for the next generation to finish the Great Commission.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Lisa Pak and Her Journey03:52 Lisa's Calling and Early Ministry Experiences16:01 Navigating the Korean Church: A Love-Hate Relationship21:39 Navigating Cultural Dynamics in Parenting and Church Leadership24:24 The Love-Hate Relationship with the Korean Church30:07 Overcoming Barriers: The Journey of Women in Leadership33:45 Engaging the Next Generation in Global Missions38:53 Finishing the Task: The Great Commission's CallOur guests share from their own experience and conviction, and the perspectives expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of SOLA Network or every leader associated with SOLA.

In this episode part 2, Danny and Monica discuss the aspect of underparenting teenagers. They discuss underparenting in terms of permissive parenting and uninvolved parenting and they discuss the differences between the two. They also discuss the foundations of why Asian American parents might practice underparenting, based on their Asian American roots of their parents’ generation. Lastly, they discuss ways parents can reduce or move away from underparenting their teenagers. Resourceshttps://rootedministry.com/what-the-bible-says-about-parenting/ https://rootedministry.com/the-challenges-of-immigrant-parenting/https://rootedministry.com/podcasts/what-the-bible-says-about-parenting-discipleship-happens-in-relationship/ https://rootedministry.com/parenting/resources/

Summary:In this insightful interview, Pastor Paul Kim shares his journey in leadership, the importance of loving and leading well, managing the challenges of ministry, and embracing his Asian American identity within the broader church context. Discover practical wisdom on stewardship, self-care, and cultural identity that can transform your leadership approach.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Paul Kim and His Journey03:07 Leadership in Ministry: Balancing Love and Organization05:55 Navigating Challenges in Ministry Leadership08:25 Self-Care and Maintaining Inner Life11:25 The Importance of Confidants in Leadership14:14 Unique Aspects of Asian American Leadership16:56 Code Switching: A Gift or a Burden?19:43 Advice for Young Asian American Pastors22:30 Finding Identity and Purpose in Ministry

In this episode of Asian American Parenting, Danny and Monica discuss overparenting, or what is commonly called helicopter parenting or in sociology, authoritarian parenting. They discuss the roots of overparenting from our Asian American upbringing in our Asian American context and go on to discuss the definition of overparenting, the signs and consequences of overparenting, and how parents of teenagers can reduce overparenting. They discuss various passages of scripture also including Ephesians 6:1-4 to encourage parents in their parenting journey. Additional Resourceshttps://rootedministry.com/what-the-bible-says-about-parenting/ https://rootedministry.com/podcasts/what-the-bible-says-about-parenting-discipleship-happens-in-relationship/ https://rootedministry.com/parenting/resources/ Follow @therootedministry and @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates!Follow and subscribe to Asian American Parenting wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this insightful interview, two church leaders share their experiences and insights on leading multicultural, multilingual churches, emphasizing unity, leadership development, and cultural sensitivity.00:00 Introduction to the Immigrant Church Experience03:08 Personal Backgrounds of the Guests05:49 Challenges and Joys of Pastoral Leadership08:55 Navigating Cultural Differences in Ministry11:37 Building Unity in a Trilingual Church14:52 The Role of Influence in Leadership17:35 Understanding Congregational Dynamics20:50 Missional Context and Learning23:38 The Importance of Relationships in Ministry26:39 Maintaining Unity Amidst Diversity29:47 Sacrifices for the Sake of Unity32:46 Navigating Membership and Inclusion35:22 Conclusion and Reflections on Leadership36:28 The Vision for a Unified Immigrant Church39:45 Pursuing Unity Without Uniformity46:09 Sacrifices for the Greater Good49:54 Embracing Unique Cultural Identities

In this episode of Asian American Parenting, Monica and Danny discuss the important topic of guilt in parenting when there is failure as parents. They also discuss the important topic of emotional regulation and its implications for parents and their parenting. They address losing one’s temper as a parent, feeling guilt when failing as a parent, and how to move away from the guilt and shame we might feel as a parent, to genuine repentance in Christ and to our teenagers. Additional Resourceshttps://rootedministry.com/parenting-as-a-child-of-god/ https://rootedministry.com/gospel-astonished-parenting/

In this episode of the Sola Network Leaders Podcast, hosts Kristin Whitmore, Wilson Wang, and Rika Matoba Lopez engage in a candid discussion about sexual addiction and love addiction, particularly within the context of the church. They explore the hidden prevalence of these issues, the impact of family dynamics, and the importance of creating safe spaces for open conversations. The episode emphasizes the need for accountability, the damaging effects of pornography, and offers hope and resources for recovery, encouraging church leaders to address these topics openly and supportively.00:00 Introduction to the Conversation on Sexual Addiction02:50 Understanding Love Addiction and Its Impact05:47 The Role of Family Dynamics in Addiction09:06 Defining Love Addiction and Its Characteristics11:57 Bringing Conversations About Addiction to the Church14:45 Creating Safe Spaces for Discussion18:10 The Importance of Accountability in Recovery21:05 Engaging with Sexual Addiction and Pornography23:55 Statistics on Sexual Addiction in the Church27:05 The Damaging Effects of Pornography29:56 Hope and Resources for Recovery33:11 Final Thoughts and Prayer for Healing

In this conversation, Tom discusses the importance of writing with the intention of glorifying God rather than seeking personal validation. He emphasizes that true worth comes from faith and grace, not from accomplishments or the quality of one’s work. Tom reflects on the temptation to fall into a works mindset and highlights the significance of Ephesians 2:10 in understanding one’s identity in Christ.

In this episode of Asian American Parenting, Danny and Monica consider the topic of the long-term faith of teenagers, after they graduate high school and beyond into adulthood. They challenge Asian American parents of teenagers and children to nurture long-term faith in their children and teenagers, and discuss factors impacting a faith that lasts. They also discuss differences in immigrant generations raising their children and teenagers versus subsequent generations, and challenge listeners to learn from prior generations.

Written and read by Faith Chang.Full article:https://sola.network/article/to-those-who-feel-the-pull-of-hopelessness/Faith Chang (B.S. Cornell University; Certificate in Christian Studies, Westminster Theological Seminary) serves at Grace Christian Church of Staten Island where her husband is a pastor. She is a mom of four, team member at WTS Books, and author of Peace Over Perfection, Enjoying a Good God When You Feel You're Never Good Enough. You can find more of her writing on her Substack:http://faithchang.substack.com/

In this episode of Asian American Parenting, Danny and Monica discuss the idea of family rhythms and their importance for teenagers and parents, especially with teenagers, from both a biblical perspective and also supported by current research. They acknowledge that while it is not always easy to establish these with teenagers for parents, that they are not only important but are very impactful. They follow up this discussion by considering ways parents can structure and establish these rhythms with their teenagers.

Wilson Wang interviews Jason Min, lead pastor of Citizens LA (downtown Los Angeles), about pastoring a predominantly Asian American church in the heart of LA. Jason reflects on planting four months before COVID, how that “reset” shaped Citizens’ identity, and how they navigate LA culture – trend-setting, creative, image-driven – while resisting its idols of celebrity, hustle, and consumerism. They also talk about silence and solitude, emotionally healthy spirituality, authenticity, and the unique role Asian American churches can play in the wider body of Christ.

In this episode of Asian American Parenting, Monica and Danny discuss ways parents of teenagers can either build bridges of communication or break down bridges of communication with their teenagers. They discuss ways that parents can both connect and nurture ways of communicating with their teenagers, which can help with their mental and spiritual well-being, versus causing more stressors in their lives. https://youtu.be/7KHhAh4i6nc

In this episode of the Sola Network Leaders Podcast, Aaron Chung (Exilic Church, NYC) sits down with pastors Drew Hyun (Hope Church, NYC) and Dave Park (Mosaic Christian Fellowship, Northvale, NJ) to talk honestly about money, discipleship, and the heart – especially in high-cost, finance-driven cities like New York.They share their family-of-origin stories around money – bankruptcy, scarcity mentality, parents who modeled radical generosity – and explore why money is so often taboo in the church, even though Scripture talks about it constantly. From first principles in Genesis, to the idol of saving, to generosity as spiritual formation, they wrestle with questions like:How do we tell the difference between wise stewardship and hoarding?Is there such a thing as foolish generosity?What does faithful risk look like in investing?How can Christians in finance-heavy contexts use their gifts to advance God’s kingdom?Dave also shares about Korah Funds and the need for sustainable financial structures that support long-term ministry in expensive cities, and the episode closes with a strong reminder from Ecclesiastes: money will not love you back – but generosity can lead to deep joy.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Money and Ministry01:07 Personal Histories with Money03:39 Generosity in the Church06:54 Discipleship and Money Management09:19 Biblical Principles of Wealth10:00 Balancing Saving and Generosity12:58 The Impact of Frugality on Relationships16:03 Faithful Generosity vs. Foolish Generosity17:51 Radical Generosity and Character19:48 Kingdom Consciousness in Financial Decisions20:52 Faith, Risk, and Investment23:19 The Intersection of Ministry and Money26:45 Stewardship and Generosity29:16 The True Nature of Money and Happiness

In this episode of Asian American Parenting, Monica and Danny talk about the support parents need in raising their teenagers and children, as well as the concept of rest and renewal. They discuss the harmfulness of parents venting to their children. They also discuss the differences in the views of the concept of support, rest, and renewal in our immigrant parents versus subsequent generations of parents. Moreover, they describe ways parents can seek out support, as well as rhythms of rest and renewal, to continue in their parenting journey.

In this heartfelt episode, Kristen Whitmore and Wilson Wang sit down with ministry leaders Jamie Lam and JJ Raymond to explore how ethnic identity, faith, and adoption intersect in the lives of Asian American Christians. Together, they share deeply personal stories—from JJ’s experience as a transracial adoptee to Jamie’s journey as a single foster and adoptive mom—and reflect on how God redeems identity, family, and culture for His glory. This conversation invites listeners to see identity not as something to suppress or escape, but as a story God intentionally writes through our families, ethnic backgrounds, and faith communities.00:00 Introduction to Ethnic Identity and Ministry05:03 The Journey of Transracial Adoptees09:46 Navigating Cultural Identity in College14:59 Family Dynamics in Multiracial Contexts19:50 Challenges of Adoption and Ethnic Identity24:51 The Role of Faith in Shaping Identity30:08 Observations on the Next Generation35:09 Conclusion and Reflections on Community

Aaron Lee speaks with theologian and professor Adamson Co on his new book Providence in the Story of Scripture. The discussion centers on why God’s providence is practical, relational, and meant to draw us into partnership with Him. Adam shares his own story of discovering providence, his “Tomorrowland” illustration, the “eighth day of creation,” and how providence speaks uniquely to the Asian American experience.https://sola.network/article/providence-in-the-story-of-scripture-an-interview-with-adamson-co/Adamson Co (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is professor of theology at California Baptist University in Riverside, California. Prior to academia, he practiced law for several years as an attorney. He has also served as a pastor in the Chicago area and Southern California, including as English congregation pastor at Mandarin Baptist Church of Los Angeles.Aaron Lee is our Editorial Curator. Aaron also serves as the Social Media Officer of First Chinese Baptist Church of Walnut in California’s San Gabriel Valley, home to the largest concentration of Asian American communities in the United States. Visit him online at DiveInDigDeep.com.

In this episode of Asian American Parenting, Monica and Danny discuss the realities of drama and friendships in the lives of teenagers, and for parents to not minimize it, because it is so important to teenagers, yet they are not fully mature enough to deal with it.  They continue to talk about how parents can guide their teenagers through drama with their peers and how to guide their teenagers into godly gospel-centered relationships with their peers. https://youtu.be/Az3L9nqwk6c

In this episode of the Sola Network Leaders podcast, Dave Park, Aaron Chung, and Drew Hyun discuss the complex topic of ambition, particularly within the context of Christian ministry and the Asian American experience. They explore the dual nature of ambition, both godly and selfish, and how cultural backgrounds influence perceptions of ambition. The conversation delves into the importance of balancing ambition with humility and the role of risk-taking in leadership. The hosts share personal stories and insights on how ambition can be harnessed for positive impact in their communities and beyond.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ambition03:00 Cultural Influences on Ambition06:00 Balancing Ambition and Humility09:00 Risk-Taking in Leadership12:00 Ambition Aligned with Eternal Values15:00 Empowering the Next Generation18:00 Unity and Collaboration in Leadership21:00 Ambition for Community Impacthttps://youtu.be/Pi8D27E4fBg

In this episode of Asian American Parenting, Danny welcomes back Pastor Justin Wong, an expert on youth culture,  to talk about youth culture.  They discuss if parents need to fear youth culture or how they can embrace it, to engage in the lives of their teenagers and children.  They also talk about the world of emojis and how elements of the unknown aspects of youth culture can be used to deepen our relationship with our teenagers.  Finally, they discuss the healthy partnership between parents and the youth ministry.Follow @therootedministry and @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates!Follow and subscribe to Asian American Parenting wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode of the SOLA Leaders' podcast, host Will Chang engages with Faith Chang, an author and leader in the church community. They discuss Faith's background in Chinese immigrant churches, her journey in leadership, and the cultural context that shapes perceptions of leadership roles. Faith shares her experiences with chronic illness and how it has influenced her understanding of suffering and empathy in leadership. The conversation also touches on generational differences in leadership perspectives among Asian Americans and the importance of community support. Faith's upcoming book aims to explore living a cruciform life in service to others, emphasizing the need for humility and openness in leadership.00:00 Introduction to Faith Chang02:50 Faith's Leadership Journey10:39 Cultural Context of Leadership22:09 Generational Perspectives on Leadership44:28 Suffering and Leadership01:04:12 Looking Ahead: Projects and Prayer Requests

In this conversation, Paul S. Kim discusses his new Bible study on the book of Daniel, sharing insights from his personal experiences as an Asian American and how they inform his understanding of the text. He emphasizes the importance of community, resilience, and cultural engagement for modern believers, while also reflecting on the significance of prayer and faithful obedience in the life of Daniel. The discussion highlights the relevance of Daniel’s story in today’s context and encourages listeners to explore their own faith journeys.00:00 Introduction to Paul S. Kim and His Work03:18 The Journey of Writing a Bible Study on Daniel05:46 Personal Insights as an Asian American09:08 Application of Daniel's Lessons for Asian Americans14:05 Engaging and Disengaging with Culture16:23 Favorite Stories from Daniel and Their Impact19:04 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsAaron Lee is our Editorial Curator. Aaron also serves as the Social Media Officer of First Chinese Baptist Church of Walnut in California’s San Gabriel Valley, home to the largest concentration of Asian American communities in the United States. Visit him online at DiveInDigDeep.com.Paul S. Kim, MDiv, DMin (current), is the Senior Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in San Diego, a multiethnic and intergenerational church that started as a church plant, merged with another church, and now actively engages in church planting and discipleship movements around the world. He is the author of Daniel: Firm in Adversity. Paul is married to Linda, and they have three children.

In this episode of Asian American Parenting, Danny and Monica discuss the idea of the Sandwich Generation as Asian Americans, and how it particularly impacts us. They discuss the dual forces of feeling obligated to taking care of one’s older parents, while also taking care of one’s own children and teenagers, and the impact that can have. They discuss hopeful ways that Asian American parents can navigate being the Sandwich Generation, as well as how they can seek their church and other community to support them. Follow @therootedministry and @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates!Follow and subscribe to Asian American Parenting wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this conversation, Danny Kwan and Monica Kim discuss their book 'Teenagers and Mental Health,' focusing on the mental health challenges faced by teenagers and the role of parents, pastors, and youth leaders in addressing these issues. They share their personal experiences, cultural context, and the importance of compassion and understanding in youth ministry. They also emphasize the need for collaboration between caregivers and the church to support teenagers effectively.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mental Health in Teenagers03:18 The Journey to Writing the Book06:39 Personal Experiences and Cultural Context10:42 Advocating for Mental Health as Asian Americans15:38 Understanding Specific Mental Health Struggles20:34 The Role of Caregivers in Mental Health25:53 Advice for Youth Workers29:54 Collaboration in Creative ProjectsDanny Kwon, Ph.D., serves as the Senior Director of Youth Ministry Content and Cross Cultural Initiatives for Rooted Ministry. Before joining Rooted, Danny Kwon served as Youth and Family Pastor at Yuong Sang Church, a bicultural, bilingual Korean-American congregation outside Philadelphia for 29 years. He is married to Monica, a Christian counselor and psychologist, and they have three children.Monica Kim, Ph.D., is a Christian counselor, has taught counseling courses as an associate faculty at CCEF and a lecturer at WTS, and has been a seminar speaker at numerous conferences including the CCEF National Conferences. She has worked in church ministry for more than 25 years and is currently a part of the pastoral staff at her local church.Aaron Lee is our Editorial Curator. Aaron also serves as the Social Media Officer of First Chinese Baptist Church of Walnut in California’s San Gabriel Valley, home to the largest concentration of Asian American communities in the United States. Visit him online: https://www.diveindigdeep.com/

In this conversation, Steve Chang interviews Enoch Liao, the English congregation pastor of Boston Chinese Evangelical Church and cofounder of the Chinese Heritage Church Collaborative. They discuss Enoch's background, networking among Chinese heritage churches, calling in ministry, and cultural identity within the church. Enoch shares insights on the challenges and opportunities faced by Chinese heritage churches and emphasizes the need for connection and support among pastors. The conversation concludes with reflections on longevity in ministry and encouragement for younger leaders.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Enoch Liao and His Background02:30 The Chinese Heritage Church Collaborative: Origins and Purpose05:45 Building Connections Among Chinese Heritage Churches07:44 The Importance of Networking in Ministry10:35 Understanding the Concept of Chinese Heritage Church13:53 The Future of Chinese Heritage Churches and Their Identity21:53 Understanding Chinese Heritage Churches24:36 The Shift in Multi-Ethnic Ministry25:39 Commitment to Local Church: A Calling30:44 Navigating Leadership Challenges37:31 The Importance of Relationships in Ministry

In this episode of Asian American Parenting, Danny and Monica discuss the difficult and often neglected topic of generational trauma, passed on from our immigrant parents to our now 2nd and 3rd generation parents, as well as how it impacts our present families and parenting of our teenagers and children. They discuss the need yet difficulty to recognize it and its consequences. Finally, they discuss finding gospel hope as parents (and adults) in the midst of generational trauma. Follow @therootedministry and @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Asian American Parenting wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this conversation, Joel Kim, the president of Westminster Seminary California, shares his journey from a Korean immigrant family to his current leadership role. He discusses the unique challenges and responsibilities of being a seminary president, the cultural differences in leadership, and the future of the Korean American church. Joel emphasizes the importance of resilience in ministry, the impact of generational differences, and the need for prayer and support for the seminary. He also reflects on personal experiences that have shaped his leadership style and offers insights for younger leaders in the church.00:00 Introduction to Joel Kim’s Journey04:10 Leadership Experience at Westminster Seminary10:00 The Stress of Ministry: Seminary vs. Local Church12:33 Cultural Dynamics in Leadership17:07 Embracing Identity as a Korean American Leader24:16 The Future of the Korean American Church27:54 The Broader Impact of Asian American Voices29:31 Generational Differences in Korean American Pastors33:30 Encouragement for Second-Generation Leaders38:17 Personal Insights and Reflections45:02 Prayer Requests for Westminster SeminaryFollow @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates and subscribe to SOLA Leaders’ Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

In the following interview, Dr. Yohan Lee (Biola University) weighs in on a small sampling of questions about AI’s applications and its impact on our current moment. This conversation isn’t meant to be exhaustive, nor is it meant to be the be-all end-all for the questions discussed. We hope it’s a conversation starter that can lead to more discussion and thought processing about our ever changing modern age, and spark ideas about how Christians can interact with our current moment in order to share the gospel with all.0:00 Intro & Background1:32 Dr. Lee’s Faith Background2:50 What is Artificial Intelligence (Explain to me like I’m five years old)3:24 A discussion about AI Ethics7:14 Some Positive Applications of AI12:36 Help! AI Took My Job 18:04 AI and Higher Education21:47 Technology & The Church

In this episode of Asian American Parenting, Danny and Monica sit down and talk about dating in Asian American faith, culture, and the lives of teenagers.  They consider the views of dating growing up as Asian Americans and how it has changed.  They then discuss a parent’s approach to dating and how it relates to racial issues, faith, and how and when as parents, we can talk about dating with our teenagers.  Follow @therootedministry and @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates!Follow and subscribe to Asian American Parenting wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this conversation, Justin Kim shares his journey through various church contexts, highlighting his experiences in Korean immigrant churches, multi-ethnic congregations, and his current role at Wintersburg Church. He reflects on the beauty and challenges of each setting, emphasizing the importance of community, encouragement, and the development of a pastoral heart. Justin also addresses the discomfort younger leaders may feel in unfamiliar ministry situations, encouraging them to embrace their calling with honesty and openness to God's guidance.Chapters00:00 Journey Through Ministry: A Personal Introduction03:21 Transitioning Across Cultures: From Korean to Japanese Heritage06:15 Reflections on the Korean Immigrant Church09:04 Experiences in a Majority Culture Church12:25 The Beauty of Wintersburg: A Historic Japanese Church20:19 Shepherding Across Generations: A Pastoral Heart27:17 Encouragement for Young Leaders: Embracing DiscomfortFollow @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates and subscribe to SOLA Leaders’ Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

In this episode of Asian American Parenting, Danny is joined by longtime youth pastor Justin Wong, who has served students and families for the past 25 years within the Asian American church community and most recently completed his second doctorate degree researching Gen Z students and the Asian American Church. They discuss aspects of the hit show Kpop Demon Hunters and how parents can engage with their own children and teenagers about it, as well as social media in general and its influence on teenagers and children.Follow @therootedministry and @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates!Follow and subscribe to Asian American Parenting wherever you listen to podcasts.

"What is one key thing parents should understand about the mental health struggles of today’s teenagers?" (Question #2)00:00 Terrence Shay - Social Media & the Pressure to Measure Up 00:56 Monica Kim - Why Teen Mental Health Is Getting Worse 03:10 James Han - Mental Health Is Real—Don’t Ignore the SignsAnswers about Teens from Ministry Leaders was filmed during the SOLA Network x Rooted Ministry Asian American Youth Worker Training Day on March 15, 2025. It was filmed by by Alex Park (CTS America) and hosted by James S. Lee (SOLA Network). The project was co-produced by SOLA Network and CTS America. The Answers about Teens from Ministry Leaders series features:- Clark Fobes is the Associate Pastor at FirstSF in his hometown of San Francisco. He has served in Asian American youth ministry for over a decade.- James Han is the Founding Senior Pastor of Redeemer Church in Torrance, CA. He also serves on the school board of the Torrance Unified School District.- James Song Kim serves as the Youth Director of Education at All Nations Church in Sunland, CA. He has nearly twenty years of experience serving youth in several prominent Korean immigrant churches in the U.S.- Monica Kim is a psychologist and Director of Care & Counseling at Hope Montco Church. She has taught at the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF) and served as a lecturer at Westminster Theological Seminary (WTS). She is currently adjunct faculty at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. Monica is the co-author, along with her husband Danny, of *Mental Health and Teenagers: A Handbook for Parents, Pastors, and Youth Leaders*.- Danny Kwon serves as the Senior Director of Youth Ministry Content and Cross-Cultural Initiatives for Rooted Ministry. Prior to joining Rooted, he served for 29 years as the Youth and Family Pastor at Yuong Sang Church, a bicultural, bilingual Korean American congregation outside Philadelphia. He has authored several books, including *A Youth Worker’s Field Guide to Parents* and *Mission Tripping: A Comprehensive Guide to Youth Ministry Short Term Missions*. He is also an adjunct professor of Youth Ministry at Eastern University.- Charlie Kang serves as the English Pastor at Good Stewards Church (West Covina, CA). He previously served nearly a decade as a youth pastor at Good Stewards Church and Oriental Mission Church (Los Angeles, CA).- Gower Lee is the Counseling Director at New Life Presbyterian Church of Orange County, where she has been on staff since 2018. She previously served in youth ministry and currently teaches as an online instructor for CCEF’s School of Biblical Counseling.- Ervin Liang is the Pastor of Student Ministries at Living Hope Community Church in Brea, CA. He previously served youth and college students at Mountain View Community Church in Frederick, MD.- Terrence Shay is the Family Pastor at First Chinese Baptist Church, Walnut, located in Los Angeles County—home to the largest Asian population in the U.S. Having grown up in the immigrant church, he is passionate about its role in fulfilling Jesus’ call to make disciples across all cultures and generations.- Kevin Yi is affiliated with Rooted Ministry and SOLA Network. Most recently, he served as the college and young adults pastor at Church Everyday in Northridge, CA, and has ministered to youth for over 16 years.CTS Americahttps://youtube.com/@ctsamerica4353?si=kayK1BxpRfDHprOxhttps://www.facebook.com/cts.america.1/https://www.instagram.com/cts.america?igsh=MTB2a3hxOXlhMXQ4MQ==

SummaryIn this episode of the Sola Networks Leaders Podcast, Linda Kim shares her journey through ministry, burnout, and the importance of emotional health. She discusses her experiences growing up in a Korean-American household, the impact of unresolved grief from her father's passing, and how these experiences shaped her into a gospel coach. Linda emphasizes the significance of processing grief, the differences between counseling and coaching, and the unique challenges faced by Asian Americans in ministry. She offers insights for the younger generation and reflects on her vision for the future of gospel coaching, particularly for women in leadership.TakeawaysLinda Kim shares her journey in ministry and personal growth.Burnout in ministry can stem from unresolved grief and emotional neglect.Counseling helped Linda process her emotions and grief effectively.Gospel coaching focuses on present challenges and future growth.Asian Americans often face unique pressures in ministry and life.The importance of naming emotions and processing grief is crucial.Linda emphasizes the need for women in ministry to be supported.Coaching is about asking good questions and facilitating growth.The stigma around counseling can be alleviated through coaching.Linda's vision includes raising up diverse gospel coaches for the future.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Linda Kim and Her Journey03:05 Navigating Burnout and Grief in Ministry11:50 Understanding Gospel Coaching vs. Counseling19:05 Unique Challenges in Coaching Asian Americans26:02 Advice for the Younger Generation29:11 Balancing Coaching and Parenting33:36 Vision for the Future of Gospel CoachingFollow @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates and subscribe to SOLA Leaders’ Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

In this episode of Asian American Parenting, Monica and Danny talk about race, ethnicity, and culture, and its impact on Asian American teenagers. Our teenagers live in a diverse set of contexts. In today’s political climate along with Asian American teenagers living as bi-racial and bi-ethnic people, race and ethnicity issues do impact them. Hence, it is important for parents to consider these issues and even begin to have conversations about these issues, along with their intersections with faith as Christians. ResourcesNurturing a Youth Ministry Culture that Fosters Intergenerational Ministry with Danny Kwonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSZN3QCD_NU&ab_channel=RootedMinistryThe Jesus I Wish I Knew in High School: Asian American Editionhttps://newgrowthpress.com/new-releases/upcoming-books/the-jesus-i-wish-i-knew-in-high-school-asian-american-edition/Get more info and register for the Rooted 2025 Conference (10/23-25) in Dorothy’s home city! https://rootedministry.com/conference/ Follow @therootedministry and @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Asian American Parenting wherever you listen to podcasts.

"What is one thing you wish parents understood about teenagers today?" (Question 1)00:00 Gower Lee – Don’t Just Parent, Pursue Your Teen’s Heart 02:12 Kevin Yi – Church Is More Than Sunday: What Kids Really Need 05:01 Monica Kim – Connection Before Correction: Understanding Teen EmotionsAnswers about Teens from Ministry Leaders was filmed during the SOLA Network x Rooted Ministry Asian American Youth Worker Training Day on March 15, 2025. It was filmed by by Alex Park (CTS America) and hosted by James S. Lee (SOLA Network). The project was co-produced by SOLA Network and CTS America. The Answers about Teens from Ministry Leaders series features:- Clark Fobes is the Associate Pastor at FirstSF in his hometown of San Francisco. He has served in Asian American youth ministry for over a decade.- James Han is the Founding Senior Pastor of Redeemer Church in Torrance, CA. He also serves on the school board of the Torrance Unified School District.- James Song Kim serves as the Youth Director of Education at All Nations Church in Sunland, CA. He has nearly twenty years of experience serving youth in several prominent Korean immigrant churches in the U.S.- Monica Kim is a psychologist and Director of Care & Counseling at Hope Montco Church. She has taught at the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF) and served as a lecturer at Westminster Theological Seminary (WTS). She is currently adjunct faculty at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. Monica is the co-author, along with her husband Danny, of *Mental Health and Teenagers: A Handbook for Parents, Pastors, and Youth Leaders*.- Danny Kwon serves as the Senior Director of Youth Ministry Content and Cross-Cultural Initiatives for Rooted Ministry. Prior to joining Rooted, he served for 29 years as the Youth and Family Pastor at Yuong Sang Church, a bicultural, bilingual Korean American congregation outside Philadelphia. He has authored several books, including *A Youth Worker’s Field Guide to Parents* and *Mission Tripping: A Comprehensive Guide to Youth Ministry Short Term Missions*. He is also an adjunct professor of Youth Ministry at Eastern University.- Charlie Kang serves as the English Pastor at Good Stewards Church (West Covina, CA). He previously served nearly a decade as a youth pastor at Good Stewards Church and Oriental Mission Church (Los Angeles, CA).- Gower Lee is the Counseling Director at New Life Presbyterian Church of Orange County, where she has been on staff since 2018. She previously served in youth ministry and currently teaches as an online instructor for CCEF’s School of Biblical Counseling.- Ervin Liang is the Pastor of Student Ministries at Living Hope Community Church in Brea, CA. He previously served youth and college students at Mountain View Community Church in Frederick, MD.- Terrence Shay is the Family Pastor at First Chinese Baptist Church, Walnut, located in Los Angeles County—home to the largest Asian population in the U.S. Having grown up in the immigrant church, he is passionate about its role in fulfilling Jesus’ call to make disciples across all cultures and generations.- Kevin Yi is affiliated with Rooted Ministry and SOLA Network. Most recently, he served as the college and young adults pastor at Church Everyday in Northridge, CA, and has ministered to youth for over 16 years.CTS Americahttps://youtube.com/@ctsamerica4353?si=kayK1BxpRfDHprOxhttps://www.facebook.com/cts.america.1/https://www.instagram.com/cts.america?igsh=MTB2a3hxOXlhMXQ4MQ==

In this episode of the SOLA Network Leaders’ Podcast, host Steve Chang interviews Aaron Chung, founding lead pastor of Exilic Church in New York City. They discuss Aaron’s personal journey, the unique challenges and opportunities of ministry in New York, and the influence of Tim Keller on their approach to church planting. The conversation also touches on the resurgence of spirituality among Gen Z, the importance of nuance in ministry, and cultural dynamics affecting the Asian American community.Topics:Aaron Chung shares his immigrant background and journey to ministry.Exilic Church was born out of a desire for honest conversations about faith.New York’s cultural cynicism shapes the church’s approach to ministry.There is a resurgence of spirituality among Gen Z in New York.Nuance is essential in addressing complex cultural issues.Tim Keller’s influence is felt deeply in New York’s ministry landscape.Community and gratitude are vital for church growth and health.Cultural context matters significantly in church planting and outreach.The church must articulate the gospel in a way that resonates with the culture.Understanding one’s own truth is crucial for personal and communal growth.Timestamps:00:00 Aaron’s Journey and the Birth of Exilic Church07:34 Contextualizing Faith in New York City12:26 Cultural Trends and Spiritual Resurgence17:15 Nuanced Conversations in a Complex World25:46 Tim Keller’s Influence and Legacy32:33 Reflections on Community and Gratitude36:27 New ChapterFollow @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates and subscribe to SOLA Leaders’ Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUvZxqL7ttA

In this episode of Asian American Parenting, Danny and Monica discuss practical ways parents can disciple their own teenagers.  They begin discussing the idea of difficulties in discipling teenagers, and then go into some tangible ways parents can disciple their teenagers in their everyday lives.  Finally, they discuss the idea of how parents and churches/youth ministries can work together to walk alongside each other to disciple teenagers. Follow @therootedministry and @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Asian American Parenting wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode, Will Chang welcomes Jonathan Holmes, Executive Director of Fieldstone Counseling and Interim Executive Director of CCEF (Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation). They discuss Jonathan’s personal story of adoption, his journey into counseling, the challenges and nuances of mental health in Asian American communities, and the importance of gospel-centered identity formation—especially for the next generation.Topics Covered:*Jonathan's background: adopted from South Korea, raised in the Deep South, and currently based in Northeast Ohio.*His dual leadership roles at Fieldstone Counseling and CCEF.*How his experiences led him to a counseling vocation over a career in history.*The need for counseling among Asian American communities and within the church.*The generational dynamics around identity and mental health.*His latest book Grounded in Grace and its message for parents navigating a digital and anxious world.*The shift from traditional identity formation to modern, self-determined identity—and the gospel alternative.*The role of Fieldstone and CCEF in supplementing (not replacing) the local church in care and counseling.*The vision for CCEF in this transitional season and how listeners can be praying.Resources Mentioned:Fieldstone Counseling: https://fieldstonecounseling.org/Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation: https://www.ccef.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21851127496&gbraid=0AAAAAqv8dXz8K8rlLrrUw1876OJQxr5o6&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkILEBhDeARIsAL--pjwktpCXqs2ehnu4QqaOYkTI9h5JtaK_aPrAaLNkMkGVSJTbq1aNeFoaAg7tEALw_wcBGrounded in Grace by Jonathan Holmes: https://www.amazon.com/Grounded-Grace-Helping-Identity-Christ/dp/1645074641Follow @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates and subscribe to SOLA Leaders' Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

In this episode of Asian American Parenting, Danny and Monica demystify the idea of parents being the primary disciplers of their teenagers.  Often, this can sound daunting, intimidating, and frustrating for parents.  They help parents move away from feeling the guilt and shame of their perceived shortcomings and failures, but also seek to help the many Asian American parents who may have never really learned how to disciple their teenagers, due to generational differences with their own parents.   Follow @therootedministry and @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Asian American Parenting wherever you listen to podcasts.

Aaron Lee interviews Isabel Ong, East Asia editor at Christianity Today. They talk about presenting Asian stories to a majority culture, her research and writing process, and what she hopes her readers can learn from East Asia.https://sola.network/article/telling-east-asias-stories-at-christianity-today-an-interview-with-isabel-ong/

In this episode, the AA Parenting Podcast welcomes SOLA Council Member and Senior Pastor of Harvest Church in Orlando, Pastor David Larry (DL) Kim. With Pastor DL’s extensive experience in ministry as well as speaking to various churches and ministries all over the country, we discuss the importance of parents being discipled before they live out their calling to disciple their own teenagers and children. We seek to encourage parents in different ways to be discipled, to grow spiritually, and to live out as disciples of Christ, so they might disciple their own children and teenagers well.Follow @therootedministry and @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates!Follow and subscribe to Asian American Parenting wherever you listen to podcasts.

SLP Episode 1: “Should Churches Embrace Their Asian American Identity?”In this inaugural episode of SOLA’s Leaders Podcast, we gather three of the sharpest pastors from across the country — Jason Min, Peter Lim, and Greg Mah — to tackle a question many churches quietly wrestle with: “Should churches embrace their Asian American identity?”Together, we explore the missional and discipleship implications of intentionally building churches that reflect Asian American cultural contexts. What is the theological rationale behind this approach? What are the missional opportunities, and what are the unintended pitfalls? These leaders have wrestled with these tensions more deeply than most — and their collective wisdom offers clarity for churches and leaders who are asking the same questions today.Topics DiscussedWhether “Asian American church” is a helpful or harmful labelMissional and discipleship implication in Asian American churchesPitfalls of ignoring cultural identity vs. overemphasizing itThe future of contextualized ministry among the next generationResources & Follow-UpGreg Mah: South Bay Community ChurchJason Min: Citizens LAPeter Lim: 4Pointes ChurchSOLA NetworkFollow @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates and subscribe to SOLA Leader’s Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

The AA Parenting Podcast is joined by Terrence Shay, the Family Pastor of First Chinese Baptist Church (FCBC) Walnut. With Terrence’s long history and experience doing family ministry, he and Danny talk about what is Family Ministry for Asian American Parents and churches. They discuss how parents should see what family is, how they can create spaces for it, and how they can partner with their churches in ministry to their children and teenagers. Follow @therootedministry and @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates!Follow and subscribe to Asian American Parenting wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this interview, Aaron Lee sits down with Sam D. Kim to discuss the 2025 BookLife Prize that his book, A Holy Haunting, received. They talk about the journey to this moment, and how his book speaks into our cultural moment.https://sola.network/article/a-holy-haunting-wins-the-2025-booklife-prize-an-interview-with-sam-d-kim/

In this second of two episodes on Faith and Academics, the AA Parenting podcast is again joined by special guest, Pastor Jason Min of Citizens LA in Los Angeles. Jason has many gifts and talents that have been used in unique ways to bless others. In addition to being a Senior Pastor, he is an Ivy League graduate and former owner of an SAT preparatory academy and tutoring service. From these three distinct vantage points, the AA Parenting podcast spends some time with him talking about faith and academics in an Asian American context. In this second episode, Jason offers hope and encouragement for parents in balancing faith and academics for their teenagers.Follow @therootedministry and @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates!Follow and subscribe to Asian American Parenting wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this first of two episodes on Faith and Academics, the Asian American Parenting podcast is joined by special guest, Pastor Jason Min of Citizens LA in Los Angeles. Jason has many gifts and talents that have been used in unique ways to bless others. In addition to being a Senior Pastor, he is an Ivy League graduate and former owner of an SAT preparatory academy and tutoring service. From these three distinct vantage points, we spend time with him discussing faith and academics in an Asian American context, and he offers wisdom for parents of teenagers. Follow @therootedministry and @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates!Follow and subscribe to Asian American Parenting wherever you listen to podcasts.