I’ve posted previously about some thoughts on Asian-American churches here, here and here. However, after reading this post from Francis Chan, pastor of the multi-cultural Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, CA, I was drawn to consider something. Would Chan’s thoughts on being an authentic Acts 2 church--where people gave sacrificially by selling their cars and homes--really work in the Asian-American church? Asians are a very proud people and generally want to have the appearance of being well off. Older Asians usually are really committed to family and it seems many younger Asians are focused on work and social media.
Could a group of twenty-something Asian-Americans really embrace the lifestyle of looking to their fellow man as their brother and giving sacrificially so that someone could get off the street or see someone fed and clothed, etc.? Could the church truly become an extension of the family unit?
I have been involved in several discussions about next generation ministry to second & third generation Asian-Americans. It seems that the standard position is that no matter how blended into the American culture Asians may seem to be, that without some understanding of what makes Asian-Americans unique is missing in the church. That second generation Asians are on a quest to find something that they don’t even understand they need, yet continually drawn to the search. If Asian-Americans are looking to get something from the church, would they really be willing to give back in a sacrificial way like they did in the Acts 2 church?
Francis Chan and I are on the same path. I am committed to seeing our church plant become an Acts 2 church with a focus on unity through the verses in Ephesians 4 as well. However, the difference seems to be that Chan’s Cornerstone Church and most other churches modeled after Acts 2 seem to be predominantly white or mostly white with a little multi-cultural sprinkled in. As we move forward in our journey of planting Revolution Church Sacramento, it appears God has a different plan for us and has connected us exclusively with Asian-Americans with a heart to connect with and help empower other Asian-Americans. So, can second generation Asian-Americans really live as the church and love others as much or more than they love themselves? I’m sure hoping God reveals a way to make the vision of Revolution Church Sacramento to be in harmony with the hearts and minds of Asian-Americans if that is his will for our journey.
Related posts:
- Asian-American Christians, part 3: Who Am I In Christ?
- Asian-American church vs multi-cultural church, part 2
- Asian-American vs multi-cultural church, part 3
- Asian-American Christians, part 2: Is Francis Chan a Sellout?
- The American Church and the Race Card
Tags: acts 2, asian-american church, missional, next generation asian
This topic really resonates with who I am.. I just had a great conversation with a friend about ethnic driven churches.. I go to an ethnic driven church but I’m 3rd generation.. There are so many difficulties in living in that context and at the same time embracing an outwards focus on ALL people. I don’t know.
Jonathan, your comments are basically where my mind is at right now. I’m questioning why God gave me a heart and vision to lead an Acts 2 missional church, yet he has sent me only Asian-Americans to start this work.
Would appreciate getting a little f2f time to discuss this further when I see you. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts!
I’ve been in an Asian-American church back in Cali, and now I’m in a mainly Caucasian church but there is a huge diversity in our minorities. Each references cultural things relevant to themselves, and the truth is preached. I think the only difference is the visual impact for those seeking to come to the church. God knows what He’s doing, and it may have to do with the demographics more than anything else.