Asian American Youth Ministry Into the Future: Projections, Concerns, and Expectations

In this episode, Dorothy, Justin, and Huey come together and discuss how Asian American youth ministry looks toward the future with its exciting possibilities and pressing challenges coming into focus. From navigating an increasingly diverse cultural landscape to leveraging technology for faith formation, the future holds both promise and uncertainty. Key concerns such as mental health, identity, and retention will shape the next generation of ministry, while emerging trends in social justice and leadership offer new opportunities. This conversation will explore what’s on the horizon for Asian American youth ministry and how it can continue to nurture strong, faith-filled leaders for the future.

Timestamps:

  • “Do you do your own youth services?” (6:41) 
    Huey, Justin and Dorothy discuss the future of the Asian American youth ministry, with Dorothy expressing her opinion that the Asian American church would not likely return to the model of having a separate youth service due to resource and labor constraints. She suggests hiring more staff to support various ministries instead of relying on volunteers. Huey agrees, highlighting the high demand on human capital for Sunday services and the shift in their church’s youth ministry model. Both agree on the importance of parent partnership and intergenerational integration in youth ministry. Justin emphasizes the need for centralizing the church’s core values and practices in any gathering of the church, and suggests that youth ministry might have inadvertently set students on a wrong trajectory by prematurely separating them from the main congregation.
  • “Our goal is not to just take care of these students for 7 years, but to ask what does a healthy church member look like after youth group?” – Justin (16:15)
  • Diverse Youth Groups and Multi-Ethnic Church Challenges (19:38)
    Huey, Dorothy, and Justin discuss the challenges and opportunities of serving diverse youth groups in multi-ethnic contexts. Huey highlights the importance of Asian American youth groups believing they have something to offer the wider community. Dorothy shares her experience in a diverse pastors’ network, appreciating the efforts to reach out to new immigrants. Justin emphasizes the need for churches to adapt and serve multiple subgroups, and the potential for more kingdom ministry in diverse cities. The group also discusses the challenges of creating new ministries to accommodate this diversity.
  • Youth Ministry Survival Kit Discussion (24:41)
    Justin, Huey, and Dorothy discuss their experiences and insights in youth ministry. They share their thoughts on how to build a youth ministry survival kit for the year 2050, with Justin suggesting a database of games and icebreakers, Huey advocating for a comprehensive health insurance package, and Dorothy recommending a refillable water bottle. They also discuss the importance of prioritizing physical and emotional health for long-term service in youth ministry. The conversation ends with appreciation for each other’s contributions and a look forward to future discussions.

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