Michael Graham, co-author of the book The Great Dechurching, spoke to SOLA Council President Steve Chang and SOLA Editorial Board member Kevin Yi about the phenomenon of dechurching: Asian American Christians and the Great Dechurching: An Interview with Author Michael Graham.
In case you missed it: We’re writing a book! We just announced our SOLA Network Book Project: Writing the Next Chapter of the Asian American Church. We believe it is time for SOLA Network to put in writing thoughts that would help the emerging generation of Asian American leaders and churches. Our book will launch at the 2024 Asian American Leadership Conference. More details coming soon. Registration for the conference is now open!
This newsletter is one of the many ways you can keep in touch with us. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more, check out my Asian American Worship Leaders Facebook group and TGIF Playlist on Spotify. You can reach me on Twitter and Instagram.
Aaron Lee, Editorial Curator
Enter our giveaway! Thanks to IVP for providing these books for our giveaway, in partnership with my newsletters for @diveindigdeep and FCBC Walnut. 1 winner will receive physical copies of these excellent books! Links open to my reviews:
- Knowing God: J. I. Packer presents a guide to greater understanding and genuine relating to God.
- Treasuring the Psalms: Ian J. Vaillancourt shares how to read the songs that shape the soul of the church.
- The Hope of Life After Death: M. Jeff Brannon embarks on a biblical theology of the resurrection.
- Culture Making: Andy Crouch helps us recover our creative calling.
- The Wonders of Creation: Kristen Page presents excellent essays on learning stewardship from Narnia and Middle-Earth.
Articles From Around The Web
1. Paul Plantinga: Cooperating Under Persecution
While not all churches in China cooperate as they could, I have witnessed a strong and growing catholicity that churches in freer environments could learn from. Defining theological like-mindedness and pursuing cooperation is worth it. Being “fellow workers for the truth” is more than a survival skill; it’s a better and more biblical way to grow in health and fulfill the Great Commission.
2. Jonathan Hayashi: 6 Ways God’s Grace Transforms One’s Life
“I am convinced, being “in Christ” does not mean the battle is done. The life of a follower of Jesus does not mean life will be easy and just grand. Being in Christ does not mean you are exempt from all the difficulties of life.
3. Watchman Nee: Abide in Me
“We can find the death of self only in Christ.”
Asian American Leadership Conference 2024: “Writing the Next Chapter.” April 23-24, 2024, Orange County, CA. Registration and more info can be found at aalc.network.
The vision of this conference is to equip Asian-American leaders with gospel centered, contextual resources that will empower men and women for local church ministry. Our conference strategy is to equip leaders, platform voices, and connect with one another for life-giving relationships.
The theme of our conference is “Writing the Next Chapter: Empowering Asian American Voices for Gospel Ministry”. The Asian American church today is at a unique inflection point with leaders in diverse stations across multiple generations. This conference will be an opportunity to learn from these voices for the sake of continued and future Gospel work together.
Books, Podcasts, Music, And More
1. Westminster Kids Digest Podcast: Spiritual Formation through Advent in our Churches and Homes
“In this episode, hosts Remley and Faith talk about why Advent is a great opportunity for Christian discipleship, what eucatastrophe means (more Tolkien!), and our favorite Advent resources for families and churches.”
2. ACBC Podcast: Biblical Counseling Journeys (feat. Jenn Chen)
“Part of Japanese culture is a very deep moralism, so my parents would drop us off at Sunday school because they wanted us to have good morals and be around good people. So I grew up learning some Bible verses, and I actually have good memories of church. But I think I also walked away not really understanding the gospel and feeling like I just fell short, which was true, but I don’t think I got the good news that Jesus is the gospel and that it’s not about me in my works or my goodness but about Christ’s.”
3. Aaron Lee: Related Works
Listen to our TGIF playlist on Spotify. Join my Asian American Worship Leaders Facebook group.
Our new Books and Reviews page is your one-stop resource for all of your reading needs. It features Asian American authors and issues, book recommendations, and interviews.
Featured This Week On SOLA Network
1. Michael Agapito: It’s Not Too Late: A Review of “The Great Dechurching”
“We can be the city on the hill without being on Capitol Hill,” Davis and Graham write. “We can be salt without being in power. Whatever happens to the culture in the United States, the kingdom of God will be fine.”
2. Steve S. Chang and Kevin Yi: Asian American Christians and the Great Dechurching: An Interview with Author Michael Graham
How have churches been affected by “the great dechurching?” How can we help people stay connected to the local church? And, just as important, how does the great dechurching affect immigrant and Asian American churches?
3. Daniel K. Eng: The Power of an “Ordinary” Christian Testimony
Not only do our “boring” testimonies provide sound teaching, but they also bring God the glory he is due. He has blessed us and kept us. That is worth declaring and celebrating.
4. Aaron Lee: 10 Tips for Serving in Church
“Don’t lose sight of the fact that when we serve with our hands, we’re serving from our hearts to share God’s love with other people.”
5. TGIF: Roundup for November 24, 2023
If Jesus Went to College: A Collection of Spiritual Encounters / One Thing My Parents Did Right: Ask for Forgiveness / How Adoption Mirrors God’s Love for the Fatherless / Order and Beauty: A Little Theology of Christian Writing / There Is an Edge to Living on the Edge / The Power of Revival: Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Baptism in the Spirit, and Preaching on Fire
6. SOLA Network: TGIF Subscription
Get our TGIF installments delivered straight to your inbox for free every Friday. Join today so you never miss out.
General disclaimer: Our link roundups are not endorsements of the positions or lives of the authors.