This week we published pieces written by members of SOLA’s inaugural Young Writer’s Cohort, composed of college students and recent grads receiving mentorship to grow in their ability to express their faith through writing. The cohort members were given various prompts with the challenge to write an open letter to a specific recipient but one that would encourage and challenge a broader Christian audience. Read a short Q&A with a member of our editorial board, Soojin Park, who leads this initiative.
We’re writing a book! 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. Registration for the conference is 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 Reformation Heritage Books for providing this book for our giveaway, in partnership with @diveindigdeep, SOLA Network, and FCBC Walnut.
In The Preeminent Christ, Paul Washer declares the unmatched significance of the good news of Jesus Christ. Compelled by a desire for men to know God’s love, Washer draws from the church’s greatest theologians to herald Christ’s centrality in revelation, salvation, sanctification, study, proclamation, and glory. The Preeminent Christ will stimulate readers to forsake their tendency to view worldly “needs” as central by zealously seeking this Christ in the gospel.
Articles From Around The Web
1. Connie Leung Nelson: A Word of Welcome to Fellow Asian Americans
“The experiences of young Asian North Americans involve many layers of complexity that we must acknowledge as we disciple them in our local churches and our homes. Many families in our churches continually navigate a cultural divide between generations, and our church leaders bear the unique challenges of shepherding multiple congregations in different languages.”
2. Aaron Earls: 8 Encouraging Trends in Global Christianity for 2024
The 2024 Status of Global Christianity report provides at least eight positive trends that paint a picture of a healthy, growing global church.
3. Kristin T. Lee: Adoption Was Beautiful, Precious, and God-Ordained. Then I Adopted.
“Facile expectations hurt everyone in the process, including my new son.”
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. Francine Tan: Heath Lambert’s Biblical Counseling and Common Grace
“God’s ministry done in God’s way will never lack the resources needed to help people with their problems on this side of heaven.”
2. Ishah Broad: How Should Christian Writers Pursue Their Well-Being?
“As writers of faith, we can receive counsel and instruction from the creator of all things. We can read and study Scripture as our ultimate literary guide.”
3. Aaron Lee: Related Works
Book reviews: Glorifying and Enjoying God by William Boekestein, Jonathan Landry Cruse, and Andrew J. Miller. Family Worship Bible Guide edited by Joel R. Beeke, Michael Barrett, Jerry Bilkes, and Paul Smalley. Listen to our TGIF playlist on Spotify. Join my Asian American Worship Leaders Facebook group.
Our Books and Reviews page is your one-stop resource for all of your reading needs. It features Asian American authors and issues, recommendations, and interviews.
Featured This Week On SOLA Network
1. Christine Song: Letters: The A’s I Need In College
As a college student, letter grades inevitably occupy my thoughts and efforts, but these two particular A’s push me to think beyond my current state into an eternal perspective. Considering the assurance of my salvation and seeking accountability among a community of believers have been invaluable in rooting me in the truth.
2. Matthew Fang: Letters: Comfort Zones and Christlikeness
“Dear Jackie, I thank God for such an amazing girlfriend. Through your example, you’ve not only demonstrated humility and dedication but have also significantly influenced my own faith. You’ve challenged me to be more content but not comfortable.”
3. Emily Law: Letters: To Friends Who Left the Church in College
“I don’t want you to feel like I’m reaching out with an ulterior motive; I want to reach out because I still care about you.”
4. TGIF: Roundup for January 19, 2024
Reading for the Love of the World / In Love, He Leads / The (Hyper) Consuming Christian / Three Lessons from 234 Pastors’ Libraries / Prayer: A Reader’s Guide to a Christian Classic
5. 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.