Dialogues in Asian American Theology and Ministry Podcast

In this episode of the Dialogues Podcast, we sit down with Craig Wong, Executive Director of New College Berkeley, to explore the intersection of faith, identity, and history within the Asian American experience. Craig shares stories from his family’s journey through Angel Island and reflects on how uncovering that history shaped his understanding of the church, immigration, and his own calling.

The conversation also delves into Craig’s ministry journey, from Chinese immigrant church contexts to broader, multiethnic communities, and his vision for a more holistic, ecumenical expression of the church today. Together, we reflect on what it means to live out “the whole gospel for all of life” in a complex and changing world.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions01:54 Bay Area Roots and Family Origins06:15 Presbyterians and Angel Island Story24:16 Ecclesiology and Asian Identity Tensions32:08 New College Berkeley Vision and Repentance37:51 Catholicity and Ecumenical Imagination46:41 Closing Reflections and ChargePhoto by Taras Bobrovytsky - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=90880987

David Chao welcomes Amar Peterman to discuss his first book, Becoming Neighbors: The Common Good Made Local (Eerdmans). Peterman reflects on how his upbringing—adopted from northern India and raised in both a Polish Catholic neighborhood and a white evangelical megachurch—shaped his sense of belonging and sparked deeper questions about race, place, and faith.He shares the personal and theological journey that led to this book, offering a vision for practicing neighbor love in a divided society. Peterman highlights the table as a model for pluralistic community, outlines six practices of neighbor love, and explores the unique, in-between role Asian American Christians can play in public life.01:19 Belonging and Unbelonging18:34 Absence Versus Domination23:26 The Table as Common Good26:02 Potluck Not Melting Pot33:17 Six Practices of Neighbor Love50:49 Asian American Role at the Table54:49 Closing Blessing and Thanks

Foto by Annushka Ahuja: https://www.pexels.com/es-es/foto/caminando-madre-familia-padre-8055684/

David Chao and co-host Pete Chung welcome Timothy Yi, a youth pastor with over 14 years of experience. Tim shares how growing up in a Taekwondo family shaped his trust-based approach to ministry and how losing his mother deepened his empathy for young people.The conversation explores mental health among Gen Z, the state of youth ministry in the Korean American church, and Tim's journey into digital ministry through YouTube. 01:07 Taekwondo Roots07:22 Trust First Approach17:06 Loss and Empathy22:30 Sharing Brokenness33:42 YouTube Mission Field47:31 Closing Thanks

Foto by Quyn Phạm: https://www.pexels.com/es-es/foto/gente-multitud-muchedumbre-demostracion-13051746/

David Chao shares his story as a second-generation Chinese American shaped by post-1965 immigration, including his father’s journey from Taiwan to Georgia Tech and a family life rooted in science. He recounts coming to faith through Chinese churches in Buffalo and Louisville, and later shifting from biochemistry and a medical track toward seminary after wrestling with questions about the Holy Spirit, discovering liturgy and the Apostles’ Creed, and realizing theology was a better fit.

He now serves as director of Princeton Theological Seminary’s Center for Asian American Christianity. He describes Asian American theology as the intersection of intergenerational family stories and the broader history of migration and racialization within God’s salvation story. 01:43 Immigration Roots 196503:24 Chemistry Family Stories14:30 Call to Theology and Vocation26:32 Asian American Christianity Explained37:00 Global Christianity and Migration44:15 CAAC Vision and Focus Areas

David Chao and co-host David Moe welcome Rev. Dr. Stephen Hre Kio, senior pastor of Indiana Chin Baptist Church. He shares his journey from Chin State, Myanmar, to ministry in the United States, reflecting on his education, his work translating the Bible into the Falam Chin dialect, his PhD studies at Emory University, and his years with United Bible Societies overseeing translation projects across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.The conversation also explores the arrival and resettlement of Chin refugees in the U.S., the growth of a large Indianapolis congregation, and the challenges and hopes of pastoring immigrant communities. Dr. Hre Kio reflects on the impact of the 2021 Myanmar coup, the need for unity within the Chin diaspora, and the call for Burmese Christians to remain centered on Christ while contributing to the life of the American church.00:00 Welcome and Introductions01:20 Stephen Hre Kio Journey11:43 Pastoring Immigrant Church15:25 Bible Translation Impact21:16 Myanmar Coup and Justice33:37 Scripture for Unity35:54 Trauma Suffering and Hope45:29 Future Hopes and ClosingPhoto by Rohit Varma on Unsplash

In this episode, David Chao and Eun Joo Kim speak with Pete Chung, a Korean Presbyterian pastor in Houston, about leading with authenticity and focusing on character rather than appearance. Pete reflects on his family’s immigration journey and the profound influence of his grandmother’s prayerful faith.He also shares why he returned to serve the Korean American church, committing to long-term ministry and building an intergenerational community that strengthens belonging across generations.00:00 Pastor With a Cap04:31 Immigration and Family10:03 Grandmother the Anchor20:32 Unity and Youth Retention21:42 Intergenerational Vision31:41 Unified Leadership Model45:20 Family and Food FinalePhoto by Sebastiano Piazzi on Unsplash

Join David Chao as he sits down with author Ann Suk Wang to discuss her heartwarming children's book, The House Before Falling into the Sea. Set against the backdrop of the Korean War, this story is based on Ann's mother's real-life experiences of opening her home to refugees in Busan. Together, they explore the themes of kindness, hope, and resilience that make this book a touching read for children and adults alike.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro02:02 Who the Book Is For14:03 Illustrator and Visual Story21:05 Kindness and Modern Parallels26:12 How Families Use Picture Books33:36 Asian Community Reception37:53 Faith Fingerprints and ClosingPhoto by Kyle Hinkson on Unsplash

In this episode of the Dialogues Podcast, co-hosted by David Chao and Pete Chung, Eun Joo Kim reflects on her journey as a Korean immigrant, pastor’s kid (PK), and 1.5-generation Korean American growing up in New York City. She shares how her early immigration experience, her father’s pastoral ministry, and life in the Korean American church shaped her calling and identity.The conversation also explores her unexpected use of K-pop as a ministry bridge. Eun Joo explains how culture can serve as a road toward deeper intergenerational understanding, helping churches create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.00:00 – Immigration & Growing Up PK05:00 – Loss, Calling & Seminary13:00 – K-Pop as a Ministry Bridge17:00 – Being Seen & Heard23:00 – Curiosity, Humility & MinistryPhoto by Yeon Lee on Unsplash

Join David Chao, director of the Center for Asian American Christianity, as he hosts a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Chloe Sun, Professor of Old Testament and Program Director of the Chinese Studies Center. Together, they delve into the life of King David, examining his political, familial, and moral complexities. Dr. Sun provides deep insights into David's relationship with Bathsheba, his subsequent actions, and the broader implications for his family and nation. This episode offers valuable lessons for understanding the intricate blend of personal and public life within biblical narratives and draws parallels to contemporary issues in Asian American Christian communities.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:30 Exploring King David's Life and Legacy03:25 The Story of David and Bathsheba09:44 Consequences of David's Actions18:30 Psalm 51 and David's Repentance24:55 Interconnectedness of Personal and Public Life33:13 Lessons for Asian American Christian Communities41:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, David Chao, director of the Center for Asian American Christianity, has an in-depth conversation with DJ Chuang about his journey into mental health advocacy within Asian American Christian communities. DJ shares his personal story of dealing with bipolar disorder, the cultural stigmas surrounding mental health, and how his faith has supported his healing process. They also explore practical steps churches can take to address mental health and provide support within their congregations. Join us as we uncover the profound intersections of mental health, faith, and the transformative power of sharing stories.Resources:Christian Asian Mental Health.- https://camh.networkErasing Shame Podcast.- https://erasingshame.com00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:51 DJ Chuang's Mental Health Journey04:38 The Role of Stories in Ministry07:15 Seeking Professional Help23:09 Erasing Shame Podcast29:42 Challenges in Asian American Churches47:28 Intergenerational Differences in Mental Health52:38 Encouragement and Resources

Photo by Hassan Sherif on Unsplash