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This episode features LA pastors sharing insights on ministering in the diverse and spiritually vibrant city of Los Angeles. They discuss cultural narratives, effective outreach to the emerging generation, and practical strategies for church growth and community engagement. Follow @thesolanetwork on Instagram for more updates and subscribe to SOLA Leaders’ Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sola Network Leaders Podcast 00:01 Amplifying Voices in Ministry 00:19 Introduction to the LA Church Landscape 03:23 Understanding the Culture and Spirituality of LA 08:08 The Duality of Dreams and Disappointment in LA 13:23 The Gospel’s Relevance in a City of Self-Fulfillment 17:52 Practical Ministry Approaches in LA 22:54 Honoring the City While Resisting Its Idols 27:13 Navigating Cultural Idols in Ministry 28:52 Discipleship as the Core of Church LifeDisclaimerOur guests share from their own experience and conviction, and the perspectives expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of SOLA Network or every leader associated with SOLA.

In part 2 of this new series “What Parenting Does to Parents” discussing the impact parenting has on parents, Monica and Danny talk about parenting teenagers when your teenager calls you out or talks back to you. This phenomenon varies from Asian Parents’ generation, where children rarely or never talked back, in contrast to how teenagers today have grown up. Hence, talking back or calling out parents might be the normal way teenagers interact with their parents today. However, how parents of teenagers respond to it is important. Timestamps (Reverse Clock Countdown)18:15 “I remember one of our boys saying to me…” Monica16:20 “Even from a social perspective…: Danny8:20 “The gospel…and being able to still parent your teenagers…” MonicaResources“Impacting the Spiritual Lives of Parents So They Can Lead Their Teenagers” Podcast by Dr. Richard Rosshttps://rootedministry.com/podcasts/impacting-the-spiritual-lives-of-parents-so-they-can-lead-their-teenagers-by-dr-richard-ross/Parenting Through Conflicts With Your Teenagers and Children- Podcast by Danny Kwon and Monica Kimhttps://rootedministry.com/podcasts/parenting-through-conflicts-with-your-teenagers-and-children/

In this episode, worship leaders from diverse backgrounds share their journeys, insights on song writing, team building, and the future of Asian American church worship. Discover practical tips and inspiring visions for authentic worship in local and broader church contexts.Chapters0:00 — Welcome to the Conversation0:45 — Meet the Worship Leaders2:22 — How They First Started Leading Worship5:11 — The Story Behind Their Worship Ministries10:47 — Writing Songs for the Local Church17:17 — Planning Sunday Sets and Rehearsals27:01 — Heart Posture Before Musical Skill33:24 — Balancing Structure and Free-Flow Worship43:25 — Finding the Right Worship Team Members55:17 — The Future of Asian American Worship Our guests share from their own experience and conviction, and the perspectives expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of SOLA Network or every leader associated with SOLA.

In this new series from the Asian American Parenting Podcast, we explore issues of raising teenagers from the parents’ perspective and the impact issues of parenting has on them. This first episode explores co-parenting teenagers and when parents have disagreements in raising teenagers. ResourcesOh Lord, Be My Help: A Cry For The Weary Parent by Lindsay Funcheshttps://rootedministry.com/oh-lord-be-my-help-a-cry-for-the-weary-parent/Breaking Generational Patterns of Control in Our Parenting by Sherene Josephhttps://rootedministry.com/breaking-generational-patterns-of-control-in-our-parenting/God's Grace for Every Family: Biblical Encouragement for Single-Parent Families and the Churches That Seek to Love Them Well by Anna Meade HarrisChristian Parenting Resourceshttps://rootedministry.com/parenting/resources/

In this episode, we explore the profound history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II, the role of the church, and the importance of storytelling for healing and understanding. Featuring insights from Pastor Tom Sugimura, Tommy Joe, and Pastor Ted Esaki, this conversation highlights faith, resilience, and the power of community in the face of adversity.Chapters00:00 Opening and Introduction to the Sola Leaders Podcast00:20 Welcoming Tom Sugimura, Tommy Dyo, and Ted Esaki01:53 The Motivation Behind Writing “The Church Behind Barbed Wire”05:15 Historical Context of Japanese American Incarceration08:22 Exploring the Reasons Behind the Targeting of Japanese Americans10:18 Examining the Role of the Church During the Incarceration Era17:20 Shared Memories of Camp Life and the Power of Community20:39 Navigating Silence, Resilience, and Legacy Across Generations26:22 Expressions of Faith and Unity within the Camps31:09 Finding Healing and Redemptive Purpose in Collective Suffering36:11 Cultivating Hope for Future Generations and the ChurchOur guests share from their own experience and conviction, and the perspectives expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of SOLA Network or every leader associated with SOLA.

Our guests share from their own experience and conviction, and the perspectives expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of SOLA Network or every leader associated with SOLA.

In this episode, Jay Choi shares his journey from a troubled youth to a passionate disciple of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of authentic community, holiness, and leadership in the next generation. Discover practical insights on cultivating vulnerability, maintaining spiritual integrity, and leading with character in a distracted world.Chapters00:00 Journey of Faith: From Doubt to Discipleship02:47 The Call to Obedience: Living Out Faith in Action28:00 Exploring Wholeness and Identity in Gen Z28:58 The Challenges of Dating and Intimacy in Gen Z31:02 Navigating Relationships and Community Dynamics31:31 Leadership Development and Community36:47 The Importance of Character in Leadership38:53 Lessons on Leadership and Personal Growth45:05 Understanding Unique Callings and Stewardship48:31 Final Encouragements for Emerging LeadersDisclaimerOur guests share from their own experience and conviction, and the perspectives expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of SOLA Network or every leader associated with SOLA.

This episode explores the impact of parental mental health on teenagers, especially within Asian American families, highlighting research findings and spiritual insights for healthier parenting.Chapters:0:00 — Introduction0:44 — Parent Mental Health and Teen Well-Being2:12 — Immigrant Parenting and Its Impact6:07 — Self-Reflection for Parents9:17 — Emotional Availability Matters14:10 — Repair, Reconciliation, and “Good Enough” Parenting21:04 — Gospel Hope for Imperfect Parents24:21 — Prayer and Spiritual Peace26:31 — Breaking the Cycle27:39 — Closing

In this episode, Amy K. Lam shares her journey illustrating The Church Behind Barbed Wire, a children's book about Japanese incarceration during WWII, highlighting the importance of faith, history, and storytelling.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Amy Lam and the Book00:35 Amy's background and how she got involved01:13 The story behind the book's creation02:09 Balancing historical accuracy with approachability03:47 Collaboration with Tom and the illustration process07:29 Tools and techniques used in illustration09:54 Challenges and emotional aspects of illustrating sensitive topics12:58 Reflections on the story's significance and personal meaning17:08 Future projects and closing thoughtsDisclaimerOur guests share from their own experience and conviction, and the perspectives expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of SOLA Network or every leader associated with SOLA.BiosI am a self-taught illustrator and designer based in southern California. I work full-time as a licensed civil engineer, but I have had a love for the arts for as long as I can remember. After working as a graphic designer throughout university and picking up numerous art commissions over the years, I’m grateful that my childhood hobby has grown to be a large part of life. While you can also find me dabbling in sculpting, linocut printmaking, painting, needle-felting, crochet, and graphic design, I always gravitate back to illustration and visual storytelling. Ultimately, I have come to understand my affinity for art as a gift from God that I strive to steward for his glory and thus image our Creator, who is the author of beauty itself. Find more of my art on Instagram (@amyk.draws).Aaron Lee is our Editorial Curator. Aaron also serves as the Social Media Officer of First Chinese Baptist Church of Walnut in California’s San Gabriel Valley, home to the largest concentration of Asian American communities in the United States. Visit him online at https://www.diveindigdeep.com/

In this episode, Walter Kim shares his inspiring journey from immigrant roots to leading the National Association of Evangelicals. He discusses the importance of cultural understanding, the history of evangelicalism, and the unique role of Asian American leaders in the church.Our guests share from their own experience and conviction, and the perspectives expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of SOLA Network or every leader associated with SOLA.00:00 - Introducing Walter Kim and the mission of the podcast00:28 - Walter’s background and invitation to share his story00:44 - Immigrant roots, New York, and becoming a Christian02:37 - Ministry path through Cru, Vancouver, Boston, and Charlottesville03:06 - Bridge-building as a life calling03:54 - Church contexts in Canada, Boston, and Charlottesville05:26 - How Walter ended up being considered for NAE leadership05:48 - The tension with family expectations and ministry calling06:42 - His father’s conversion through that journey07:42 - Reflection on vocation, faith, and leadership08:13 - Discovering the NAE through Park Street Church history08:39 - Becoming a board member and later a candidate for president09:28 - Family reconciliation, leadership, and faithfulness10:21 - The question of why Walter said yes to the nomination11:12 - A personal answer: family, special needs, and discernment12:39 - Hitting his 50s and wondering if opportunities had passed13:07 - “Maybe your ship has sailed” and the turning point14:03 - Recognizing he wasn’t pursuing fame or influence14:56 - Feeling released into the work after years of character formation16:05 - The temptation of influence and the importance of character17:09 - What the NAE is and who it represents18:04 - The NAE’s witness to the gospel across every area of life19:01 - The challenge of defining evangelicalism in culture21:17 - The origins of the NAE and the third way between extremes22:56 - Position and posture in evangelical witness24:24 - Why the term evangelical still matters25:22 - Evangelicalism in the Reformation and Great Awakenings26:49 - Revival, missions, and the term’s modern use27:47 - Why the word should be recaptured, not abandoned28:27 - Evangelical identity, politics, and public misunderstanding29:55 - Diversity in evangelicalism and immigrant church growth31:23 - Problems with polling and self-identification32:20 - The broader story of evangelical diversity in America33:42 - Mainline, evangelical, and global South complexity35:02 - Why survey data misses many believers36:38 - Recapturing the meaning of evangelical language37:46 - Three unique contributions of Asian American leaders38:15 - Bridge-building in pluralistic society39:40 - The shift from guilt-based to shame-based culture40:49 - Why the gospel should be more multilingual41:48 - Presenting the gospel through honor and shame43:47 - A richer, multilingual expression of the good news45:12 - Walter’s encouragement to Asian American pastors and leaders

Examining the study: "Unpredictable Childhoods May Hinder a Young Adult's Ability to Take Positive Risks."Our guests share from their own experience and conviction, and the perspectives expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of SOLA Network or every leader associated with SOLA.

In this episode, Drew Hyun and Jay Song discuss the importance of emotional health and contemplative spirituality in Christian discipleship, especially within Asian American churches. They explore how cultural and generational factors influence spiritual maturity and leadership, offering practical insights for pastors and believers.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests03:09 Understanding Emotionally Healthy Discipleship06:01 The Need for Deep Discipleship06:39 Integration of Emotional Health and Spirituality09:09 Personal Journeys into EHD09:34 Cultural Relevance of EHD for Asian Americans13:34 Navigating Emotional Maturity in Immigrant Households15:35 The Unique Challenges of Asian American Churches17:56 The Impact of Capitalism on Spiritual Success20:34 The Pressure of Performance in Ministry25:04 Finding Balance Between Doing and Being37:37 Living Within Limits: A New Perspective43:12 Transforming Identity: From Performance to Presence48:37 OutroOur guests share from their own experience and conviction, and the perspectives expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of SOLA Network or every leader associated with SOLA.

In this new series, Danny and Monica look at recent research and studies about teenagers and families, and assess them through the lens of Scripture. They then apply their conclusions for their implications for Asian American Parenting. In part 2 of this series, they examine unstructured and structured use of time.Our guests share from their own experience and conviction, and the perspectives expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of SOLA Network or every leader associated with SOLA.

Our new Author Interview features a conversation between Aaron Lee and Paul Uyen about Uyen’s life and his book on divine illumination, In Your Light We See Light. Uyen shares his journey from a difficult childhood as an immigrant—struggling in school, getting involved in gangs, and facing serious trouble—to a gradual but powerful transformation through reading the Bible and encountering Christ.Uyen explains how his personal story connects to the ideas in his book. He describes how coming to know God is not just about learning information, but about having one’s “eyes opened” through God’s work. This theme of moving from darkness to light shapes both his testimony and his theology.When discussing union with Christ and illumination, Uyen argues that knowing God is both a gift and an active, participatory process.This conversation combines a story of redemption with simple, thoughtful reflections on how people come to truly know God and grow in their faith.DISCLAIMEROur guests share from their own experience and conviction, and the perspectives expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of SOLA Network or every leader associated with SOLA.RELATEDOpen the Eyes of Our Hearts: A Book Review of “In Your Light We See Light”https://sola.network/article/in-your-light-we-see-light-book-review/BIOSPaul’s journey to Jesus Christ began at the county jail in 1997, and Christ found him in 2001 at a church in Santa Ana. After a year, the church asked him to serve their Junior High Ministry. Paul had so much fun that he desired nothing else but to serve the Lord and His church. That desire led him to the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for his BA in Pastoral Study. He went on to prepare himself more with a MA in Biblical Exegesis and a MA in Historical Theology from Wheaton College. Then he came to Trinity Evangelical Divinity School to get his PhD in Systematic Theology under the tutelage of Kevin Vanhoozer. He is now an assistant professor at the College of the Ozarks. His journey with Christ has blessed him with his wife Christine and their five children, Eden, Saige, Violet, Callum, and Elliot. In his leisure time, he enjoys his wife, children, movies, coffee, and tea, contemplating the goodness and beauty of God everywhere he turns.Aaron Lee is our Editorial Curator. Aaron also serves as the Social Media Officer of First Chinese Baptist Church of Walnut in California’s San Gabriel Valley, home to the largest concentration of Asian American communities in the United States. Visit him online: https://www.diveindigdeep.com/

In this new series, Danny and Monica look at recent research and studies about teenagers and families, and assess them through the lens of Scripture. They then apply their conclusions for their implications for Asian American Parenting. In part 1 of this series, they examine a study about childhood religious experiences and adult outcomes, and how it relates to communication in the adult-teenager relationship for faith.Our guests share from their own experience and conviction, and the perspectives expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of SOLA Network or every leader associated with SOLA.