Second-Generation Asians in North America

What is Second-Generation Asian Church Planting About?


This topic is an intentional discussion regarding the great need to develop a church planting strategy for the growing population of second-generation Asians in the United and Canada. Asians are the most diverse ethnic people group in North America -- culturally and linguistically. The children and grandchildren of the first-generation Asians are assimilated into the American society, yet they aren't assimilate into the Anglo or African-American, English-speaking Southern Baptist churches.


Why is This Topic Important to Church Planters?


Effective church planters need to understand the demographical, generational, cultural, and psychographical characteristics of people they are trying to evangelize.  This process would make the church planter intentionally prepare himself/herself, the methods, programs, and materials needed to reach the second-generation Asians with a church planting purpose. The church planter will ask the question: "Am I a compatible church planter for this particular group of people?" 


Who Should be Involved?


Any church, association or state convention staff/ missionary, ethnic fellowship leader, or church planter whom God gives the vision and mission to start a second-generation Asian church, needs to come together to pray, plan and become a partnering team in order to reach the targeted community.  If this church planting strategy is initiated by a second-generation Asian church planter, then he needs to gather a group of people of like mind and purpose to plant the church.  Questions #1 and #2 above should be brainstormed further for intentionally forming church planting core team with supporting partners. The pastor of any sponsoring church needs to be involved in this discussion.


When Should a Person be Involved?


Leaders and members of a church planting core team for second-generation Asians (mentioned in item #3) need to be involved in the initial planning or conceptual stage of planting a second-generation Asian church. This could be in a prayer time with a group interested in planning to reach second-generation Asians in their community.  They should also contact the Second-generation Asian Missionary (NAMB) for further guidance.

Where Should a Person be Involved?


Anyone interested, especially initiators of a second-generation Asian church planting plan, needs to form a prayer team.  He/she needs to conduct a prayerwalk in the community where there is a plan to start a Bible study for second-generation Asians.

How Can a Person be Involved?


For further assistance or materials, please contact the Implementation Team of the North American Mission Board, Church Planting Group: 770-410-6000.