about

Why ABC Pastor?
ABC Pastor is a blog simply about ministry. That is, helping people get from where they are to where God desires for them to be and in this case, as American Born Chinese (ABC). The story of Jesus Christ is the same. It’s just time that we get to tell it through our lives.

Why discuss Chinese-American ministry rather than Asian-American ministry? Why such a narrow approach?
It is important to explore the issues specific to the Chinese Church in America and ministry within this context. However, conversations in Asian-American ministry are helpful and may contribute to the journey of ABC faith.

Even though many Chinese-Americans whether American-Born-Chinese (ABCs) or American-Raised-Chinese (ARCs) may identify with the label “Asian-American” there are things that are distinctive to being Chinese-American just as there would be in any other group. Asian-American is a broad categorization but a powerful one. It has been a helpful representation of minority groups that would otherwise have too small a voice individually. It is a unifying term allowing people who may feel alone and misfit in this context to have a sense of belonging.

This is a blog about ministry and ministry must consider context. Though some generalizations may be made there are nuances and complexities. Each distinct immigrant group have their own historical entrance into the American context and journey navigating through its landscape. There is a perplexing spectrum of language and culture that are all simultaneously Chinese. Then insert American culture and you have an interesting puzzle for identity. The desire of this blog is to consider the course of the Chinese in America and the challenge of engaging people in the Gospel.

The Chinese are the largest group among Asian-Americans with a considerable motherland to keep in mind. These are exciting times for China. All eyes are on her as an economic force. We’re already seeing the changes in immigration patterns and trade. Chinese used to come to the US for opportunity. No longer. More and more people who have settled here are going back. We cannot ignore the growth and development of Christianity and the church in China as well as the legacy of Christianity in Hong Kong and Taiwan. All these considerations will indefinitely affect Chinese churches in America and ultimately the global body of Christ.

While many Chinese-American Christians (ABCs) may be choosing a more Asian-American context and attend second generation churches or pan-Asian congregations there is a still a place for them in the Chinese church. There is still a role for the Chinese Church here in a America. There is something still yet to be seen for ABCs. There is a indeed a calling for ABC pastors, those who will shepherd and demonstrate the Gospel through their lives. Yes, there are many opinions out there. We want to have that dialogue here and hope that it will be beneficial to many as well as bringing to greater glory to God.

Who is this ABC Pastor?

Laurence Tom is a son. a husband in an inter-what-have-you marriage. a father to two active little boys. a creative pro. a professional bible nerd. a mac evangelist. a people lover who lives in philly but deeply misses nyc. is building the future church.

simple goals
embracing one truly remarkable woman who i literally look up to and getting a baby boy to smile / making less enemies and more neighbors / creating sight, sound, space / trying to work the mic and make love to the camera / finding all things beautiful / catching light / making sense of this beautiful mess

where i’ve been
hometown brooklyn, nyc
education rutgers university / biblical theological seminary
church new york chinese baptist church / oversea chinese mission / rutgers community christian church / chinese christian church and center
career graphic designer / creative consultant / strategic planner / mentor / pastor

read the bio

follow my tweets on twitter
friend me on facebook

abcpastor seeks to be that third place for those who are american born chinese [abc] in ministry.
[a] here we may explore issues unique to the chinese church and doing ministry in that context
[b] expand the intersection of asian american culture and christian faith
[c] or simply expose what goes on in the mind of this abcpastor

this may be a bit ambitious or even naiive but i do hope that through the posts we can bring together different faith communities, passions for the advancement of the Gospel and the equipping of the body of Christ.

if you are an abc pastor or have any suggestions or would like to contribute to make this space evolve, just comment.
you can also contact laurence tom at abcpastorblog – at – dot – com

Advertisement