Gathering Aims to Help Asian American Clergy Thrive

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April 3, 2025 | UM News

Key Points:

  • The first Southeastern Jurisdiction Asian American Ministers Gathering is scheduled for May 13-15 at the Korean United Methodist Church of Greater Washington in McLean, Virginia.
  • The program will feature worship, reflection, panel discussions, breakout sessions, community building and leadership development.
  • While the primary audience for the gathering is Asian American clergy within the jurisdiction, others are welcome to attend.

A new event aims to celebrate the spiritual heritage of Asian American United Methodist clergy while fostering deeper connections and cultivating innovative leadership within the denomination.

The first Southeastern Jurisdiction Asian American Ministers Gathering is scheduled for May 13-15 at the Korean United Methodist Church of Greater Washington in McLean, Virginia.

Organizers envision the gathering — themed “Thriving Together” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) — as a way to strengthen the ministry of Asian American United Methodist clergy.

“This event will provide a sacred space for Asian American clergy to worship, learn and build relationships that will enhance our ministry,” said the Rev. Hyo Lee, Richmond District superintendent in the Virginia Conference and one of the key organizers of the gathering.

Lee said the program will feature four elements:

  • Worship and reflection: Services led by bishops and denominational leaders, including a baptismal renewal service.
  • Panel discussions and breakout sessions: Addressing shared challenges, resilience in ministry and networking strategies.
  • Community building: Creating opportunities for clergy to connect, share experiences and support one another’s ministries.
  • Leadership development: Vision-casting sessions and workshops designed to inKey spire a thriving future for Asian American clergy.

Another key organizer, the Rev. Seungsoo Jun, pastor of Leesburg United Methodist Church in Leesburg, Virginia, emphasized that the gathering seeks to strengthen the network among Asian American clergy.

“As the church undergoes transition and moves toward a new chapter, we recognized the need to bring Asian American clergy together to reaffirm their contributions to the larger denomination,” Jun said.

More information

For more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Southeastern Jurisdiction Asian American Ministers Gathering task force at sejaama@vaumc.org.

Click here to register

He highlighted that while four Asian American district superintendents and several General Conference and jurisdictional delegates serve within the Southeastern Jurisdiction, Asian American clergy have no dedicated advocacy group, such as Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latino Americans (MARCHA) and Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR).

“We hope to establish a more coordinated effort for collaboration and support,” he added. “Our goal is to build a stronger, more connected network across conferences.”

The Southeastern Jurisdiction is home to 189 Asian American clergy members, with 166 actively serving and 23 retired. The Virginia Conference has the largest number (110), followed by North Georgia (31) and North Carolina (23). The gathering will provide a platform for clergy members to share experiences and amplify their collective impact within the church and their communities.

The Rev. H. Jae Lee, Smoky Mountain District superintendent and pastor at Maple Grove United Methodist Church in the Western North Carolina Conference, stressed the importance of the gathering in tackling systemic challenges.

“Living in the Deep South means many immigrants and ethnic minorities experience subtle and systemic racism daily,” Lee said. “We are not yet where we need to be in achieving racial justice and equity.

“Asian American United Methodists must engage in our local communities, raise prophetic voices for justice, build solidarity with other ethnic groups and embrace cultural humility. This gathering is a courageous first step toward transforming ‘you and I’ into ‘we’ in The United Methodist Church.”

The Rev. Sunny B. Limm, Fairway District superintendent in the North Carolina Conference, outlined the gathering’s four main objectives: promoting unity and fellowship; encouraging inclusive leadership by equipping leaders to address biases; empowering marginalized voices; and strengthening ministerial support through tailored workshops, discussions and resources.

“This gathering is more than a meeting; it is an embodiment of unity and radical hospitality within the church. We hope it will mark the beginning of a new era of collaboration within the SEJ,” Limm said.

While the primary audience for the gathering is Asian American clergy within the jurisdiction, all are welcome to attend and support. To ensure inclusivity, all sessions will be conducted in English, and organizers have intentionally balanced representation between first-generation and younger Asian American clergy.

Rev. In-Yong Lee, of First United Methodist Church Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and an incoming district superintendent in the Western North Carolina Conference, said the Southeastern Jurisdiction Asian American Ministers Gathering 2025 represents a crucial opportunity for Asian American clergy to unite, celebrate their shared heritage and shape a hopeful and inclusive future within The United Methodist Church.

“This gathering will help attendees learn how to thrive together — in faith, in connection, in ministry and in community,” Lee said.

The Rev. Thomas E. Kim is director of Korean and Asian news at United Methodist Communications.