ORLANDO – In addition to 10 culture-specific Asian fellowships in the Southern Baptist Convention, there are two that cross several cultures, and a research network that expands to all ethnicities.
The Asian Collective brings together leaders from each of the Asian fellowships. The Asian NextGen Pastor’s Network provides space for English-speaking Asian leaders to be encouraged and challenged by their peers. The Ethnic Research Network was started by Asians.
Charles Grant, the SBC Executive Committee’s associate vice president for convention partnerships, serves as the connecting hub for all ethnic churches in the SBC.
“We’re so fortunate and blessed to have all our Asian groups to be part of the Southern Baptist Convention,” Grant said. “They are vital to completing the Revelation 7:9 vision to have all nations represented, celebrated and working together for God’s glory in our convention.”
Asian Collective to honor African American
A three-hour “kickoff” celebration is to take place on Sunday before a profusion of other activities related to the 2026 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention.
The June 7 Asian Kickoff 2026 event in Room 315 A/B in the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center is to include a recognition award for AB Vines, former director of the National African American Fellowship and pastor of New Seasons Church in San Diego, Calif., which he led from 67 members to more than 1,800.
“I would love for the greater SBC family to come and enjoy a nice dinner and gathering to kickoff the SBC annual meeting in a special way,” Victor Chayasirisobhon told Baptist Press. He is director of the Asian Collective, which hosts the Kickoff celebration.
“Come and see how we have become not just a mission field but a mission force through the power, grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. For the first time ever, our Asian fellowship will honor our own as well as our special guest, who is family to us: Bishop AB Vines. It is going to be a great celebration of unity in Jesus Christ. The enemy will not be pleased with the alliance we are affirming this evening.”
With a theme and scripture of 1 John 4:7 – Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. – the Kickoff is to include presentations from the Ethnic Research Network, International Mission Board and GuideStone Financial Resources.
Among highlights of the Kickoff, “The Asian Collective for the first time is honoring a legendary leader of the National African American Fellowship with a special recognition award,” Chayasirisobhon said. “Also, we will sign a ministry covenant to work together in 2026-2027 as an Asian Collective.”
The Asian Collective includes leaders from the Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Myanmar (Burmese), South Asian, Thai and Vietnamese people groups.
“As my first year as the official executive director of the Asian Collective comes to a close, I am looking forward to seeing the smiling faces of SBC family as we sing together in unity, eat together in gratitude and love each other with the great heart of Christ,” Chayasirisobhon said. “I am also looking forward to showing gratitude to our partners and honoring the amazing work of our SBC African American brothers and sisters when we get to honor Bishop AB Vines!”
Asian NextGen Network pursues ministry longevity
The lunchtime gathering of English-speaking Asian American leaders during the week of the SBC annual meeting is create space for honest conversation, practical insight, and genuine connection around critical areas that directly impact long-term ministry effectiveness.
Set to start at 11 a.m. Monday, June 8, in Room 315A on the third level of the Orange County Convention Center’s West Concourse, the Asian NextGen Pastor’s Network has “Pursuing Ministry Longevity” as its theme.
“Nothing like this event exists elsewhere during the SBC annual meeting to encourage and equip English-speaking Asian Americans,” said Hyung Lee, pastor of Living Rock Church in Pasadena, Calif., and national co-coordinator of the Network. “Also, this year’s theme is a reminder that how we end vocational ministry is just as important – if not more important – than how we start our ministry journey.
“So this luncheon is for everyone at every stage of ministry, from those starting in seminary, to those close to retirement. It’s an opportunity to reflect with fellow attendees while encouraging one another to remain steadfast in the faith.”
The luncheon is to start at 11 a.m.; Session 1 and table talk starts at 11:45 a.m.; Session 2 and table talk starts at 12:20; closing at 1 p.m.
Speakers are to include John Lee, pastor of First Baptist Church of Artesia, Calif., and Hoon Im, the Asian Affinity Group Relationship Manager for GuideStone Financial Resources. Music is to be led by Augustine Hui, Pastor of Brooklyn (N.Y.) Chinese Baptist Church.
“Whether you are early in your ministry journey or have served for decades, this luncheon is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and be refreshed alongside fellow believers who understand your calling,” Lee said. “Come ready to be encouraged, equipped and reminded that longevity in ministry is not just possible. It’s worth pursuing together.
“I am personally looking forward to seeing pastor brothers whom I haven’t seen since last year in Dallas,” Lee continued. “I’m also looking forward to meeting new brothers and sisters who are serving in their respective ministry contexts. Although the weather will be hot and humid in Orlando, I know my soul will be encouraged in Christ through this event.”
Cost for the luncheon is $10 since GuideStone Financial Resources, Gateway Seminary and Chinese Baptist Fellowship are sponsoring the Asian NextGen Pastor’s Network.
For more information about the Network see sbcasiannextgen.com.
Ethnic Research Network to present data-driven website
A new website chock-full of data interesting to ethnic leaders is to be presented and demonstrated at the annual gathering of the Ethnic Research Network.
Led by President Carter Tan and Vice President Brent Waldrep, the hour-long event is set to start at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, in Room 204 B-C, on the second level of the Orange County Convention Center.
The schedule is to include launch of the new ERN website and dashboard; report on ethnic ministry trends and people-group insights; and encouragement around ERN’s role in helping churches connect with communities.
“There will be time for prayer, networking, and partnership building,” Tan said. “Plus recognition of ERN’s continued legacy and future direction.
The main agenda items Tan listed: “ERN ministry report, demonstration of the new website and dashboards, presentation of ethnic research updates, vision casting for the next season, and partnership opportunities with churches and SBC entities.”
Philippians 3:13-14 is the event’s scriptural watchword: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. The ERN annual meeting’s theme: A New Thing: Data, Diversity, and the Great Commission.
“ERN helps turn data into mission,” Tan said. “This gathering will encourage churches, equip leaders, and give everyone a clearer picture of how God is working among ethnic communities.
“I’m looking forward to unveiling the next chapter of ERN and seeing leaders connect around a shared vision,” the president added. “It’s exciting to help build tools for the SBC that make ethnic ministry stronger, clearer, and more effective.”
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