Asian American Youth Ministry Roundtable

The Rooted Asian American Youth Ministry Roundtable team recorded their 50th episode, reflecting on their journey and looking ahead. Justin, Huey, Dorothy, and Terrence shared personal and ministry updates, including transitions and health challenges. They discussed the value of the podcast as a lifeline for mutual support and spiritual encouragement. The team reminisced about favorite episodes, such as "Navigating the Dark Night of the Soul" and discussions on the Five Pillars. They brainstormed future topics, including mental health, Gen Z, and the relationship between youth pastors and senior pastors.

Resources

What is Asian American Youth...

The Asian American Youth Ministry Roundtable crew preview the upcoming 2026 Rooted Conference in Nashville, highlighting the main conference, workshops, and the Asian American preconference focused on emotionally healthy ministry. They encourage listeners to attend for personal refreshment, networking, and to meet the podcast team in person.

Resources:

Devotional: God with You: A 52-Week Devotional Through the Whole Bible for Teenagers

Gospel-Centered and Grace-Filled: Experiencing the Rooted Conference 

Mailbag Submission Form: https://forms.gle/w1gB8Y7J52A44LN4A

Follow the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast on Apple Podcasts, S...

Building community in a youth group is desired but often difficult in today’s teenage landscape. There are many characters, personalities, and family situations to consider, and youth groups are more than creative games, coveted snacks, and captivating Canva slides. In this second part of community building in youth ministry, Dorothy and Justin are joined by special guest Vicky Xi, youth pastor at Living Stones Christian Church, as they discuss how cultivating the whole ministry begins with tending to teens at an individual level.

Rooted Resources

Joni & Friends: “We bring practical help and Gospel hope to p...

Biblical community is a core value in nearly every ministry, though how it’s defined and demonstrated may be more assumed than articulated. In this two-part episode, Dorothy and Justin are joined by special guest Vicky Xia, a youth pastor at Living Stones Christian Church in New York, who will talk about important and effective facets and practices that go into establishing a gospel-based understanding of biblical community and what that looks like in building up a church’s youth group.
Resources:

Keeping the Preeminent Things Preeminent in Youth Ministry 

Teaching Biblical Community in Youth...

If leaders need vision before the year starts, so do students. In this second installment of a two-part series on preparing for a new ministry year, Huey sits down again with Terrence Shay and Justin Wong to talk about orienting students well—not just handing them a calendar of small group nights and retreat dates, but answering the deeper question of what this year is actually for.

Helping Teenagers Experience the Body of Christ - Rooted Ministry

How Identity in Christ Gives Teenagers Meaning and Purpose - Rooted Ministry

Follow the Rooted Yo...

August is coming, and for many Asian American youth ministries, that means it's "zero month"—the last quiet stretch before students, parents, and programming come rushing back in. In this episode, Huey sits down with Terrence Shay and Justin Wong to talk about what it looks like to gear up well for a new ministry year, specifically how to orient volunteer leaders before the semester begins.

Working with Ministry Volunteers - Podcasts

Follow the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

Join us for our annual Rooted Conference this Oc...

In this special episode, Dorothy, Huey, and Justin reflect on the mentors who have shaped their lives and ministry over the years. Together they share stories from their ministry journeys, discuss the people who invested in them, and consider how the next generation of leaders can be encouraged, equipped, and sent out for gospel ministry. Whether you're a pastor, youth worker, parent, or emerging leader, this episode is a reminder that ministry is never done alone. Behind every faithful servant is a story of people who invested, encouraged, corrected, and walked alongside them. Oh, and we want to give...

Camp and retreat season is here, and behind every powerful student experience are faithful counselors who show up, serve, pray, listen, and point students to Christ. In this episode, Huey, Dorothy, and Justin share a word to youth counselors preparing to serve at camps and retreats. Drawing from years of ministry experience, they offer practical encouragement, honest warnings, and spiritual reflections for every stage of the experience—before, during, and after camp.

Whether you're a first-time counselor or a seasoned volunteer, this conversation will help you think more intentionally about your role, your expectations, and how God of...

Dorothy, Terrence, and Justin continue their dialogue with Justin Yau (JYau) by asking him questions related to youth ministry from the perspectives of a mentor, parent, and colleague. JYau answers candidly with wisdom and insight that encourages the panelists of God’s work in preparing the next generation to lead and make disciples.

Justin Yau was raised in the community of Chinese Christian Union Church (CCUC), where he actively participated in various ministries that shaped his spiritual journey. After initially pursuing law at NYU and later transitioning to occupational therapy at UIC, he felt a deeper ca...

Intergenerational integration is particularly valuable within the ranks of youth pastors and practitioners in the trenches. In this episode, Terrence, Dorothy, and Justin meet a younger minister Justin Yau (JYau) and respond candidly to his inquiries about the nuts and bolts of ministry in the context of the Chinese Heritage Church.

Justin Yau was raised in the community of Chinese Christian Union Church (CCUC), where he actively participated in various ministries that shaped his spiritual journey. After initially pursuing law at NYU and later transitioning to occupational therapy at UIC, he felt a deeper calling to full-time...

Transitions are hard, especially for young people whose lives have been shaped by stability. Dorothy, Huey, and Terrence talk about transitions, with part 2 pertaining to getting ready for our graduating students. The three of them unpack this well-known season of youth ministry with more practical approaches, which lead up to celebrating and commissioning their high school seniors into the next stage of life and faith.

What College Students Wish They Had Received in Their High School Youth Ministries -  Rooted Podcast

Milestones in Transitions Rooted Parent Panel (Video) 

God’s Goodness in Parenting Tran...

Transitions can be tough, as is navigating all sorts of changes. Dorothy, Huey, and Terrence chat about transitions, with part one being about leadership. The trio discusses what catalyzes leadership transitions; how they navigated departures from their former posts at Asian American churches; as well as what helps, hurts, and offers hopeful insights to those who may be amidst leadership shifts to come.

Rooted Resources - 

A How-To Guide for Navigating a Youth Ministry Transition by Davis Lacey

When It’s Time to Leave Your Current Youth Ministry Position by Bradley Blaylock

R...

Clearly articulated core values have a powerful way of shaping the trajectory of any youth ministry. In this two-part series, we explore Rooted’s Five Pillars for gospel-centered youth ministry in the Asian American context—what they are, why they are important, and how we can live them out with students. In this episode, we will discuss the last three pillars: relational discipleship, partnering with parents, and intergenerational integration. We explain how these pillars can provide a common vocabulary and framework, highlighting the need for clarity and purpose in the Asian American youth ministry.

*Hebrews 13:17

Root...

Clearly articulated core values have a powerful way of shaping the trajectory of any youth ministry. In this two-part series, we explore Rooted’s Five Pillars for gospel-centered youth ministry in the Asian American context—what they are, why they are important, and how we can live them out with students.  In this episode, we will discuss the first two pillars: gospel centrality and theological depth. We explain how these pillars can provide a common vocabulary and framework, highlighting the need for clarity and purpose in the Asian American youth ministry.

The Five Pillars: Foundations of Youth Minis...

The world in which our students are growing up is changing faster than ever, and youth ministry must thoughtfully prepare to meet the moment. This episode features highlights from the Youth Symposium 2026 in Houston, Texas—a one-day gathering designed to equip pastors, youth leaders, and parents with gospel-centered wisdom for discipling the next generation. Engaging workshops on mental health, Gen Z culture, digital discipleship, student leadership, and gospel-centered teaching offer tools for shepherding students in today’s complex cultural landscape.

Rooted Mentorship Program: A year-long mentoring pathway designed to help youth ministers process leadership challenges with seasoned lead...

Leadership in youth ministry often looks exciting from the outside—but many leaders quietly carry exhaustion, discouragement, and spiritual weight. In this episode, we explore the hidden hardships of leadership: unmet expectations, loneliness, criticism, burnout, and the temptation to quit when faithfulness feels costly. This conversation helps youth ministers name their struggles honestly, understand why hardship is not a sign of failure, and learn how God uses suffering to form resilient, Christ-centered leaders who endure for the long haul.

Confessions of a Struggling Youth Minister (Series)

Rooted’s Youth Ministry Mentorship Program: A year-long ment...

In this episode of the Rooted Asian American Youth Ministry Roundtable, Terrence continues a lively dialogue with Dorothy and Huey to share their resources for cross-cultural missions, which reveal their diverse backgrounds. The episode continues with robust back-and-forth on the priorities and pitfalls of leading youth teams, accompanied by pearls of wisdom to be applied before, during, and/or after a mission trip. Grab a seat and join us! 

Rooted Resources on Missions

Missions and Youth Ministry (Conference Panel with Josh Newton, Danny Kwon, and Isaiah Marshall)

He Is Worthy: Helping Students Discover M...

In this episode of the Rooted Asian American Youth Ministry Roundtable, Terrence is joined by Dorothy and Huey (the Birthday Boy) to talk about their personal experiences with cross-cultural missions, which reveal their diverse backgrounds. They then delve into the details to unpack the usefulness, purpose, and pet peeves embedded in planning and execution from the POV of youth ministry. Grab a seat and join us!

He Is Worthy: Helping Students Discover Meaning in Missions - Rooted Ministry

Missions - Rooted Ministry

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In this episode of the Rooted Asian American Youth Ministry Roundtable, the team reflects on the momentum of their first episode and looks ahead to shaping meaningful spring content. Welcoming new voices—including Huey (Christ Central Presbyterian Church) and Dorothy (Chinese Bible Church of Maryland) & Special Guest, Esther —the conversation blends personal stories, regional experiences, and practical wisdom for navigating the spring semester in youth ministry.

The group explores the unique rhythms of spring as a season of transition marked by endings and new beginnings. Topics range from confirmation and baptism classes to reinforcing vision after the Janu...

In this episode of Rooted, Justin sits down with Dorothy, Huey, and special guest Esther to talk about milestones, celebrations, appreciation, and annual events in youth ministry. Together, they explore what’s worth marking, how to celebrate students and leaders well, and how simple rhythms can build meaningful, Gospel-centered community—without overcomplicating things.

RESOURCES

Teenagers and Mental Health: A Handbook for Parents, Pastors, and Youth Leaders, by Monica Kim and Danny Kwon

Follow on Instagram @therootedministry.

Subscribe to the Rooted podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

Hosted by: Huey...

In part 2 of 2, we’re exploring the theme of “dark night of the soul” in Asian American youth ministry, sharing personal stories of spiritual dryness, ministry discouragement, and the hidden pressures that shape these seasons. We unpack how youth workers can recognize spiritual desolation in themselves and in their students, respond with patience and presence rather than quick fixes, and build healthier ministry cultures that allow vulnerability and support. The conversation ultimately points toward hope—trusting that even in fruitless, confusing, and silent seasons, God is still at work forming leaders, students, and communities for deeper faithfulness.

RESOURCE...

In this first of two episodes, we’re exploring the theme of “dark night of the soul” in Asian American youth ministry, sharing personal stories of spiritual dryness, ministry discouragement, and the hidden pressures that shape these seasons. We unpack how youth workers can recognize spiritual desolation in themselves and in their students, respond with patience and presence rather than quick fixes, and build healthier ministry cultures that allow vulnerability and support. The conversation ultimately points toward hope—trusting that even in fruitless, confusing, and silent seasons, God is still at work forming leaders, students, and communities for deeper faithful...

In today’s episode, we unpack on-the-ground insights from Rooted’s 15th Annual conference in Lake Forest, Illinois. Join Dorothy, Justin, and Terrence for this reflection from the 2025 Rooted Conference. 

Recent Release: Teenagers and Mental Health: A Handbook for Parents, Pastors, and Youth Leaders (Monica Kim & Danny Kwon)

Rooted Reservoir - Luke/Acts Curriculum (Free download for Lesson 1 guides)

Houston, TX folks: Mark your calendars for a youth workers’ training day on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Subscribe to the Rooted podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

Host...

In today’s episode, we’re tackling a crucial but often overlooked part of ministry: onboarding and offboarding youth leaders. Bringing leaders onto the team well—and walking with them when it’s time to step away—can make all the difference for the health and sustainability of a ministry. We’ll share how we discern readiness, train and mentor new leaders, and care for them along the way. We’ll also dig into how to navigate transitions with grace—whether they’re healthy, painful, or somewhere in between.

The Jesus I Wish I Knew in High School: Asian Amer...

Effective youth ministry leadership is not about building the “perfect” team—it’s about cultivating a culture of trust, gospel-centered relationships, and shared mission. In this episode, join Dorothy, Justin, and Huey as these veteran youth pastors think and talk through organizational leadership teams in youth ministry. In Asian American church contexts, this means paying attention not only to organizational structure but also to cultural dynamics that shape how teams serve and grow together.

Join us in Chicago, October 23-25, 2025, for our annual gospel-centered youth ministry conference! Sign-up and scope out the workshops.

Sign-up for the...

Join us in Chicago, October 23-25, 2025, for our annual gospel-centered youth ministry conference! Sign-up and scope out the workshops.

Sign-up for the Asian American Pre-Conference lunch gathering ($35).

The Jesus I Wish I Knew in High School: Asian American Edition, edited by Kevin Yi

Rooted Mentoring Programs

Follow on Instagram @therootedministry.

Subscribe to the Rooted podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

Hosted by: Huey Lee, M. Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary; Justin Wong, Ed.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Terrence Shay, Family Ministry Pastor at FCBC...

In this episode, as we ramp up for this year’s Rooted Conference, Huey, Terrence, and Dorothy share their past experiences with Rooted Conferences. We’ll hear what they’ve most enjoyed, appreciated, and gleaned. They’ll share what makes this conference distinct from other ministry conferences. Finally, we’ll share more details about our upcoming conference as we study The Church in Acts and explore a wide array of workshop topics.

Gospel-Centered and Grace-Filled: Experiencing the Rooted Conference by Mary Beth Johnston

The Importance of Ministry Friends by Connor Coskery

Check out our Confer...

The Back to School grind is real! In this episode of the AAYM Roundtable, Terrence talks with Dorothy and Justin about their preparation and priorities to maximize disciple-making. Along the way, the three share many practical nuggets of wisdom, as well as their pastoral burdens for local churches from an Asian-American context.

A Back to School Checklist for Youth Ministers
You Can’t Do This Alone: Recruiting and Retaining Youth Leaders by Zac Lusk
Nurturing a Youth Ministry Culture that Fosters Intergenerational Ministry with Danny Kwon
The Jesus I Wish I Knew in High Sc...

So much happens in youth ministry during the summer months that it can become a busy blur. Terrence hosts this conversation with Justin and Dorothy, focusing on the specifics of retreat planning and the how-tos of establishing healthy personal rhythms. The three practitioners conclude with encouragements for youth ministers to take care of themselves so they can persevere joyfully for the long-run.

RESOURCES

Rooted Podcast: Maximizing Summer Youth Ministry: Balancing Activity and Rest

Practical Advice for Planning Your Next Youth Retreat by Josh Hussung

How I Handle Discipline on a Youth...

Part two of the "Seasons of Discernment" series delves into the expectations surrounding youth ministry searches, particularly within Asian American congregations. The roundtable discussion explores both the spoken and the unspoken expectations that churches have for prospective youth pastors, including program development, cultural sensitivities, and familial integration. The team also emphasizes the importance for candidates to discern these expectations through careful observation and insightful questions. Furthermore, the conversation addresses the expectations youth pastors should have of a church, such as adequate support and clarity on the role, encouraging proactive inquiry during the hiring process to ensure vision alignment and...

This month's AAYM Roundtable delves into the crucial process of discerning and navigating the application journey when seeking a new role as a youth minister, director, or pastor. Our discussion centers on the lessons learned during this significant period of vocational transition, particularly the critical steps involved before accepting a position. This episode, the first in a series, specifically focuses on the essential considerations for identifying and evaluating healthy church environments as a key aspect of the discernment process. We will explore the characteristics of thriving ministry contexts and offer practical guidance for candidates as they prayerfully consider their...

Mentorship matters, especially for youth ministers and leaders in their first 3 years of ministry. In this episode of the Asian-American Youth Ministry Roundtable, Terrence interviews 3 mentees who serve in diverse contexts in the US and Canada. They share candidly about their call to ministry and the joys and hardships of pursuing the next generation with the Gospel.

SCRIPTURE

Proverbs 13:20

Matthew 28:19-20

Titus 2:7-8

1 Peter 5:2-3

RESOURCES

The Jesus I Wish I Knew in High School: Asian American Edition

When You Feel Like a...

Mentorship matters, especially for youth ministers and leaders in their first 3 years of ministry. In this episode of the Asian-American Youth Ministry Roundtable, Terrence interviews 3 gifted mentees of the inaugural Rooted Asian-American Mentorship Cohort who are 9 months into their 1-year journey. They share valuable insights and reflections from their experiences that highlight the impact this cohort has made for personal and pastoral growth.

Proverbs 27:17

1 Corinthians 11:1

1 Timothy 4:12

2 Timothy 2:2

RESOURCES

AAYM Roundtable: Mentoring, Part 1

AAYM Roundtable: Mentoring, Part 2

Disconnection and Gen Z: S...

In this episode Huey, Justin, and Terrence delve into what it takes to mentor boys in Asian American Youth Ministry contexts so that they might grow and thrive as young men. They discuss what mentoring can look like both informally and systematically.

Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates.
Follow and subscribe to Asian American Youth Ministry Roundtable wherever you listen to podcasts.
Join us at the Rooted 2025 Conference!

Hosted by: Huey Lee, M. Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary; Justin Wong, Ed.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Terrence Shay, Family Ministry...

In this episode Huey, Justin, and Terrence share their thoughts on staying faithful and fruitful in youth ministry. They respond to questions regarding the challenges, benefits and opportunities of laboring for the faith of the next generation Kingdom over the long haul.

Follow us @rootedministry!

Join us in Chicago for the Asian American Preconference just before our annual conference October 23-25.

Please rate, review, and subscribe to the Asian American Youth Ministry Roundtable podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

Hosted by: Huey Lee, M. Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary; Justin Wo...

In this episode Dorothy, Justin, and Terrence dive into how youth ministries and their churches may strive for long-term missions partnerships that may provide students the exposure and opportunity to share the gospel of Christ, locally and globally. Hosted by: Huey Lee, M. Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary; Justin Wong, Ed.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Terrence Shay, Family Ministry Pastor at FCBC Walnut; and Dorothy Lau, youth director at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland.

In this episode Dorothy, Justin, and Terrence delve into what’s entailed for local church youth ministry collaborations. They respond to questions regarding the benefits and complexities of such and incorporate anecdotes of how the Lord has refined, enhanced, and pruned these efforts and the fruit which have come from them. Follow this podcast on Apple Podcast or Spotify. You can also find us on IG @therootedministry. Hosted by: Huey Lee, M. Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary; Justin Wong, Ed.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Terrence Shay, Family Ministry Pastor at FCBC Walnut; and Dorothy Lau, youth director at th...

n this episode, Huey, Dorothy, and Terrence explore mentorship by expounding on both sides of the relationship. They respond to questions related to both mentors and mentees and weave in personal examples of how God used people in their lives to shape and encourage them powerfully. Follow us @rootedministry! Join us in Chicago October 23-25, 2025 for our annual Rooted Conference! Rooted offers mentoring cohorts for both youth pastors and family pastors. Join us! Hosted by: Huey Lee, M. Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary; Justin Wong, Ed.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Terrence Shay, Family Ministry Pastor at FCBC Walnut...

In this episode, Huey, Dorothy, and Terrence dive into the topic of mentoring from their pastoral experiences in the Asian-American context. Together, they survey the lay of the land from their upbringings to the present and point to the priority of mentorship as an essential means of disciple-making for the next generation. Join a Rooted Ministry Mentoring Cohort! Mentoring and the Rooted Youth Pastor Mentoring Cohorts Follow us @rootedministry. Hosted by: Huey Lee, M. Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary; Justin Wong, Ed.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Terrence Shay, Family Ministry Pastor at FCBC Walnut; and Dorothy Lau, youth...

This episode delves into the nuanced topic of dating among Asian American youth in the church, exploring how cultural and spiritual influences shape their views on relationships. Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Asian American Youth Ministry Roundtable wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted by: Huey Lee, M. Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary; Justin Wong, Ed.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Terrence Shay, Family Ministry Pastor at FCBC Walnut; and Dorothy Lau, youth director at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland.