Customer Reviews

Pursuing the Pearl: A Comprehensive Resource for Multi-Asian Ministry

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How do I reach for Christ the fastest growing ethnic group in America? How do I reach for Christ ANY person disaffected with the traditional American Church? Dr. Fong lucidly proposes radical principles for ministry that already bear fruit in his California church. He challenges us to color outside the lines as we face a new millenium and an American culture that looks nothing like the one on which we have built our traditional models for Christian ministry.

Stimulating reading. Excellent grasp of history, demographics and Biblical mandate.

This is an essential landmark breakthrough long-overdue type of book that pioneers through the landscape of America, particularly among Asian Americans. In this climate that is increasingly pluralistic, diverse, and propelled by change, there are more and more Asian Americans that are untouched by the traditional model and stereotypical methods of doing church, and this book is willing to look beyond the past and the here and now, and into the postmodern landscape, anticipating with a prophetic voice, and sharing some real life stories of what is happening at his own church (Evergreen of LA). The book makes a great effort to work on both the theoretical and practical side, and those of us who are willing to work with the ethnic diversity at hand would do well to wrestle with the thoughts presented in this book.

The Asian and Pacific Islander population, is estimated to more than triple, from 10.9 million in 1999 to 37.6 million in 2050. Its percentage of the total population would rise from 4 percent now to 9 percent in 2050. It's time to get busy!

I met Rev. Ken Fong at Intervarsity's Urbana 2000. I was at all 4 of his large group Bible studies and also at his small lecture as well. His speaking ability is very well. He's an excellent oral communicator.
Now for the book. This book does a very slick job of addressing ministry issues along with cross cultural issues, too. If you've ever wondered A)How to minister to Asian Americans B)Why Asian churches are growing so fast or C)How to reach out to Asian Christians, then this book is for you. It will tell you everything you need to know on how to deal with these issues while also living within the western culture.
I must admit, I'm not Asian(I'm Irish, English and Native American of 2 tribes). But I worship and minister with and to Asian Americans here in Chicago. Books like this have been very helpful to me.