Tapestry of Grace: Untangling the Cultural Complexities in Asian American Life and Ministry

Why do the first generation still act like that? Why cant we try some new ideas? Why are the second generation so lazy? Why are the second generation so disrespectful? Isnt it a shame how the church is split between the two generations? These and many more questions reflect the tangled conflicts within the Asian American church. Cultural differences have led to many misunderstandings and conflicts. Conflicts have created bitterness and churches have split apart. How can these tangled threads be rewoven into a beautiful tapestry of Gods grace? What would it take for the Asian American church to reflect Gods grace? In Tapestry of Grace Dr. Benjamin C. Shin and Dr. Sheryl Takagi Silzer apply their years of study and teaching to explain how the cultural complexities that occur between the different generations of the Asian American church can be untangled. Taking lessons from their own spiritual journeys they show how each generation can experience the amazing grace of the Gospel. Drs. Benjamin Shin and Sheryl Takagi Silzer have studied and taught about the complexities of Asian American ministry for many years. This important book packages their scholarly wisdom and personal insights in a comprehensive way that I know will be immensely helpful for Asian American church leaders and anyone seeking to better navigate the intersection of cultural values and biblical truth. --Barry H. Corey President Biola University; author of Love Kindness: Discover the Power of a Forgotten Christian Virtue An excellent integrative work that weaves together faithful biblical reflections keen cultural analyses and wise pastoral insights! Tapestry of Grace is an essential reading for those who serve among or with Asian Americans. --Peter T. Cha Professor of Church Culture and Society Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Building on the work of deSilva Shin and Silzer provide much insight into the dynamics of a collectivistic culture in the ancient world that has uncanny similarities with modern day Asian American culture. This is one of the finest works in developing the concept of the court of honors which speaks into the bi-cultural struggle of an Asian American who is simultaneously trying not only to receive honor but also to obtain dignity. --Stephen T. Um Senior Minister of Citylife Presbyterian Church of Boston; Author of Why Cities Matter Benjamin C. Shin is Associate Professor of Biblical Exposition and Director of the Asian American Doctor of Ministry Track at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada California. He is a professor pastor and mentor. Ben a second-generation Korean American is a well-known speaker and leader within the Asian American Christian world and has consulted with churches and organizations throughout the U.S. Sheryl Takagi Silzer a third-generation Japanese American is a Multicultural Consultant for SIL International and adjunct professor at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada California. She is the author of Biblical Multicultural Teams: Applying Biblical Truths to Cultural Differences (2011). Sheryl has led Cultural Self-Discovery workshops for multicultural teams for many years and has trained facilitators in many countries. Her materials have been translated into Spanish and French.