SEMINARY TO LAUNCH ASIAN
AMERICAN CENTER

Pastor Appointed Coordinator

The Asian American Center, an institute focused on training Asian church leaders on the West Coast, opens at ABSW this summer.

"Through this center the seminary seeks to address the leadership needs of Asian American churches," says President Keith Russell. "Our hope is that the center will be a major gathering place, a point of information and reflection, and a resource for the development of Asian leaders."

The seminary has appointed the center's first coordinator—the Rev. Philip C. Tse, an ABSW alumnus and minister with more than 17 years of church leadership experience.

Tse, who will serve the center on a part-time basis, is also pastor of a new church start in Fremont, Calif., Tri-City Grace Chinese Bible Church, where he ministers to both Cantonese and English congregations.

Tse has worked as a civil and geotechnical engineer for the past 22 years, most recently as a consultant for a Bay Area engineering firm. He holds a master of engineering degree from the University of British Columbia.

After sensing God's call at a revival meeting in 1984, Tse began training as a church leader while continuing to work as an engineer. He earned a master of theology degree from Shiloh Bible College in Oakland in 1995 and an M.Div. from ABSW in 1996.

Tse, who expects to complete a doctor of ministry degree at Portland's Western Seminary in 2003, says he is moving from soil engineering to "soul engineering."

The Asian American Center will offer cutting-edge seminars, continuing education events for pastors and lay leaders, contextualized training for seminarians, and a resource library for effective ministry among Asian Americans. The center will draw upon ABSW faculty and staff as well as Asian American church leaders and parachurch staff to develop programs and resources.

A steering committee composed of Dr. Timothy Tseng, associate professor of American religious history, Dr. James Chuck, professor of theology and church ministry, the Rev. Katie Choy-Wong, director of admissions and instructor in ministry, the Rev. Russell Yee, pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship Church in Castro Valley, the Rev. Ann Lau of Chinese United Methodist Church in Oakland, and President Russell will oversee the work of the center.

"Our goal is that this center address the pressing need for culturally competent Christian leaders among the rapidly growing Asian American population," says Dr. George C. Cummings, ABSW academic dean. "Our hope is to cultivate leaders who can communicate the gospel in a manner that is appropriate to diverse Asian American contexts. We look forward to the Rev. Tse bringing his gifts for ministry to the leadership of this center."

For more information on the Asian American Center, call 510-841-1905 or send e-mail to asiancenter@absw.edu.