Stay ConnectedCentering is the Asian American Christian Podcast: conversations on Christ, the Christian life, and Asian American perspectives.
Through our podcast seasons, as well as specially presented content, we dive into the reality and beauty of living out Asian American Christian faith.
Centering is a production of the Center for Asian American Theology and Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary.
In the latest episode of Centering: The Asian American Christian Podcast, hosts Yulee Lee and Daniel Lee delve further into the challenging topic of toxic ministry. The conversation highlights the necessity of discernment in ministry, distinguishing between toxic and simply unhealthy environments. They introduce the concept of “spiritual bypassing,” where spiritual language and “Christianese” is used to avoid addressing real issues. Personal stories and examples from the Bible illustrate how authentic spiritual maturity involves embracing and processing one's emotions rather than bypassing them for a facade of spirituality. 00:00 Introduction to Toxic Ministry 00:48 Understanding the Distinction Between Toxic and Dysfunctional Ministries 05:41 The Role of Grace in Enabling Abuse 06:53 Personal Stories of Ministry Abuse 12:11 Spiritual Bypassing vs. Spiritual Maturity 20:07 The Confusion of Discernment 20:19 Daniel's Story on Anger 20:42 The Complexity of Anger in Christianity 22:48 Spiritual Bypassing and Its Dangers 24:01 The Importance of Authenticity in Faith 25:36 The Role of Psalms in Prayer 26:37 Challenges in Ministry and Spiritual Manipulation 28:35 Embracing a Broad Spirituality 30:09 Avoiding Spiritual Bypassing 36:25 The Need for Honest Struggle in Faith 39:05 Concluding Thoughts on Toxic Ministry Devotional Classics by Richard Foster https://www.harpercollins.com/products/devotional-classics-revised-edition-richard-j-foster?variant=32116217479202 Spiritual Bypassing by Robert Masters https://www.northatlanticbooks.com/shop/spiritual-bypassing/ Emotionally Healthy Church, Peter Scazzero Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, Peter Scazzero https://www.harpercollinschristian.com/author/369/peter-scazzero/ KPop Demon Hunters https://www.netflix.com/title/81498621 If you appreciate the work we do at the Asian American Center at Fuller Seminary, please consider supporting us! Your monetary support sustains our vital work and expands Asian American research, leadership development, and pastoral formation for the Church in the year ahead. Donate here: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/lhJydg?vid=18eqio
In this episode of Centering: The Asian American Christian Podcast, hosts Yulee Lee and Daniel Lee introduce the season's focus on toxic ministry. They discuss how abuse is often justified in God's name, turning obedience into oppression. The conversation delves into the discernment needed to identify toxic leadership and move towards healing and healthy spiritual leadership. They share personal experiences, discuss the challenges of abusive ministry contexts, and emphasize the importance of theological grounding. Future episodes will feature guest speakers and topics like spiritual gaslighting, authoritarianism, and examples of toxic leadership in various ministry contexts. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:47 Meet the Hosts: Yulee and Daniel 03:40 The Genesis of the New Season 05:09 Understanding Toxic Ministry 07:25 The Spectrum of Toxic Leadership 12:21 Navigating Toxic Environments 20:22 The Dangers of Religious Claims 20:48 Personal Struggles in Ministry 21:49 Toxic Ministry Environments 24:15 Community and Cultural Challenges 26:26 Theological Reflections on Ministry 34:17 Upcoming Episodes and Final Thoughts Fuller’s Asian American Center - aac.fuller.edu Leading Change and Loving People, Change Management Insights from the Non-Profit Sector by Yulee Lee https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003272243/leading-change-loving-people-yulee-lee About Min Chung and CFC https://www.wbez.org/race-class-communities/2021/08/02/a-reckoning-at-covenant-fellowship-church Letters from Rahab Instagram Profile https://www.instagram.com/p/C6Ef9Qku9mr/ If you appreciate the work we do at the Asian American Center at Fuller Seminary, please consider supporting us! Your monetary support sustains our vital work and expands Asian American research, leadership development, and pastoral formation for the Church in the year ahead. Donate here: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/lhJydg?vid=18eqio
9x08 - Representation: Empowerment, Healing, and Hope by Centered: Resources for the Asian American Church
9x07 - Coherence: Narratives & Reconciled Identities by Centered: Resources for the Asian American Church
9x06 - Nuances: Pathologies & Ideals by Centered: Resources for the Asian American Church
9x05 - Lenses: Because Not Everything's Cultural by Centered: Resources for the Asian American Church
9x04 - Knowledge: When Personal Experience Isn't Enough by Centered: Resources for the Asian American Church
9x03 - History: Do Asian Americans Have a History? by Centered: Resources for the Asian American Church
9x02 - Panethnicity: What is Asian American? by Centered: Resources for the Asian American Church
9x01 - Language: Asian American Identity and Experience by Centered: Resources for the Asian American Church
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