As our world becomes increasingly complex, I’m thrilled to announce that James Choung has joined our Council of Reference. James leads strategy and innovation for InterVarsity USA and these are days where these two attributes are essential for ministry. He’s also a student of Dr. Bobby Clinton in leader formation which has been so vital to Asian Access. He’s adapted the ideas and framework Bobby developed for the next generation, a generation that is pivotal for the future of the Church.

Do you lead with an open hand or tight fist?

After reading our 2018 ministry breakthroughs report, a friend asked me why Asian Access is growing so rapidly while other better-known ministries may not be growing. For example, he knows of a ministry and leader far better known than Asian Access that is not growing. One reason why we’re seeing exponential growth now—apart from God’s hand of blessing after five decades of sowing— is that I’ve learned the secret to let go...{addthis off}

Doug Birdsall, former president of Asian Access and member of the A2 Board of Directors, also serves on the A2 Vision Council—a group of men and women who help to discern God’s “big picture” vision for the movement. Recently, the Vision Council meeting was scheduled back-to-back with our annual Summit, when Asian Access gathers its national leaders together for spiritual refreshment, vision-casting, and strategic planning. Doug arrived early enough to attend the Summit—and got a very encouraging surprise...

I recently read an article by Thom Rainer entitled ‘The One Common Factor of Effective Church Leaders’. He began the article by asking a critical question, “Is it possible to find one common factor in the lives and ministries of the most effective church leaders?” He answered, “I think so” and then went on to say that “The most effective church leaders are being continuously and intentionally mentored… …it is the difference between good leadership and great leadership for most church leaders.” Having made his point with some conviction, Thom Rainer however had to conclude that “mentoring is missing in over 90% of church leaders’ lives today.” After reading the article, I stopped to say a quiet prayer of thanks for my mentor of over 30 years, John Mallison who happened to be one of the great Christian leaders in Australia for the twentieth century. After an amazingly fruitful life that spanned more than eighty years, John went to be with the Lord he loved while he was out on his morning walk...

At Asian Access, we have been affirmed for our ability to identify leaders who are right for our program. We’ve had numerous requests to share what we believe we have learned. So with humility, let me offer a few thoughts on our approach. The Asian Access approach is rooted in a core value: a commitment to developing a deep love relationship with...

A little delegation can go a long way.

One of the key outcomes Asian Access works for its graduates to realize is to Reproduce Disciple-Making Leaders. We know that more ministry can be accomplished, more effectively—and more healthily--when teams of leaders are developed and responsibilities are delegated.

However, this model is not necessarily the norm...