Awakening | The AACC Conference 2026 — Sept 28

The AACC Conference 2026

Following Jesus more fully. Embracing our identity more deeply. Walking the journey together.

Sept 28–30, 2026 · Tapestry Church, Los Angeles

The Invitation

All of us are on a journey to discover our identity, calling, and purpose in Jesus — and it's a journey we're not meant to take alone.

For Asian American and Pacific Islander Christians, that journey is best walked together — with people who share our history, our heritage, and our desire to follow Jesus fully. From every region of the country, across generations and cultures, we're coming together for two and a half days to do exactly that.

We know what it takes to step away from work, family, and everyday responsibilities for 2.5 days, so this gathering is designed to offer more than inspiration—it’s about equipping you for what comes next. Our speakers will share honestly from their own journeys while offering practical tools to help you navigate the anxiety, stress, and pressures of a rapidly changing world, deepen your understanding of Scripture, and live out your faith with greater confidence and purpose.

This year’s theme, Awakening, reflects what we believe God is doing in this moment—calling His people to wake up to the identity, purpose, and calling He has already given us. As we are awakened more fully to who we are in Christ, we can become a people who help bring renewal and awakening to the Church and to the world around us.

The Awakening Journey

Keynotes

Each night and morning moves the story forward — from the healing that has to happen first, to the mission we carry home.

01 · Monday Night · Opening Session

A Healing to Be Experienced

Following Jesus means allowing him into the wounded places of our lives—our grief, loss, relationships, racial and cultural experiences, and the pain we sometimes learn to carry silently. As we surrender those places to Christ, we discover that healing is essential to becoming whole in our identity, rooted in our faith and ready to carry hope to others.

Faith Eury Cho

Co-Founding Pastor, Mosaic Covenant Church; Founder, The Honor Summit

02 · Tuesday Morning

A Witness to Be Redeemed

Redeeming and applying the gospel witness of Asian American Christians by drawing from our histories, cultures, and identities to embody a resilient, compassionate, and Christ-centered faith in a divided and cynical world.

Nirup Alphonse

Founding Lead Pastor, LIFEGATE Church, Denver

03 · Tuesday Night · Evening Session

An Identity to Be Reclaimed

Reclaiming a more rooted identity by naming the expectations Asian American Christians have inherited from culture, church, and family—and rediscovering who we are in Christ.

Charles Choe

Lead Pastor, Tapestry LA Church

04 · Wednesday Morning

A Community to Be Embraced

Making the case for community as the antidote to the isolation so many carry — and why belonging to a people who understand the journey isn't optional, but essential.

Jenni Wong Clayville

Executive Pastor, NoVA Community Church

05 · Wednesday · Closing Session

A Mission to Be Pursued

Sending every attendee home awake to a mission that is genuinely theirs — not a calling borrowed from someone else's story, but one shaped by their own.

Ray Chang

President, AACC; Executive Director, TENx10 Collaboration

All Sessions

Worship

Music and presence that makes space for the whole room to behold Christ together.

Common Gathering

Common Gathering is the worship ministry of Tapestry LA Church in Downtown Los Angeles, created to help people experience the presence of the Living God through creative, authentic worship. Since launching in 2022, the collective has written and released original music rooted in surrender, devotion and a desire to behold Jesus, including their 2026 full-length album, WE WON'T LOOK AWAY. At its heart, Common Gathering exists to host God's presence, serve the local church and offer new songs that inspire worshippers around the world to behold and exalt Christ.

Your Hosts

Guiding the room from the first welcome to the closing send-off.

Jenni Wong Clayville

Executive Pastor, NoVA Community Church

Jenni Wong Clayville is the Executive Pastor, Global Missions Pastor, and a member of the teaching team at NoVA Community Church in the Washington, DC area, bringing more than two decades of pastoral ministry experience across a wide range of church leadership roles.

Joe Jensen

VP of Development & Strategic Partnerships, AACC

Joe Jensen serves as Vice President of Development and Strategic Partnerships for the Asian American Christian Collaborative and Chief Partnerships Officer at Barna Group, following more than two decades of full-time church ministry.

Panels

Conversations exploring Asian American Christian identity, faith, leadership, and witness.

Tuesday, Late Morning

A History to Be Uncovered

Historians and scholars unpack the AAPI story that rarely makes it into textbooks or Sunday sermons — the immigration battles, exclusion laws, and community histories that shaped who we are.

Dr. Jane Hong — Historian, Occidental College
Dr. Russell Jeung — SF State; co-founder, Stop AAPI Hate
Daniel Yang — Senior Director of Global Mission and Church Movements, World Relief

Tuesday Afternoon

A Truth to Be Anchored In

Exploring how Scripture speaks into the unique experiences, questions, and realities of Asian American Christians—and how our cultural lenses can deepen our understanding of God’s Word without compromising its truth.

Dr. Janette H. Ok — Fuller Seminary; Ekko Church
Dr. Soong-Chan Rah — Fuller Seminary; Chair, AACC Board
Dustin Lang — Founding Pastor, NewStory SGV

Tuesday, Evening Session

A Legacy to Be Celebrated

Drawing from the wisdom of AACC’s 2026 Legacy Award recipients—leaders whose decades of faithful service have shaped generations of AAPI Christians—this conversation reflects on the lessons, perseverance, and moments of God’s faithfulness that have marked their journeys. Together, they’ll share their hopes and blessings for the next generation as they consider what it means to carry that legacy forward.

Wayne Ogimachi — 2026 Legacy Award Winner
Jeanette Yep — 2026 Legacy Award Winner
Osamu “Sam” Tonomura — 2026 Legacy Award Winner

Wednesday, Late Morning

Generations to Be Empowered

What happens when young leaders and seasoned voices sit down together—not to talk at each other, but to actually listen? This panel brings emerging Gen Z leaders into conversation with veteran leaders for an honest, intergenerational exchange: what each generation is learning, unlearning, and discovering about leadership, faith, and identity from the other. Expect candor over polish, and a shared conviction that empowerment runs both directions.

Izzy Koo — Next Gen Coordinator, AACC
Hannah Andrews — Marketing Director, Barna
Cam Sunarjo — Student Leader, Cru/Epic at University of Arkansas
Margaret Yu — Founder, YTM Leadership
Mary Anne De La Torre — Executive Pastor, North Jersey Vineyard Church
Wayne Ogimachi — 2026 Legacy Award Winner

Workshops

Sessions for the questions leaders are actually wrestling with.

All workshops take place Tuesday in two slots, 2:30 PM and 3:45 PM — every session repeats in both slots except where noted.

Workshop No. 1 · Main Auditorium

An Asian American Christian History of the Present

Dr. Jane Hong

2:30 PM & 3:45 PM

A historian’s look at the people, events, and cultural forces that have shaped the AAPI Christian experience in America—and why understanding our history matters for how we understand our identity, navigate the present, and lead into the future.

Workshop No. 2 · Upper Room

1 John: Forming Faithful Imagination in a Fractured World

Dr. Janette H. Ok

2:30 PM & 3:45 PM

Explore how 1 John can form a faithful, Christ-centered imagination that helps us navigate division, discern truth, love one another, and embody a compelling witness in a fractured world.

Workshop No. 3 · Glass Room

Holistic Discipleship for Lasting Faith in Asian American Youth

Dr. Justin H. Wong and Dr. Clark Fobes

2:30 PM & 3:45 PM

Discover a holistic approach to faith formation that addresses barriers to whole-life discipleship and equips churches and leaders to cultivate resilient, lasting faith in Asian American young people.

Workshop No. 4 · Tapestry Kids

Restoring Connection: Mental Health for Asian American Christian Leaders and Families

Dr. Jessica ChenFeng

2:30 PM & 3:45 PM

Today's countless variables affect our sense of well-being and relational connection with God, others, and ourselves. As a society, we're experiencing increased burnout and exhaustion. How do we make sense of this through Asian American Christian perspectives? This workshop offers a framework for understanding our current mental and relational health challenges, plus practical tools for Asian American Christian leaders and anyone wrestling with these questions.

Workshop No. 5 · Overflow Room

The Search for Asian American Worship

Dr. Russell Yee

2:30 PM & 3:45 PM

Explore how Asian American culture, identity, and experience can shape worship that is biblically rooted, culturally contextualized, and uniquely expressive of the gifts Asian American Christians bring to the Church.

Workshop No. 6 · Large Conference Room

America Came to Us First: Southeast Asian Americans and the Church's Witness for Today

Daniel Yang

2:30 PM only — does not repeat

The arrival of Southeast Asians after the Vietnam War reshaped Asian America and gave the church a living memory of how war, foreign policy, and migration intersect. Drawing from Hmong, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Lao, and other refugee experiences, Daniel will explore how churches responded, how Southeast Asian Christians shaped the American church, and what this history can teach us about today's displacement crises. He will also consider how Asian American Christians can steward this legacy for discipleship, public witness, solidarity, and faithful engagement.

Workshop No. 7 · Large Conference Room

Asian American Spiritual Formation: Bridging the Gap Between Head and Heart

Sam Lee

3:45 PM only — does not repeat

Many Asian cultures place a high value on learning and education, which has often seeped into the church and our discipleship. So much of how we relate to God is through our head — through knowledge and learning. The result is a chasm between head and heart: what we believe about God and our lived experience of Him. To help bridge this gap, we'll consider how to engage with God through our heart and emotions.

Panelists and Workshop Leaders

Hover over a name to read their bio — or tap to open it in full.

Beyond the Sessions

Affinity Groups

Affinity Groups create space to connect with others who share similar roles and ministry contexts—building relationships, exchanging ideas, and learning from people navigating many of the same opportunities and challenges.

Networking Sessions

Monday Night, after the evening session

Youth Leaders
Executive / Senior Leaders
College / Campus Ministry
Missions / Justice
Marketplace
Worship / Creative

Special Interest Sessions

Tuesday Night, after the evening session

Gaza
Immigration
Community Development (CCDA)
Healing Ministry (Vineyard)
Mental Health

September 28–30, 2026

Schedule

Monday's free TENx10 pre-conference begins at 9:00 AM, with registration opening at 5:30 PM and the opening session at 7:00 PM. The conference closes at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, September 30. Details are subject to change as the event approaches.

Day One

Monday, September 28

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM · FREE Pre-Conference hosted by TENx10 (limited spots, lunch included)
5:30 PM · Registration opens
7:00 PM · Opening Session
8:30 PM · Affinity Groups (subject to change)

Day Two

Tuesday, September 29

9:00 AM · Morning Session
11:30 AM · Lunch
1:00 PM · Afternoon Session
2:30 PM · Workshop No. 1
3:30 PM · Break
3:45 PM · Workshop No. 2
4:45 PM · Break
5:30 PM · Dinner
7:00 PM · Evening Session
8:30 PM · Affinity Groups (subject to change)

Day Three

Wednesday, September 30

9:00 AM · Morning Session
12:00 PM · End of Conference

Tuesday Evening Program

2026 AACC Legacy Award Winners

The 2026 AACC Legacy Awards honor Asian American Christian leaders whose decades of faithful service have helped shape the identity, discipleship, and witness of AAPI Christians. This year's recipients will be recognized during the Tuesday evening program as we celebrate their lasting impact on generations of leaders, churches, and communities.

Monday, September 28 · Pre-Conference

TENx10 Next Gen Leaders Pre-Conference

For anyone investing in, discipling, or leading the next generation.

Whether you're a youth pastor or volunteer, educator, college or campus ministry leader, senior church leader—or a young person already stepping into leadership—the TENx10 Next Gen Leaders Pre-Conference is designed to equip you to more effectively engage, equip, and empower the next generation.

Spend the day learning alongside leaders from TENx10, exploring fresh research and insights about Gen Alpha teens, and collaborating with other leaders who share a passion for helping young people develop a faith that matters for their whole lives. TENx10's work centers on relational discipleship radically focused on Jesus, while emerging Gen Alpha research is helping leaders better understand how today's teens are navigating faith, identity, belonging, and purpose.

This won't just be a day of listening. Through teaching, conversation, collaborative workshops, and practical application, we'll wrestle together with what it looks like to reimagine how we form the faith of young people in a rapidly changing world—and leave with ideas and tools you can put into practice in your own context.

Come ready to learn, connect, collaborate, and imagine what's possible for the next generation.

Schedule

9:00 AM — Opening Session: Welcome, worship and vision for the next generation, featuring insights from TENx10 leaders and new research on Gen Alpha teens.
11:30 AM — Lunch + Connection: Lunch provided, with space to meet and connect with other Next Gen leaders.
12:30 PM — Afternoon Session: Interactive workshops and collaborative conversations focused on turning insights into action—exploring practical ways to engage, equip, disciple, and empower young people in our churches, schools, ministries, and communities.

To sign up, be sure to select Pre-Conference when you register for the conference.

For the Next Generation

Student Scholarship Application

We believe the next generation isn’t just the church of tomorrow—they are the church right here, right now.

If you are an undergraduate, graduate, or doctorate student, we want you in the room at The AACC Conference 2026: Awakening. We know that balancing tuition, living expenses, and event registration can be a stretch, which is why—due to generous donors—we have dedicated student scholarships available to help make attendance accessible.

What the Scholarship Covers

Selected recipients will receive a subsidized registration rate to join us this September 28–30 in Los Angeles for powerful keynotes, worship, and community building.

Application Guidelines & Details

Rolling Basis: Scholarships are granted on a first-come, first-served basis until the fund is fully committed. We encourage you to apply early.
Review Process: Our team reviews applications promptly, and you will be notified of your status via email within 24 hours of submission.

Ready to Apply?

Fill out the quick application form below to let us know a little bit about your studies and why you're eager to join us at Awakening 2026.

All information shared in this application is kept strictly confidential between you and our small review committee. AACC is an equal opportunity provider; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or disability.

Apply Here

Empowering Women in Ministry

The WIM Scholarship Fund

At AACC, we are committed to the flourishing of those leading on the front lines of faith. We recognize that women in pastoral and professional ministry—including chaplains and campus ministers—often face unique systemic and financial hurdles. Through a generous donor, we are proud to offer a subsidized registration rate of $50 (normally $299) for leaders in these roles.

Eligibility

Consistent with the donor’s intent to support the flourishing of women in ministry, this scholarship is open to:

Ordained women in any denomination.
Women in professional ministry settings (Chaplaincy, Campus Ministry, etc.).

Priority

Once the scholarship fund is fully committed, we will be unable to accept further applications. While we wish we could support every leader, funds are limited. Preference will be given to applicants demonstrating the greatest financial need—specifically those serving in bi-vocational roles, small-budget congregations, or settings with limited professional development funding.

Application Instructions

Deadline: We encourage early application, as scholarships are granted until the fund is depleted.
Review: Applications are reviewed by our selection committee to ensure alignment with the generous donor’s intent.
Notification: You will be notified of your status via email within 24 hours of your submission.

All information shared in this application is kept strictly confidential between you and our small review committee. AACC is an equal opportunity provider; while these funds are donor-restricted for women in ministry, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or disability.

Apply Here

The Venue

Tapestry LA Church

Awakening is hosted at Tapestry LA Church in Downtown Los Angeles — a multiethnic church family in the heart of the city, and home of the Common Gathering worship collective.

Location

Tapestry LA Church
1521 South Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Get directions

Fly Into

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

Stay At

Book your stay by August 27th to lock in our exclusive AACC discounted rate. Rooms in our block are limited and settle on a first-come, first-served basis.

AC Hotel Downtown LA
1260 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015
Hotel Figueroa
939 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015
The Moxy LA
1260 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015
E-Central
1020 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Thanks to Our Sponsors

About AACC

We exist to help AAPI Christians and Churches Flourish

Equipping: Resources for AAPI Christians and church leaders navigating faith, identity, and ministry.
Convening: Events and conferences, like this one, that bring the AAPI church together to grow.
Advocacy: Giving voice to the AAPI Christian experience in the Church and in the broader culture.

Let's be awakened — together.

Sept 28–30, 2026 · Tapestry Church, Los Angeles