A group of Asian American pastors of various backgrounds gathered in Oceanside, CA this week from May 2-4 for an annual retreat called 'Synergy,' during which pastors shared their insights and experiences on the topic of leadership.
Synergy, which began in 2006, was launched with the hope to "provide a place where pastors can learn from other pastors through a time of mutual learning and encouragement," said Steve Choi, the lead pastor of Crossway Community Church who started the gatherings.
"I started this retreat out of the desire to encourage the kingdom and bless other churches by encouraging the pastors," Choi explained.
This year's discussions were focused on the theme, "Leading Myself, Leading at Home, Leading the Church."
Choi was joined by 33 pastors, including Cory Ishida, the lead pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church of San Gabriel Valley; Sam Koh, the lead pastor of Hillside LA; Sam Park of Community Church at Holliston; Tim Lee, the lead pastor of South Bay Mission Church; Woogie Kim, the lead pastor of the English congregation at Shalom Presbyterian Church; and Ed Kim, the lead pastor of the English congregation at Gardena Presbyterian Church; among others.
Pastors and ministers of various backgrounds attended this year's conference, including one who does overseas mission work, church planters, English ministry pastors, and seminary professors. Many came from outside of California, including from Plano, TX, Atlanta, GA, and Sydney, Australia.
"This is one of my favorite events for pastors because it's somewhat more casual and intimate," shared Steve Chang, the lead pastor of Living Hope Community Church, which is one of the sponsoring churches of the retreat.
Other churches who sponsored this year's gathering include Jubilee Presbyterian Church, Good News Chapel, Young Nak Celebration Church, Evergreen Baptist Church of SGV, and Crossway Community Church.
