The mission of PaLM's Laity Project is to equip and serve Asian American lay leaders through fellowship, training and mentoring.
"...so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Romans 12:5-8
To Build, Equip, Advance and Renew the Asian American Laity. We are dedicated to unity, fellowship, training and mentoring to establishing the Asian American laity in inviting its members to join together to be used by God for the Kingdom work.
"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." -Ephesians 2:1-10
"All believers are called to serve God"
The laity must be enabled and trained to partner with the clergy in service to God. Both are needed and both must work together cooperatively if God is to penetrate the marketplace and make advances in the world. To date the idea of partnering with the pastor and the church staff has been lacking in most churches. It's an idea that needs to be emphasized and developed. Through the Laity Project, PaLM seeks to help our churches build up and utilize their Laity through a process of exposure, engagement, reflection and action.
To Build, Equip, Advance and Renew the Asian American Laity. We are dedicated to unity, fellowship, training and mentoring to establishing the Asian American laity in inviting its members to join together to be used by God for the Kingdom work.
Building: It will serve the Asian American leadership through ENGAGE (English-speaking Asian Group Experience) Fellowship meetings for networking and support for Asian American leadership. It is an opportunity the body of Christ to share and encouraging one another. We will have a series of talks and special guest speakers to offer some insights on Asian American ministry and practical strategies.
Equipping: Provide opportunities for lay leaders to develop their skills through training. With relevant partnership with Seminaries, Ministries and Ministry leaders, and churches we hope to impact and strengthen the church through providing significant training and resources for the local Asian American church.
Advancing and Renewing: With these several projects, the hope for our ministry is for pastoral oversight and insight to these leaders to provide guidance and mentorship.
This movement and dialogue springs from PaLM's deep commitment and concern for the future of the Asian American Church. It is our hope that from this movement that resources will be developed and made available for the encouragement of our Asian American laity and congregations.
