BREAKING NEWS: Dallas Mavericks Asian NextGen Pastors Network addresses church hurt for….. view more

BREAKING NEWS: Dallas Mavericks Asian NextGen Pastors Network Addresses Church Hurt at SBC Pre-Conference

On June 9, 2025, the Asian NextGen Pastors Network, a collective of English-speaking Asian American and Canadian pastors affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), convened a pivotal pre-conference at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. The event, held in conjunction with the SBC’s annual meeting, focused on the pressing issue of “church hurt” within Asian church contexts

A Gathering of Healing and Hope

The micro-conference featured a keynote session by Jamie Dunlop, author of Love the Ones Who Drive You Crazy, which delves into fostering unity in diverse church communities. The day also included a panel discussion where pastors and leaders shared personal experiences and strategies for addressing and healing from church-related trauma. The overarching goal was to encourage, equip, and empower God’s people to navigate and overcome the challenges of church hurt.

The Context of Church Hurt in Dallas

The timing of this gathering was particularly significant given the recent wave of pastor resignations and controversies in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Since June 2024, at least 11 pastors have stepped down or been removed from their positions due to various allegations, including moral failures and misconduct. Notably, prominent figures such as Tony Evans of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and Robert Morris of Gateway Church have faced scrutiny, leading to a heightened sense of disillusionment among congregants.

Addressing the Needs of NextGen Asian Pastors

The SBC Asian Collective, initiated in 2018, aims to unite Asian American and Canadian churches within the SBC. In 2021, the NextGen Pastors Network was established to connect English-speaking pastors across various Asian ethnic fellowships. This network provides a platform for mentorship, collaboration, and mutual support, recognizing the unique challenges faced by second- and third-generation Asian leaders in predominantly white church settings.

Terrence Shay, co-coordinator of the network, emphasized the importance of creating a church culture that includes counseling and care as part of the discipleship process. He encouraged leaders to develop meaningful fellowship and model such care, setting expectations early in a new disciple’s life.

Looking Ahead

The SBC Asian Collective’s efforts to address church hurt and support NextGen pastors are ongoing. Future initiatives include retreats, book clubs, and mentoring programs aimed at fostering resilience and unity within the community. As the collective continues to grow, it remains committed to providing resources and support to Asian American and Canadian pastors navigating the complexities of church leadership in a multicultural context.

For more information about the SBC Asian Collective and the NextGen Pastors Network, visit