From July 17 to 20, the 23rd NAPAD Convocation was held in Salt Lake City under the theme "Revive, Renew." Over 150 members of the NAPAD family from across the nation shared the joy of reuniting in person throughout the event. Through various meetings and programs, NAPAD pastors and lay leaders exchanged ideas for the growth of NAPAD churches and the revival of the younger generation, and also prayed for each other. More than ten PSWR NAPAD pastors and lay leaders, including Rev. Richie Sanchez (PSWR Regional Minister), attended the event. Notably, on the third day, there was a time for cultural exchange, where everyone celebrated and respected the diversity among them with joy. Through this Convocation, NAPAD, which consists of 19 different ethnic groups as one family, once again confirmed that the value of diversity is a gift from God. Rev. Chung Seong Kim, who has dedicated the past six years as NAPAD Executive Pastor, was re-elected with everyone’s blessing. He reaffirmed his commitment to the growth of NAPAD ministry for the next six years.

In 1891, the first Asian Disciples community was established by the First Christian Church of Portland, Oregon and Christian Woman’s Board of Missions. Since then, another Chinese Christian Mission was founded in 1907 in San Francisco, the first Japanese Disciple church in 1908 in LA, the first Filipino Disciples in 1933, and Wilshire Korean Christian Church in 1976.

As the first Executive Pastor of North American Asian Ministries, Geunhee Yu was appointed in 1992 with only 8 Asian Disciple churches.  In 2011, Jinsuk Cheon started to serve NAPAD as Executive Pastor of NAPAD.  Now, NAPAD is composed with 13 different Asian and Pacific ethnics who are using 16 different languages and its members are about 7,000 attending more than 90 Disciple churches.  Approximately 75% of the congregations are Koreans and the major number of Korean churches is in California. Currently, NAPAD is led by Executive Pastor Chung Seong Kim.

PURPOSE

  1. To participate in God's mission through the various expressions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada.

  2. To contribute to the wholeness and unity of the Chrstian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada.

  3. To advocate for Pacific/Asian Disciples within and outside the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada.

  4. To share the gifts and traditions of Pacific/Asian Disciples with the wider church.                                                                                                        (From NAPAD Bylaws)