This expert panel was recorded on April 10, 2026, as part of the 2026 conference “Our Flourishing, Our Faith: Navigating Rupture and Repair in Asian American Christian Communities,” presented by the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary and the Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University. The panel featured reflections from Stan Sonu, Sandhya Oaks, and Ben Shin, with a conversation centered on grief, lament, hidden ruptures in the church, family rupture and repair, and the possibility of healing within Asian American Christian communities. You can learn more about this conference here:
https://ourflourishing.org/
Building on the conference’s plenary sessions, this panel brings together voices from medicine, ministry, spiritual direction, theology, and pastoral practice to reflect on how rupture and repair are experienced across families, churches, and communities. The conversation explores the challenges of witnessing grief, engaging lament, naming hidden wounds, resisting silence, and making space for honest repair. Through personal stories and practical wisdom, the panelists consider how Asian American Christians can move toward healing through patience, curiosity, hospitality, embodied faith, and the hope of Christ.
Stan Sonu is an associate professor of internal medicine and pediatrics whose work engages questions of health, flourishing, mental health, and Asian American Christian life. Sandhya Oaks is a ministry leader, story coach, spiritual director, and full-time missionary who works with adoptees, Asian Americans, South Asians, and those navigating grief. Ben Shin is an associate professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, a pastor, and a leader in Asian American theological education. Together, they offer a thoughtful and pastoral conversation on what it means to pursue repair, resilience, and faithful presence in Asian American Christian communities.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Panel Setup and Welcome
01:08 Meet the Panelists
06:30 Why Grief Feels Hard
11:29 Survival Mode and Silence
17:47 Moving Toward Lament
22:27 Hidden Church Ruptures
29:59 Healthier Leadership Practices
31:53 Family Identity and Repair
32:09 Sandhya Adoption and Forgiveness
39:09 Stan Mother Story and Curiosity
48:37 Ben Spiritual Family Repair
50:19 Closing Reflections and Thanks
