by Daniel Lim

This spring, I had the privilege of attending the Called to Awaken the Laity (CAL) seminar at Sarang Church in Anaheim, California. The seminar focused on discipleship, leadership development, and healthy church ministry practices. One of the most valuable aspects was seeing how intentional discipleship can shape not only individuals but the culture of an entire church. I left with concrete tools for thinking about leadership development, spiritual formation, and how to cultivate a church culture where membership and ministry are inseparable.

As a pastor serving in a bilingual, multi-generational church context, I came away encouraged and with practical ideas to apply in our young adult and English ministries. This summer, I am launching a discipleship cohort of eight young adults, and the CAL framework has shaped how I am structuring our formation pipeline, from helping people meaningfully connect to the church all the way through leadership development and disciple-making.

I am deeply grateful to BGAV for making this opportunity possible through its continuing education scholarship. Pastoral ministry rarely affords the time or resources to step away for sustained learning, and this scholarship gave me that freedom. I encourage other pastors to consider applying. It is a meaningful investment not only in our own development but in the churches we serve.

Learn more about BGAV scholarships and ministerial education funds.

Rev. Danny Lim is executive pastor at Shining Star Community Church in Falls Church, VA, a BGAV-participating congregation.

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