In this episode, Walter Kim shares his inspiring journey from immigrant roots to leading the National Association of Evangelicals. He discusses the importance of cultural understanding, the history of evangelicalism, and the unique role of Asian American leaders in the church.Our guests share from their own experience and conviction, and the perspectives expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of SOLA Network or every leader associated with SOLA.00:00 - Introducing Walter Kim and the mission of the podcast00:28 - Walter’s background and invitation to share his story00:44 - Immigrant roots, New York, and becoming a Christian02:37 - Ministry path through Cru, Vancouver, Boston, and Charlottesville03:06 - Bridge-building as a life calling03:54 - Church contexts in Canada, Boston, and Charlottesville05:26 - How Walter ended up being considered for NAE leadership05:48 - The tension with family expectations and ministry calling06:42 - His father’s conversion through that journey07:42 - Reflection on vocation, faith, and leadership08:13 - Discovering the NAE through Park Street Church history08:39 - Becoming a board member and later a candidate for president09:28 - Family reconciliation, leadership, and faithfulness10:21 - The question of why Walter said yes to the nomination11:12 - A personal answer: family, special needs, and discernment12:39 - Hitting his 50s and wondering if opportunities had passed13:07 - “Maybe your ship has sailed” and the turning point14:03 - Recognizing he wasn’t pursuing fame or influence14:56 - Feeling released into the work after years of character formation16:05 - The temptation of influence and the importance of character17:09 - What the NAE is and who it represents18:04 - The NAE’s witness to the gospel across every area of life19:01 - The challenge of defining evangelicalism in culture21:17 - The origins of the NAE and the third way between extremes22:56 - Position and posture in evangelical witness24:24 - Why the term evangelical still matters25:22 - Evangelicalism in the Reformation and Great Awakenings26:49 - Revival, missions, and the term’s modern use27:47 - Why the word should be recaptured, not abandoned28:27 - Evangelical identity, politics, and public misunderstanding29:55 - Diversity in evangelicalism and immigrant church growth31:23 - Problems with polling and self-identification32:20 - The broader story of evangelical diversity in America33:42 - Mainline, evangelical, and global South complexity35:02 - Why survey data misses many believers36:38 - Recapturing the meaning of evangelical language37:46 - Three unique contributions of Asian American leaders38:15 - Bridge-building in pluralistic society39:40 - The shift from guilt-based to shame-based culture40:49 - Why the gospel should be more multilingual41:48 - Presenting the gospel through honor and shame43:47 - A richer, multilingual expression of the good news45:12 - Walter’s encouragement to Asian American pastors and leaders