For Us, By Us: Integrating Psychology and Theology Through the Filipino American Ministry Initiative

Though the Filipino American population has now reached 4.5 million and 90% identify as Christian or connected to Christianity, the Filipino American Ministry Initiative (FAMI) at Fuller Theological Seminary is the first and only Filipino-American-focused entity at any seminary or theological institution. Central to FAMI’s work are its formation groups, through which findings from Filipino American psychology are brought together with perspectives from leading Filipino American theologians and ministry leaders. This article reflects on FAMI’s contributions to Asian American psychology and theology, also raising questions for future integrative work. The following seeks to provide a description of this program while drawing on direct feedback from FAMI participants to discuss the weaknesses and strengths of the program as well as potential future directions for the curriculum.