Hearing From Ken, A3's Founder
It’s a deep joy to introduce this special reflection from Ken, the founder of A3.
In this video, Ken walks us back nearly 50 years to the humble beginnings of the Japan Church Growth Award—an initiative sparked by a powerful challenge from his mentor, Dr. Donald McGavran, the father of the Church Growth Movement. What started as a seed of encouragement for one faithful Japanese pastor—Rev. Takaichi Murakami—grew into a Spirit-led network of churches encircling Tokyo. That seed eventually gave rise to the Japan Church Growth Institute, then to Asian Access, and now to A3’s expanding global impact.
Ken’s story is a beautiful reminder that Kingdom movements are rarely born through grand strategies, but through obedient hearts, relational mentoring, and bold steps of faith. You’ll hear the names of visionaries like Peter Wagner, Rick Warren, and Randy Pope—men who, early in their journeys, linked arms across traditions to see Christ’s Church flourish in Japan and beyond.
I’m so grateful for Ken’s role in planting and watering this movement, and for the faithful leaders—then and now—who have carried this vision forward.
TRANSCRIPT FROM KEN'S VIDEO (see link below)
Good morning, Joe, and thank you for the chance to reflect on a journey that began with a small seed planted in Tokyo over 50 years ago.
Back in seminary, I had the incredible privilege of being mentored by Dr. Donald McGavran—later known as the father of the Church Growth Movement. During my final year of study, McGavran moved his school from Oregon to Fuller Theological Seminary. At the time, there were only a handful of us students, which meant we received a lot of personal attention. I was fortunate to sit under not only McGavran but also other greats like Ralph Winter, Peter Wagner, and Alan Tippett.
Soon after, my wife and I headed to Japan to begin our ministry. On one of my trips back to the seminary, I visited Dr. McGavran—as I often did to renew our connection. During that visit, he looked me in the eye and said, "You know, it’s your responsibility to help visionary pastors in Japan expand their ministries through proper training and equipping."
I laughed nervously and replied, "Nice idea, but I think you’ve got the wrong guy. I’ve never done anything like that."
But McGavran pressed: "Think about it. I believe it’s your responsibility."
And think about it, I did.
Before leaving, I suggested an idea: "What if you came to Japan with me for a month? We could do this together. I could learn while we train pastors on the ground."
He shook his head. "No way. Fuller is just getting off the ground. I need to stay here."
Back in Japan, the idea continued to stir in my mind. I wrote McGavran, proposing a smaller start. "If I can find just one strong candidate—a pastor with a clear vision for church planting but needing help to bring it to life—could we create a church growth award affiliated with Fuller Seminary? You could mentor him remotely."
Surprisingly, McGavran was enthusiastic. And that’s how the seed was planted—with a faithful Japanese pastor named Takaichi Murakami.
Murakami-sensei was a humble man, but a passionate gospel warrior. He envisioned a network of lay-led churches surrounding Tokyo. I thought, Now that’s a vision McGavran would love!
McGavran instructed Murakami to survey the areas he wanted to reach and understand how people in his fellowship had come to faith. After months of preparation, Murakami traveled to the U.S. for six months of intense mentoring with McGavran, Wagner, and others. He also attended seminars with Win Arn and visited Robert Schuller’s ministry. Peter Wagner even introduced him to Randy Pope, who was planting a network of churches around Atlanta through Perimeter Presbyterian Church—a vision similar to Murakami’s.
After writing a paper and receiving feedback from Fuller professors, Murakami returned to Japan and implemented his vision with great success.
Later, I told McGavran, "It’s a lot of effort for one person to come to America. What if we brought the training to Japan?"
"It’s a lot of effort for one person to come to America. What if we brought the training to Japan?"
He said, "Now you’re thinking like I first suggested!"
But we needed the right people—one church growth scholar and a few experienced practitioners. Naturally, I said, "You need to be the first scholar to come."
After some arm-twisting, he agreed.
We had Murakami as the Japanese practitioner, and McGavran suggested we bring in others from the U.S. He connected me with three young leaders who were just getting started in ministry—Rick Warren from Saddleback, Randy Pope from Atlanta, and a Methodist pastor as well.
So there we were: a Baptist, a Presbyterian, and a Methodist, all united around the Great Commission, passionate about helping visionary pastors lead thriving, gospel-centered churches.
That little seed became the Japan Church Growth Award. Then, it grew into the Japan Church Growth Institute. Under the leadership of Doug Birdsall, it evolved into Asian Access—now known as A3—expanding into places like Mongolia and eventually throughout Asia.
And now, Joe, under your leadership, the third generation of A3 is going global. It’s remarkable to see how the Holy Spirit has nurtured this ministry, all for the glory of God. The Spirit has used faithful, gospel-driven leaders to make Christ known, loved, and served across the nations.
God bless you, Joe. You’re God’s man for this hour. May His favor rest on those gathered in Bali as they seek to shine brightly for the gospel in their part of the world.
—Ken
Watch Ken's video clip...
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Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.
President
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