Hello and welcome!

Thank you for visiting our website and taking the time to read my bio today.

I have had the joy of serving as the pastor at Hope United Methodist Church of Torrance since 2019. My time here has been deeply restorative, helping me reconnect with our loving and holy God. I hope you consider checking us out and discover whether this faith community might be a blessing prepared for you, as well. Our worship style is casual and welcoming. Please come just as you are! You will find a multi-generational community of warm and open-minded individuals from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds. We would love to walk alongside you on your faith journey.

A little about me: I was born and raised in South Korea and moved to the U.S. at the age of 23. I hold two master’s degrees: a Master of Theological Studies from the Iliff School of Theology in CO and a Master of Divinity from the Claremont School of Theology in CA. Although I initially resisted, several powerful moments helped me respond to God’s call to ordained ministry. I was commissioned in 2010 and ordained as a full elder in 2015 in the California-Pacific Conference.

My ministry experience includes (but is not limited to) serving as a hospital chaplain at Loma Linda University Medical Center in CA and Washington University Medical Center/Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, with a focus on biblical interpretation and proclamation. I also serve as chairperson of the West District Committee on Ordained Ministry.

In my free time, I enjoy working out, traveling, and spending time with my beloved cats, Francis and Stella. I also love exploring new cultures, tasting new foods, and meeting new people—these experiences are life-giving to me.

We would be delighted to welcome you to worship with us at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. I look forward to meeting you soon!

Thank you again for stopping by. May you have a wonderful day!