How did you come to Christ? I came to Christ during my early years of high school. I had grown up in the church and in particular, a pastor’s home. I had a “conversion experience” at a young age, but it never really translated into changed living. My life was a list of do’s and don’ts, and not grace-filled living. If you asked me why I was going to heaven, I probably would have given you a list of good works I was doing. There was no grace, there was no mention of Jesus Christ. It was a me-focused salvation. In between my freshman and sophomore year of high school, I went to our church summer camp. The speakers that year spoke about true faith and repentance, and I knew the Holy Spirit was convicting me and telling me that I was not truly a believer. I wrestled the whole week with fear and embarrassment, but finally I couldn’t stand it any longer. I went forward the last evening of camp and truly repented and asked God to save me from a life of self-righteous works.
How did you meet your wife? I met my wife at college. At that time I worked for the president of our college, and my wife wanted to come and visit his office. A mutual friend of ours told her that she knew someone who worked there, and that she could set up a visit. So it was through that mutual friend and the visit to my work that my interest was piqued. I told my friend, “I really like that girl…I wonder if she’d like to do dinner…” From there on out, it started a wonderful friendship, which then blossomed into a relationship.
What made you decide to study Biblical Counseling? I actually wanted to go into child psychology. The Master’s College did not have a psychology program, but rather a biblical counseling program. I remember thinking, “Biblical counseling sounds pretty simplistic; I think I need better training than this.” Through 4 years of classes and interaction, though, I am convinced that the Bible has the answers man desperately needs. Biblical counseling offers a comprehensive and compassionate approach to understanding man and his problems. Biblical counseling is focused on Jesus Christ, who is the Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6).
Why is Biblical Counseling important in the context of a local church? Biblical counseling is important to the local church because Jesus Christ asked us to be in relationship with other people. Biblical counseling is really a practical, in-depth form of biblical discipleship and friendship. There are many examples of what this looks like in the New Testament in the form of the “one-anothers” of Scripture. Biblical counseling seeks to help the believer fully incarnate and facilitate these types of relationships. God’s Word and God’s people have the answers people are looking for, and it is our hope that those seeking help would find it in the church.
What are you most excited about as Harvest in Green becomes part of Parkside? I am most excited about Harvest becoming a part of Parkside because I believe it brings great glory to God. The whole process of being adopted and taken under the wing of Parkside Church has been an amazing testimony to God’s faithfulness, mercy, kindness, and compassion. To an unbelieving world, this partnership and adoption is a real display of Christlike unity which is unique in this day and time.
What are your primary responsibilities as Parkside expands to the campus in Green and how might you assist individuals in their daily Christian walks? At the Green Campus I have the privilege of serving with a wonderful staff and oversee a variety of ministries. Currently I give oversight and leadership to Children’s Ministry, Men’s and Women’s Ministry, Counseling Ministry, Young Marrieds’, and the basic administration of the campus.
What are ways that individuals can be involved in the ministry areas you oversee? I would love for people to be involved in our ministries at the Green Campus. There are many areas which needs leaders and helpers. Whatever your gifting may be, there is a place to serve the body at the Green Campus.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? Probably the biggest surprise for people who do not know me is that I am adopted from Korea. When people see my parents for the first time it’s normally quite a shock!
How can Parkside be an encouragement to you and your family? I have found the people at Parkside to be very kind, warm and inviting. As a continued encouragement to my family, I would say come up and tell me what the Lord is doing in your life. What are you excited about? What are you most passionate about? My wife and I would love to learn more about the families of Parkside Church and particularly those at our Green Campus.
Quick Facts
Where did you grow up?I was adopted from South Korea at age of 1. At that time my adoptive parents lived in Georgia. We moved to Alaska when I was 12.
Where did you go (are you going) to school? The Master’s College, where I double majored in History and Biblical Counseling, as well as masters work in biblical counseling. I am currently in the M.Div. program at Southern Theological Seminary.
Married to whom and for how long? Jennifer. This November we will have been married for 3 years.
Children? One daughter, Ava Grace, born in February 2009
Favorite Scripture passage? My favorite Scripture passage is 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
Most influential book: “Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands” by Paul David Tripp and “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo.
Hobbies: Jen and I love to travel and visit different places. We also love to have people in our home to eat, play games, and develop relationships.
