Could you tell me a little bit about your introduction to Christianity and church?

My parents. I was born in a pastor’s family. When I was growing up, I went to church. The way I personally got to know him was in high school; that’s when I felt like I was personally invested. I was still immature, and very shallow in my faith.

I think it was my junior year at this retreat in Arrowhead. I think at second evening or so — after the service — during like the response time, I was crying and I don’t usually cry like that. I just remember distinctively that I felt like a sinner but then I had grace. There was something convicting and comforting at the same time.

Compared to your first impression of Christianity, how has your perspective changed?

So, I think I went through an evolution. First I was very much immersed into my Christian sub-culture; I was going to church, had Christian friends, avoided R-rated movies, didn’t cuss, listened to Christian music, and didn’t drink. And I thought that was a good way of me being a good Christian. I think there was sort of elitist view of Christianity. But in college, two things happened. I noticed that there was my hypocrisy. Being a pastor’s child, I see behind-the-scenes of church. I was exposed to politics of church. I went from being pessimistic towards Christianity and church. And then I wandered a bit. Literally, I did anything that I wanted to do. That sounds terrible, but it was terrible. But, there were three brothers in church (in South Korea). They were very confessional with me, and also very humble. So that kind of introduced me to open-mindedness towards church. I thought, maybe I could be like them — be honest and open as those guys. So, that’s when I started to re-enter to church life. I went on mission trips. Stuff like that.

In your opinion, what is special about Christianity?

There is a way that makes me forgetful of myself. It’s okay that I don’t have it all together. I think the good news of Christianity is that there’s an approval or a recognition that I have access to — but, I don’t have to work for. Whether it’s working hard to get into a good school or trying to get a decent job […] I’m not really good at pleasing everyone that’s why I am always worried, stressed, or anxious. But the good news is, here is somebody [Christ] who lived a good life and can take away all the bad things in life that gives ultimate recognition and approval. There’s something liberating in that. There’s not so much of earn of recognition — but, I am already recognized and approved.

What made you want to become a pastor?

I didn’t want to be one. Especially because I grew up in one. I had cynical views toward pastors and ministries. I actually went to go study under this professor — trying to get my Master’s or PhD. But, I met another professor named, Steve Childers, and he presented a gospel that made me feel different because I never heard a gospel like that. He just became my mentor and pastored me. Then I thought what if there are more pastors who are humble and immersed into gospel. I started to turn my boat around. I spent a lot of time with him — at his house, office, and parking lot. Along with that, I picked up a youth pastor job at this church in Orlando, FL. After a year or two, I liked teaching so I switched my degree from MA to MDiv.

What is the most challenging obstacle that you face as a pastor?

Sunday nights because that’s when I get all these thoughts of did I say this right, how did the fellowship go, how did the service go … and it starts weighing me down. Some days it’s tougher than others because as a pastor in training, technically, I am still learning. I am not good at handling some things. That’s when my wife helps me a lot. She encourages me and reminds me that ultimately, I am not in charge of the church. I have to wrestle every Sunday night with my pride and surrender back to God – saying that he’s the one in charge.

What are some problems that you see among the Christian community?

Oh man … I don’t know where to begin. We could probably do better in engaging different cultures. I think there’s a tendency in the Christian community, when there is something in our culture that they find  it “wrong,” and their instinct is to disengage immediately. They physically try to set apart. Holiness doesn’t necessarily mean [physically] setting apart. You need to know how to speak their language and see in different perspectives. For one, we definitely need to do a lot better in engaging people with different ethical views – especially on sexuality, politics, and even with people with different denomination. We need to have respectful dialogue. It doesn’t mean you have to change your views. The problem is you talk about them but not with them. For an example, rather ranting about so and so on Facebook, have them over for dinner. Talk to them and listen to them. Don’t just talk about them.

I think definitely with the younger generation, this is not necessarily their fault, but more and more they’re distant from local church. By that I mean with people like families, older people, or married people. That relation dynamic in college – people who have the same schedule, similar interests, and etc. – they need to interact with people who have different struggles, interests, and etc. I think they need mentors. Like single women should interact with mothers or single men with fathers. Like how TA’s should hangout with professors because you glean and learn from them. It’s great when you have young people together – and, I am not dissing at them. But that kind of passion among young people may not last long – especially when you go into marriage or parenting.

What motivates you to do what you do?

My own flaws. My own everyday struggles with marriage, parenting, studying, and ministry… I am just too weak.

If you could describe Christianity in three words, what would they be?

Truth, transformation, and community.

What is one question that you constantly ask Christ?

Recently, I’ve been asking him this, “What is a disciple?” I know that sounds like something that I should know because it’s like Christianity-101, but recently, I’ve been questioning that a lot.

Most importantly, what makes you happy?

I think I feel something like happiness when I am sitting in an empty movie theatre myself – watching intense action movies. Because a lot of things have to happen for that leisure to happen. Like my deadlines are over, my kids are all well … I know it sounds materialistic, but it’s one of those solitary moments when things are going well.