New Sharon Welcomes Reverend Dr. Insung Kim

I have several Bible verses that I like, but Acts 3:6 tops the list by far, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.”   It describes me and who I am. When you look at me, I do not have much to offer. I am an Asian man, the bottom of the totem pole. In addition, I am not the prettiest, tallest, richest, smartest in the world BUT I have Jesus in my heart,“Apart from me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

That makes me greater and better than the prettiest, tallest, richest, smartest in the world because all things are possible with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Just like Peter, I have been transformed by the presence of Jesus in my life, and ever since then, I am a fisher of all people (all means all, y’all!). I have 20 years of ministry experience under my belt so I am not so naive to think it is easy to catch people, let alone fish. I also know people are floppier, slimier, dirtier, stinkier than fish. That’s why Jesus came, and I have the pleasure of serving the master fisherman. I am so excited about where God is leading New Sharon and am so grateful that I can be part of that epic story.

I was born and raised in Seoul, Korea as a “PK”–or the son of a Methodist minister – followed in my father’s footsteps. I came to the United States in 2003 to earn a Master of Divinity degree at Claremont School of Theology in CA. I am married to Hannah (Hyun-Joo) Kim eight years ago, the most beautiful and wise woman in the world and a wonderful co-minister as well. We are envisioning New Sharon church becoming a powerhouse for Jesus in the community! My goals for the first year at New Sharon are to preach excellent sermons (needless to say), get to know you more, set up new equipment to help us stay connected closely and engaged with our congregation, bring financial stability to the church, and visit the brokenhearted, disappointed, and lost sheep and lead them back into the fold. I hope you hold me accountable for these goals.

This is my 5th appointment as an Elder in the NC Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Los Angeles Korean UMC (2008) , San Fernando UMC (2012) in the California- Pacific Conference; Mullen UMC, Tryon UMC (2017) in the Great Plains Conference; Marysville GMC (2020) in the Heartland Conference

I am a graduate of:   Methodist Theological University in Seoul, South Korea, (BA in Theology), Claremont School of Theology (M.Div.),  Saint Paul School of Theology (D.Min. in Church Renewal & Pastoral Care)

If you are wondering how to address me in church, I am most comfortable with “Insung.” But if you don’t feel comfortable with that, you can call me, “Pastor Insung.”