Director of Pastoral Care

As a ministry associate, Nancy serves as Director of Pastoral Care. She has been worshipping at Village since January of 2016 and is so delighted to be here. She shares, “Joining a church fellowship later in life could have been a daunting experience, but not at Village. In my personal need for fellowship, I discovered a community of loving, caring people who are like-minded in their desire to wholeheartedly follow and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Nancy accepted the Lord as her Savior during her first quarter of college in 1966 when she was studying at Western Washington University to be a first-grade teacher. She has been walking with Him ever since. Her childhood family was a church-going family in Portland and Seattle but didn’t know about that personal relationship with God. In the late sixties, each gave or recommitted their hearts to Him including her parents and two younger sisters.

Nancy and her husband, Moreland, raised two boys who are also Christ-followers, happily married, and each has one child, Margaret (12) and Jaxy (8). Nancy served for 28 years on a church staff as a ministry assistant gaining invaluable experience that prepared her for the next ten years as a chaplain in assisted living. During those ten years, she pursued a Master of Divinity degree at Multnomah Biblical Seminary to be better equipped to teach the Word of God to seniors. She also became board-certified as a chaplain with HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association).

Nancy sees all of this as God’s preparation for her time now at Village. She is open to however God wishes to use her which is currently with pastoral care. Along with our Seniors Director, Jim Clementson, they seek to be used of God to equip and support the believers at Village in their love for the Lord and for one another. One such way is through Village Care which provides many practical ways to reach out and express this care. She welcomes any questions or interest you might have in finding a place to serve!

Director of Worship and the Arts

Ananda was born in Rio de Janeiro. She was raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil where she later earned her degree. After learning English and working in Brazil, she pursued her dream to study abroad and headed to Dallas, Texas for graduate school. Her studies there prepared her for the world of Multicultural Worship ministry. She gained a desire to develop worship communities that enhance unity in diversity and to use music to develop strong intercultural relationships for the unity of the Church, bringing reconciliation among different cultures and peoples.

Ananda holds a BA in Music Education from UFSCar Brazil, a Master of Arts in Worship Studies from Dallas Baptist University, and a graduate level Certificate in Multicultural Teamwork from Dallas International University.

Operations & Admin Coordinator

​​Rory serves as the Operations & Administration Coordinator in the Village Church Office. Her role is to support the daily ministry needs of our community as well as create and improve our countless administrative systems. Rory is also involved with Village Kids ministry on Sundays and Wednesdays and it's a toss up if the kids or Rory have more energy.

Rory attended Village on and off during her time as a student George Fox. She felt a draw to the multicultural faith community here and wanted to be a part of it in a more permanent way. After actively praying and searching for an opening at Village for over a year, Rory joined the staff in October of 2021. Her ministry passions include kids ministry, sustainable missions, and creating resources for vulnerable children in foster care. Rory is currently an MDiv student at Fuller Seminary focusing on intercultural and urban ministry.

When Rory isn’t studying or causing chaos at Village with her humor and over-enthusiastic participation in kids ministry games, she enjoys creating art, baking, and hanging out with her two cats, Jensen and Scotty.

Communications and Digital Media Coordinator

Charlotte Bryan has attended Village since birth. Growing up, she was active in kids and youth programming, volunteering on Sunday mornings, Vacation Bible School, and campus clean up days. She joined the Village Staff in November 2019 and moved into her position as Communications and Digital Media Coordinator in February 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was honored to work alongside our pastors to film and edit the weekly digital service. She can often be seen roaming our campus with a camera in her hand or in the Chapel & Sanctuary tech booths on Sunday mornings. You will also see her on screen with announcements and hear her voice in our scripture reading in the Sanctuary service.

Charlotte holds an Associate Degree in Video Production from Portland Community College. She also has a background performing and designing/directing musical theater. On her off days, Charlotte enjoys a good adventure book or movie, dreaming of Disneyland, gaming, and spending time with her husband Jonathan, their two cats, and her family (the Lindleys).

Village Lead Pastor

Rev. Dr. Paul Kyu-Jin Choi is the Lead Pastor at Village Church, our 9th Lead Pastor in Village’s 70+ year history since 1949.

Having been born in a Christian family, Paul has been on mission for Lord since immigrating to New Zealand from South Korea, as a teenager with his family. He pursued discerning his calling into ministry in earnest as a senior in high school, confirmed through multiple trusted people in his life.

Having graduated from University of Canterbury (NZ) with Philosophy and Japanese majors, he studied Theologies at Regent College (Canada), London School of Theology (UK), Western Seminary (USA) and Boston College (USA). His academic research and interest included areas of missional hermeneutics and missional ecclesiology, multiculturalism, diaspora immigrant theology, spiritual direction, conflict transformation, biblical reconciliation and restorative justice. Prior to coming to Village, he pastored in Canada and the UK in campus and church ministries.

Paul joined as a member to Village in 2011, as he came to Oregon to pursue a doctorate program at Western Seminary. As a fully engaged Village member, Paul attended our Discover Village class, led by Gary and Robin Ewer, joined Bible studies taught by Pastor Jensen and other Villagers, faithfully participated in a life group within the Korean Fellowship, and joined our short term mission trips to India and Lebanon. When the pastor role for Korean Fellowship was vacant, Paul was asked to step in as an interim preacher in 2013.

At the request of the church, Pastor Paul was then asked to officially pastor at Village with an emphasis on our Korean ministry, in 2014. Pastor Paul collaborated with our preaching team, and partnered with and advised ministry staff. He was then made Associate Pastor of Multiethnic Ministries in 2019 and joined our senior staff leadership team in 2019, co-creating Village’s next steps. In mid-2020, Pastor Paul was asked again to step in and pastor Village, this time as Interim Lead Pastor.

As community members and staff received Pastor Paul’s teaching and pastoring, soon they began to request he be our official Lead Pastor. The Village Council then asked Pastor Paul to prayerfully consider applying as the internal candidate for Lead Pastor in late 2020. With continual, communal spiritual discernment through affirmation from the congregation, trusted partners and ministry staff, Pastor Paul was voted in with overwhelming majority in January 2021 as the 9th Lead Pastor of Village Church.

He is married to Jeongah (Jane), whom he met in New Zealand during his college years, and together they are parents to two daughters, Haneul (Lois) and Danbee (Dana).

최규진 목사는 1949년 이후 70년이 넘는 빌리지 역사 이래 9번째 빌리지 교회의 책임 목사입니다.

기독교 가정에서 태어난 최규진 목사는 십대 때 가족과 함께 한국에서 뉴질랜드로 이민을 하였으며, 고등학교 3학년 때 본격적으로 목회 사역에 대한 소명을 분별하였습니다.

University of Canterbury (NZ)에서 철학과 일어를 전공한 후, Regent College (캐나다), London School of Theology (영국), Western Seminary (미국), Boston College (미국)에서 신학을 공부했습니다. 학문적 연구와 관심에는 선교적 해석학 및 선교적 교회론, 다문화주의, 디아스포라 이민 신학, 영성 지도, 갈등 전환, 성서적 화해 및 회복적 정의 분야 등이 있습니다. 빌리지의 일원이 되기 이전에는 캐나다와 영국에서 캠퍼스 사역과 한인 이민 교회 사역에 참여했었습니다.

최규진 목사는 Western Seminary에서의 선교학 박사 연구를 위해 오레곤에 오게 된 2011 년에 처음 빌리지 교회 공동체의 성도가 되었습니다. Gary와 Robin Ewer가 이끄는 Discover Village 새가족 교육에 참석하고, 빌리지의 오랜 담임 목회자였던 Don Jensen 목사와 다른 교회 성도들이 인도하는 성경 공부에 참여했으며, 한인 휄로우쉽 소그룹에 충실하게 참여했고, 빌리지의 인도 단기 선교와 레바논 단기 선교에도 참여했습니다. 2013년, 한인 휄로우쉽의 목회자 역할이 공석이 되었을 때, 당시 빌리지의 성도로 참여해오던 최규진 목사는 임시기간 동안 설교 목사로 섬기게 되었습니다.

그러다가 공동체의 요청에 따라 이듬해인 2014년, 최규진 목사는 한인부의 공식 담당 목회자로 청빙을 받아 사역을 시작하였습니다. 예수 그리스도 안에서 드러난 하나님 나라 복음으로 함께 진실한 관계의 공동체로 살아가며, 회복과 은혜 아래, 주변과 세상을 위한 존재가 되어져가는 선교적 공동체로 빚어지기를 함께 꿈꾸며 빌리지의 한인부 사역에 함께 참여해왔습니다. 이 기간은 다문화 교회로서 한인들에게 허락하신 기독교 문화적 유산과 영성이 유지되어지고, 한층 더욱 표현되어지며, 타문화권과 교류되어지는 일에 세워지는 기간이 되었습니다. 2019년 초부터는 한인 사역과 더불어 아시안 2세 사역과 중국인 사역을 포함한 다민족 사역을 리드하는 다민족 사역 담당 목사로 섬기게 되었고, 목회자팀 시니어 리더십에서 섬기며 다문화교회로서의 새로운 챞터를 꿈꾸는 일에 동참하였습니다. 그러다가 2020년 중반, 빌리지의 담임 목회자가 공석이 되었을 때, 임시 담임 목사로 섬기게 되었고, 이듬해인 2021년 1월, 공동체 리더십의 초청과 공동 의회 투표를 통한 지지와 분별을 통해, 빌리지의 제9대 공식 책임 목사 (구: 담임 목사)로 사역을 시작하게 되었습니다.

최규진 목사는 대학 시절 뉴질랜드에서 만난 노정아 (Jane) 자매와 가족을 이루고, 두 딸 하늘 (Lois)과 단비 (Dana)와 함께 살아가고 있습니다.

崔保罗(圭桢)博士是乡村教会的主任牧师。乡村教会建立于1949年，已有70多年的历史，保罗牧师是我们的第八位主任牧师。

保罗出生于一个基督徒家庭，青少年时代随家人从韩国移民到新西兰，之后他就一直在为主的使命而活。高中四年级时，他认真运用属灵分辨来确定 神是否呼召他进入侍奉，当时他生命中有好几位他信赖的人证实了 神对他的呼召。

保罗毕业于新西兰坎特伯雷大学，主修哲学和日语；曾在以下大学学习神学：加拿大摄政学院、英国伦敦神学院、美国西方神学院和波士顿学院。他的学术研究和兴趣包括宣教诠释学和宣教教会学、多元文化学、散居国外的移民神学、灵命方向、冲突化解、合乎圣经的和好和修复式正义等领域。在来到乡村教会之前，他曾在加拿大和英国的校园和教会事工里担任牧师。

2011 年，保罗来到位于俄勒冈州的西部神学院攻读博士学位，他随即成为了乡村教会的一名会员。作为一名积极参与的教会会友，保罗参加了由加里和罗宾.郁尔带领的“了解乡村教会”课程，参加了詹森牧师和其他教会会友所教授的查经学习，信实地参与了韩语团契的生活小组，并加入了我们教会前往印度和黎巴嫩的短宣队。2013年，当韩语团契的牧师职位有空缺时，教会要求保罗作临时传道讲员。

2014年，应教会的要求，保罗牧师在乡村教会里正式担任牧师，重点负责我们的韩语团契。保罗牧师与我们的传道团队合作，与事工人员同工并为他们提供建议。之后，他于 2019 年被任命为负责多族裔事工的副牧师，并于 2019 年加入我们教会的高层领导团队，共同创建乡村教会的下一步事工方案。2020年中，乡村教会任命保罗牧师为代理主任牧师。

保罗牧师开始教导和牧养乡村教会后，很快地，教会会众和员工便开始要求他担任我们教会正式的主任牧师。2020年年底，乡村教会长老会要求保罗牧师带着祷告的心考虑作为教会内部候选人申请成为主任牧师。2021年1月，凭藉着持续性的、团体的属灵分辨，通过教会会众、值得信赖的伙伴和事工人员的确认，保罗牧师以压倒性多数当选为乡村教会第八位主任牧师。

保罗牧师在大学期间与他妻子鲁贞娥(简)相识于新西兰，他们养育有两个女儿，名叫菡妮尔(露易丝)和丹碧(达娜)。

“我相信我们可以把一个多元文化的教会描述为一个具有多种灵性的教会。每一种文化都有其自己联系和崇拜三一真 神的方式，我们只能通过互相学习，彼此影响而一起变得更加完整。”

“乡村教会的会友们和外面的社区成员都很信赖我们，这令我感到很谦卑。他们鼓励我们无所畏惧地去梦想乡村教会的未来：作为基督的身体，一个在地上代表 神国的教会，我们要成为一个更健康的教会，一个更成熟的多元文化社区。让我们致力于这个从三一真 神启示所得来的异象和梦想。”

Village Lead Pastor

Reverendo Dr. Paul Kyu-Jin Choi es el Pastor Principal de la iglesia de Village, nuestro noveno Pastor en los más de 70 años de historia de Village desde 1949. Habiendo nacido en una familia Cristiana, Paul ha estado en misión para el Señor desde que emigró a Nueva Zelanda desde Corea del Sur, cuando era un adolescente con su familia. En su último año de la escuela secundaria el estaba discerniendo su llamado al ministerio seriamente y fue confirmado a través de varias personas de confianza en su vida.

Graduado de la Universidad de Canterbury (NZ) con especialización en Filosofía y Japonés, estudió Teologías en Regent College (Canadá), London School of Theology (Reino Unido), Western Seminary (EE. UU.) Y Boston College (EE. UU.). Su investigación académica e interés incluyeron áreas de hermenéutica y eclesiología misionales, multiculturalismo, teología de inmigrantes de la diáspora, dirección espiritual, transformación de conflictos, reconciliación bíblica y justicia restaurativa. Antes de venir a Village, el pastoreaba en Canadá y en el Reino Unido en los ministerios de la universidad y de la iglesia.

Paul se unió como miembro a Village en 2011, cuando llego a Oregón para proseguir un programa de doctorado en Western Seminary. Como miembro, completamente comprometido de Village, Paul asistió a nuestra clase Discover Village, dirigida por Gary y Robin Ewer, se unió a los estudios bíblicos enseñados por el pastor Jensen y otros Villagers, participó fielmente en un grupo de vida dentro del ministerio Coreano y se unió a nuestros viajes misioneros de corto plazo a India y Líbano. Cuando la posición de Pastor estaba vacante dentro del ministerio Coreano, se le pidió a Paul que fuera el predicador interino en 2013

En 2014, a la petición de la iglesia, se le pidió a el Pastor Paul que oficialmente pastoreara en Village con el énfasis en el ministerio Coreano. El pastor Paul colaboró con nuestro equipo de predicación, se asoció y asesoró al personal del ministerio. Luego fue nombrado Pastor Asociado del Ministerio Multiétnico en 2019 y se unió a nuestro equipo de liderazgo en 2019, co-creando los próximos pasos de Village. A mediados de 2020, se le pidió nuevamente al pastor Paul que interviniera y pastoreara a Village, esta vez como pastor principal interino. A medida que los miembros de la comunidad y el personal recibieron la enseñanza y el pastoreo del pastor Paul, pronto comenzaron a solicitarle que fuera nuestro pastor principal oficial. El consejo de Village le pidió al Pastor Paul que considerara en oración postularse como candidato interno para ser pastor principal a fines de 2020. Con un discernimiento espiritual continuo y comunitario a través de la afirmación de la congregación, los socios de confianza y el personal del ministerio, el pastor Paul fue votado con una abrumadora mayoría en enero de 2021 como el noveno pastor principal de la iglesia Village.

Esta casado con Jeongah (Jane), a quien conoció en Nueva Zelanda durante sus años universitarios, y juntos son padres de dos hijas, Haneul (Lois) y Danbee (Dana).

“Creo que una iglesia multicultural podría describirse como una iglesia de múltiples espiritualidades. Cada cultura tiene sus propias formas de relacionarse y adorar al Dios Triuno, y solo podemos ser más completos juntos si aprendemos y nos influenciamos unos a otros “.

“[Estoy] humillado por los miembros de Village de confianza y los miembros de la comunidad externos que nos animan a soñar sin miedo con el futuro de Village como una iglesia más saludable, una comunidad multicultural aún más madura como un cuerpo de Cristo, una iglesia que representa el Reino en la tierra. Comprometámonos con esta visión y soñemos del Dios Triuno.”

Assistant Director of Pastoral Care

Rev. Delia Coker joins our team as our first-ever bilingual Assistant Director of Pastoral Care. She is a proud George Fox alumni where she finished her bachelor's degree in psychology and went on to do a master's degree in counseling before staying home for 12 years to raise their children. She recently finished a Master of Divinity with a specialty in chaplaincy, from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is a local first responder chaplain, a first responder wife, and the proud mother of two miracle babies.

Delia and her husband Will, a local first responder and marriage and family therapist, have been married 19 years, this year. They have a 17-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old son. Together they have a passion for all things related to mental health and the well-being of others. Delia and Will both believe a healthier human creates a healthier family and a healthier family leads to a healthier world. They are on a mission to help others become the best version of themselves by helping them heal their hurts and are excited to partner with Village in the efforts to love God and love others in the best way possible.

In her spare time, you’ll find her reading, shuttling her son to and from sports, or planning the next family vacation.

Co-Director of DNA Group Ministry

Dan and his wife Kathy attended the same high school in Woodburn and started dating when they were juniors. Kathy soon realized that Dan was not a believer and over the next few years did all she could to change that. During Dan’s freshman year at the University of Oregon, he gave his life to Christ. They were married 4 years later. Now, Dan and Kathy have been married for over 50 years and have 2 grown children, Nathan (married to Trisha) and Libby (married to Ben Spotts, Village’s Executive Director) and 7 grandchildren. They have been members of Village Church since 1972.

After medical school, residency, and 10 years as medical missionaries in Borneo, Dan and Kathy returned to Village where they had been active during med school. In December 2020, Dan could feel that the Lord was leading him to step aside from his medical practice and devote more time to Village. Dan was active in small groups with Kathy all of their married life in the US and overseas and believes small groups are the way that the church and individuals grow and minister. Thus, he was led to volunteer to oversee the DNA Group ministry at Village.

Associate Pastor

Rev. Dr. Pete DellaSantina was born and raised in Oakland, CA and became a disciple of Jesus Christ and was baptized when he was 18 years old. He brings over 25 years of lead pastoring experience from coast to coast, including 7 years of multicultural ministry in Maryland. Most recently he served as a senior pastor and church consultant in the Seattle area. He holds post-graduate degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary and Bethel University.

Pete and Cheryl met at the University of California, Davis and have been happily married since 1994. Their son, Jonathan, is a student at the University of Washington, double majoring in Math and Applied Mathematics. Their extended family resides in Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

“My passion is to love and glorify the Triune God by knowing our Father, proclaiming the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit, ministering to all in Jesus’ name, shepherding disciples to maturity in Christ, and equipping the Church to carry forward the Great Commission.”

Village Café Manager

Megan as been blessed to work at the Village Café for many years. Come visit her Mondays-Fridays, 8am-2pm! 

Pastor of Youth and Their Families

Drew, a Oregon native and local pastor since 2010, joined Village in 2021. God’s Spirit has led Drew to shepherd youth; guiding them to the True Shepherd. He believes youth ministry is first founded on Christ and Christ crucified, and that youth are invited to experience Jesus’ love for them.

Drew has been drawn to, and preparing for, Village’s multicultural vision in his continuous studies of the Gospel, diversity and unity. Drew is also an avid musician and song writer, a lover of creating community, and a matcha aficionado. He is married to Tiffany Fajen and they are parents to Oliver Fritz and Esmé.

Assistant Director of Youth and Their Families

Monica Ibarra first became acquainted with Village at a George Fox University chapel when the worship team from Village led the students in bilingual worship and Pastor Renjy Abraham shared a message. In 2019, Monica received an email asking if she would be available to volunteer at Village Church for the multicultural service. Though it seemed clear that she would not be able to serve at the time, the Lord made a way and then the Lord continued to make many more ways for her to continue this ministry at Village church.

In 2020, she received an official job offer to serve as a Worship Ministry Assistant to Dago Flores who coordinated much of the Worship Ministry at the time. After lots of doubts and prayer she accepted and has been serving in this ministry ever since. In 2022, she accepted the position of Assistant Director of Worship excited to continue discerning the voice of God and seek to embody the Kingdom of Heaven. In 2024, she transitioned to Assistant Director of Youth and Their Families to better support and build up our Village Youth. She considers herself so abundantly blessed to serve alongside such amazing God-fearing brothers and sisters in Christ and is honored to love this beautiful multicultural community. Monica full-heartedly believes that everything that has happened since the first day she heard about Village Church was for a very special purpose that has continued to unravel before her today. She praises God for the ways that He has been actively present in this calling and strives to bring Him all the glory and all the honor all of the days of her life.

Counselor-in-Residence

Making a fruitful and lasting difference in someone’s life has always been Melisa's life mission as a Christian. She has been privileged to serve God as a nurse for the past three decades. In the recent years, God called her to serve Him and His people further as a therapist. With the goal of helping people find hope through compassionate counseling, Mercy and Hope Counseling is ready to serve you!

As long as we are on this side of Heaven, human suffering and challenges are inevitable. These challenges can lead us into depression, anxiety, or even despair if improperly addressed or dealt with. Whether you are struggling with a perpetual issue or having difficulty navigating your current situation, counseling is one of the most helpful things you choose for yourself.

In therapy, Melisa strongly believe in a holistic approach. This incorporates the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being of an individual. With your permission, she can integrate Christian faith and values in the therapy. In counseling, you enter into a safe place to truly be yourself and process any issues without judgment. With help, you will learn skills and tools to navigate your situation more effectively. Being a bicultural and bilingual therapist, Melisa is culturally understanding and can offer additional insights to help you discover new perspectives in life.

Your counseling will be handled with loving care and compassion, and is strictly confidential. Services are available on site at Village Church on Wednesday and Thursday. Telehealth appointment is also available upon request.

Please contact Melisa Ho at [email protected], 971-331-9879, or visit mercyandhopecounseling.com.

Nursery Supervisor

Ruth has served as Village’s Nursery Supervisor for over 15 years. In her role, she leads a dedicated team of nursery workers as well as pastors to our littlest Villagers. Ruth is the first step in discipling the whole family and loves ensuring our children know they are valuable members in God’s kingdom.

Ruth and her husband Richard are originally from England and have three adult sons. They have been Villagers since the 1990s. Ruth enjoys gardening and has an avid fan base for her homemade shortbread.

Associate Lead Pastor

Raised by church planting parents in southern California, John is a graduate of Talbot Seminary with additional studies at Fuller Seminary and William Carey International University. Since 1993, John has engaged Villagers in multi-cultural outreach overseeing both long term international workers as well as short term international and local humanitarian work.

Under John’s leadership, Village provides humanitarian services to both local and international communities in partnership with non-profit organizations, other churches, and government agencies as the Health and Human Services department of Washington County. Through these partnerships, thousands of families receive Village driven medical and dental care, legal services, food provision, basic supplies, education, and most of all hope.

Prioritizing vulnerable and underserved communities, John’s passion is to see people’s lives transformed by Villagers devoted to loving others with the extravagant love of Jesus.

Director of Kids Ministry

Ruth Jordan is blessed to be serving as the Village Kids Director, overseeing Sunday morning kids programming (ages newborn - 5th grade) and Wednesday's Awana discipleship program (ages 3 years old - 5th grade).

Community Development Coordinator

Michelle joined the Village staff in 2022. Having grown up at Village, she is honored to work along side the Mission Department to build Village Outreach a 501(c)3 at Village, and connect with community partners and leaders both locally and around the world.

Senior Director of Integration

Insil Kang began attending Village in 2010. As a fourth generation Christian, second generation Korean American, and first generation Oregonian, Village’s multicultural vision provided the challenge and support Insil desired in her faith life. After attending Village, Insil had the privilege to join the ministry staff in a full-time capacity.

Insil was first hired in the summer of 2014 to oversee cross cultural communications at Village as well as local outreach and partnerships. Through her time at Village, her educational background in languages, Intercultural Relations, as well as a professional career in higher education and nonprofit (international education, student development and community outreach) were now utilized to serve the church.

Now, Insil serves with the Lead Team as Senior Director of Integration, a role that endeavors to bring our diverse community together through collaboration and partnership.

Theologian-in-Residence

Rev. Dr. Johann Kim is blessed to serve Village’s Theologian-in-Residence through 2024. A Theologian-in-Residence is someone who is professionally trained in theology and is involved in the life of a church to support thinking theologically about their beliefs, vision, and practice, and help the church explore and express their theology. Through this partnership, Village desires to solidify and enrich our understanding and expressions of Christian truth, as a missional, multicultural community in Christ. 

Dr. Kim holds Ph.D. in New Testament Studies (Union Theological Seminary in Virginia), STM (Yale Divinity), MDiv (Fuller), and BA (UCLA). He has taught at Sterling College and Colorado Christian University, served as Senior Pastor in Colorado and Washington, and published many books in areas of Pauline theology and biblical studies.

Event & Facility Scheduler

Sheri and her family were first drawn to Village by the children’s ministry and multicultural mission of the church. This mission resonates with Sheri and has become a key component of her faith journey. The multicultural church has richly blessed her with worship experiences, amazing friends, and a place to serve.

For many years, Sheri was part of Village Nursery staff and a regular volunteer in Village’s front office. She is now supporting the ministry staff by coordinating and managing use of the Village campus. This role brings her in contact with all staff, many Village members, and the larger community as they utilize Village facilities. Words of wisdom from Sheri: “If you need a room – fill out the form.”

While Sheri loves all her family members (husband David and two adult children Joanna and Michelle), she specifically cares for her dog Daisy, who has more photos on her phone than the rest of the family. Sheri is a book lover in all forms: paper, electronic, and audio.

Senior Manager of Operations

Christian has worked in the areas of facilities and maintenance for nearly ten years. While the Lord prepared him practically with these skills, God also prepared him through his global experiences working as a missionary with Operation Mobilization on board the ship, Doulos. Working with OM stirred Christian toward what has become a passion for seeing all peoples of the earth united into God’s Kingdom.

Christian was born and raised in a German-speaking Mennonite community in the northern part of Paraguay. As a young teen his family moved to the capital city of Asuncion where he merged in both life and language with the greater Latino community. After two years on the Doulos, and meeting his wife, Linda, Christian moved to the USA where he learned English and graduated from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. The Lord has brought the two of them together to varying parts of the world, filling their lives with incredible stories of His faithfulness. Currently, they are on their greatest adventure to date: raising their two young children.

Sound & Video Tech Coordinator

Bio coming soon!

Director of Women's Ministry

Aleida has served the Women's Ministry at Village since 2022 along with her husband Mauricio and their five children. It is the family's passion to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the Hispanic community, to edify the saints through Biblical teaching, and challenge the body of Christ to proclaim the gospel.

Pastor of Hispanic Ministry

Mauricio has served the Hispanic Ministry at Village since 2005 along with his wife Aleida and their five children. It is a privilege and joy to be a part of Village with his entire family.

God called Mauricio to serve in full-time ministry when the family was living in Vancouver, Canada. He had the opportunity to be part of the formation of one of the largest Hispanic churches in Canada in 1988, and God used that time to form, teach, and prepare him for ministry. The Rivas family asked the Lord what His plans were for them, and He called Mauricio to prepare himself; to study His Word in a deeper way. They moved to Guatemala, where Mauricio graduated from SETECA, a seminary extension of Dallas Seminary, with an emphasis in Biblical Teaching. He is now in the process of obtaining a degree in Missions.

It is Mauricio’s and the Rivas family’s passion to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the Hispanic community, to edify the saints through Biblical teaching, and challenge the body of Christ to proclaim the gospel. Psalm 27:4

Pastor of Japanese Ministry

Although he grew up in a very ordinary family with a mixture of Japanese non-religion and culture, God’s mysterious guidance led him to attend a Southern Baptist affiliated private high school. During his high school life, he began to question his path and the meaning of life, fell into a deep state of withdraw, and had a difficult student life. Meanwhile, he visited Portland for a short time where he received support and care by various Japanese Christians. He met the Lord Jesus Christ and had life changing experience.

He returned to the United States to enroll in bible college in Portland. After graduating, he planned to return to Japan, but the Lord had different plans. Yoshiki has been in the United States for over 20 years, and half of his life was spent in Portland.

While studying at a seminary, he served as a staff member at a local Japanese church for seven years, ministering and helping Japanese international students. At the same time, his wife Mariko was studying youth ministry at Multnomah Theological Seminary. Together they started serving in youth ministry together. It was such a blessing and privilege to be able to work closely and serve students who had life-changing experience while studying abroad.

Yoshiki became involved with the launch of Simple Truth International Church in 2014, mainly teaching the Bible in Japanese. Simple Truth merged with Village Church in September 2021 and he joined Village staff as the Pastor of Japanese Ministry. He continues to work in bi-vocational ministry as a manager at a Japanese company and serve at Village. He is grateful for the roles God has given him and to see Him at work in the workplace.

Co-Director of DNA Group Ministry

A native Portlander, Jim Smith is the Co-Director of DNA Groups Ministry at Village, connecting Villagers to life enhancing communities. Since high school, he has followed Jesus, pursuing maturity in the Lord, and serving in churches overseas and the United States as a deacon and teaching in adult, high school, and children’s Christian education.

Jim and his wife, Angie, have attended Village since 2010, where he has served in Village Kids, short-term and local dental missions, and as an elder. He has been involved in life groups for many years and experienced the interpersonal and spiritual growth that occurs when people are sharing in community. He is humbled and excited to serve as the Co-Director of DNA Groups Ministry and the ways life groups will impact the church, our communities, and the world. Jim is also currently a student at Western Seminary.

Executive Director

Ben joined Village in the late 1990s because of a multigenerational, multicultural life group that welcomed and walked alongside him as he sought to follow Jesus in everyday life shortly after finishing college. He stayed because of the dedication to missions to the forgotten – both at home and abroad – combined with strong Bible teaching and dynamic worship. Ben’s deep interest in cross-cultural relations began at summer picnics with his dad’s colleagues — college research professors from around the globe living in a small Oregon town.

Ben and his wife, Libby, spent seven years in India supporting nationals in achieving their dreams for dignity and holistic health. After returning in 2011, he worked on the Nike Foundation’s Girl Effect team to support executives in strategic planning and donor relations across five global offices. He then worked with visionSynergy, a faith-based nonprofit strengthening networks and partnerships in critical areas of world mission, to increase major gifts from foundations and high net-worth individuals. Other jobs were in the high-tech sector and included technical writing as well as media relations for Microsoft scientists. His career path has been non-traditional but purposeful: at the core is thought-partnership with visionary leaders to communicate clearly, take practical next steps, and achieve compelling goals.

He joined Village staff in 2020 as Senior Director of Operations and previously served on the Village Council. He holds a B.A. from George Fox University in Communication Arts and an M.A. from Western Seminary in Intercultural Studies. He enjoys playing with his four children – all aged within 5 years of each other – and sailing or fly-fishing with his limited spare time.

Administrative Specialist to the Lead Pastors

Fay serves as the Admin Specialist to Lead Pastors at Village and is instrumental in carrying out ministry projects. Her role is to create and execute church wide ministry needs from administrative improvements to building church culture. Fay’s past professional career and active involvement in Village ministries led to her discernment to now working on Village ministry staff.

Family is important to Fay, as she enjoys spending time together as a family and staying connected to family members overseas. Fay, her husband and their three children live in the local area.

Administrative Specialist

Yangwe Yoo was born in South Korea. She holds a Bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature and a Master's degree in Teaching English as a Second Language. Prior to moving to Portland, Oregon with her husband, she worked as a high school English teacher in Korea.

Since moving to Portland in 2015, she has been attending Village Church with her husband, Mark, and her son, James. Her own family is multicultural, making Village Church the perfect place for her to call her home church. She has been in love with Village Church ever since. She joined the staff as Administrative Specialist in the front office in May of 2023.

She enjoys travel, gardening, & spending time with her family.

Director of Women's Ministry

Aleida joined the staff in 2022 as a Ministry Associate after working alongside her husband Mauricio in multiple capacity throughout the church community. She is blessed to lead with Women's Ministry alongside a strong, diverse group of Village ladies.

Village Lead Pastor

Rev. Dr. Paul Kyu-Jin Choi is the Lead Pastor at Village Church, our 9th Lead Pastor in Village’s 70+ year history since 1949.

Having been born in a Christian family, Paul has been on mission for Lord since immigrating to New Zealand from South Korea, as a teenager with his family. He pursued discerning his calling into ministry in earnest as a senior in high school, confirmed through multiple trusted people in his life.

Having graduated from University of Canterbury (NZ) with Philosophy and Japanese majors, he studied Theologies at Regent College (Canada), London School of Theology (UK), Western Seminary (USA) and Boston College (USA). His academic research and interest included areas of missional hermeneutics and missional ecclesiology, multiculturalism, diaspora immigrant theology, spiritual direction, conflict transformation, biblical reconciliation and restorative justice. Prior to coming to Village, he pastored in Canada and the UK in campus and church ministries.

Paul joined as a member to Village in 2011, as he came to Oregon to pursue a doctorate program at Western Seminary. As a fully engaged Village member, Paul attended our Discover Village class, led by Gary and Robin Ewer, joined Bible studies taught by Pastor Jensen and other Villagers, faithfully participated in a life group within the Korean Fellowship, and joined our short term mission trips to India and Lebanon. When the pastor role for Korean Fellowship was vacant, Paul was asked to step in as an interim preacher in 2013.

At the request of the church, Pastor Paul was then asked to officially pastor at Village with an emphasis on our Korean ministry, in 2014. Pastor Paul collaborated with our preaching team, and partnered with and advised ministry staff. He was then made Associate Pastor of Multiethnic Ministries in 2019 and joined our senior staff leadership team in 2019, co-creating Village’s next steps. In mid-2020, Pastor Paul was asked again to step in and pastor Village, this time as Interim Lead Pastor.

As community members and staff received Pastor Paul’s teaching and pastoring, soon they began to request he be our official Lead Pastor. The Village Council then asked Pastor Paul to prayerfully consider applying as the internal candidate for Lead Pastor in late 2020. With continual, communal spiritual discernment through affirmation from the congregation, trusted partners and ministry staff, Pastor Paul was voted in with overwhelming majority in January 2021 as the 9th Lead Pastor of Village Church.

He is married to Jeongah (Jane), whom he met in New Zealand during his college years, and together they are parents to two daughters, Haneul (Lois) and Danbee (Dana).

최규진 목사는 1949년 이후 70년이 넘는 빌리지 역사 이래 9번째 빌리지 교회의 책임 목사입니다.

기독교 가정에서 태어난 최규진 목사는 십대 때 가족과 함께 한국에서 뉴질랜드로 이민을 하였으며, 고등학교 3학년 때 본격적으로 목회 사역에 대한 소명을 분별하였습니다.

University of Canterbury (NZ)에서 철학과 일어를 전공한 후, Regent College (캐나다), London School of Theology (영국), Western Seminary (미국), Boston College (미국)에서 신학을 공부했습니다. 학문적 연구와 관심에는 선교적 해석학 및 선교적 교회론, 다문화주의, 디아스포라 이민 신학, 영성 지도, 갈등 전환, 성서적 화해 및 회복적 정의 분야 등이 있습니다. 빌리지의 일원이 되기 이전에는 캐나다와 영국에서 캠퍼스 사역과 한인 이민 교회 사역에 참여했었습니다.

최규진 목사는 Western Seminary에서의 선교학 박사 연구를 위해 오레곤에 오게 된 2011 년에 처음 빌리지 교회 공동체의 성도가 되었습니다. Gary와 Robin Ewer가 이끄는 Discover Village 새가족 교육에 참석하고, 빌리지의 오랜 담임 목회자였던 Don Jensen 목사와 다른 교회 성도들이 인도하는 성경 공부에 참여했으며, 한인 휄로우쉽 소그룹에 충실하게 참여했고, 빌리지의 인도 단기 선교와 레바논 단기 선교에도 참여했습니다. 2013년, 한인 휄로우쉽의 목회자 역할이 공석이 되었을 때, 당시 빌리지의 성도로 참여해오던 최규진 목사는 임시기간 동안 설교 목사로 섬기게 되었습니다.

그러다가 공동체의 요청에 따라 이듬해인 2014년, 최규진 목사는 한인부의 공식 담당 목회자로 청빙을 받아 사역을 시작하였습니다. 예수 그리스도 안에서 드러난 하나님 나라 복음으로 함께 진실한 관계의 공동체로 살아가며, 회복과 은혜 아래, 주변과 세상을 위한 존재가 되어져가는 선교적 공동체로 빚어지기를 함께 꿈꾸며 빌리지의 한인부 사역에 함께 참여해왔습니다. 이 기간은 다문화 교회로서 한인들에게 허락하신 기독교 문화적 유산과 영성이 유지되어지고, 한층 더욱 표현되어지며, 타문화권과 교류되어지는 일에 세워지는 기간이 되었습니다. 2019년 초부터는 한인 사역과 더불어 아시안 2세 사역과 중국인 사역을 포함한 다민족 사역을 리드하는 다민족 사역 담당 목사로 섬기게 되었고, 목회자팀 시니어 리더십에서 섬기며 다문화교회로서의 새로운 챞터를 꿈꾸는 일에 동참하였습니다. 그러다가 2020년 중반, 빌리지의 담임 목회자가 공석이 되었을 때, 임시 담임 목사로 섬기게 되었고, 이듬해인 2021년 1월, 공동체 리더십의 초청과 공동 의회 투표를 통한 지지와 분별을 통해, 빌리지의 제9대 공식 책임 목사 (구: 담임 목사)로 사역을 시작하게 되었습니다.

최규진 목사는 대학 시절 뉴질랜드에서 만난 노정아 (Jane) 자매와 가족을 이루고, 두 딸 하늘 (Lois)과 단비 (Dana)와 함께 살아가고 있습니다.

崔保罗(圭桢)博士是乡村教会的主任牧师。乡村教会建立于1949年，已有70多年的历史，保罗牧师是我们的第八位主任牧师。

保罗出生于一个基督徒家庭，青少年时代随家人从韩国移民到新西兰，之后他就一直在为主的使命而活。高中四年级时，他认真运用属灵分辨来确定 神是否呼召他进入侍奉，当时他生命中有好几位他信赖的人证实了 神对他的呼召。

保罗毕业于新西兰坎特伯雷大学，主修哲学和日语；曾在以下大学学习神学：加拿大摄政学院、英国伦敦神学院、美国西方神学院和波士顿学院。他的学术研究和兴趣包括宣教诠释学和宣教教会学、多元文化学、散居国外的移民神学、灵命方向、冲突化解、合乎圣经的和好和修复式正义等领域。在来到乡村教会之前，他曾在加拿大和英国的校园和教会事工里担任牧师。

2011 年，保罗来到位于俄勒冈州的西部神学院攻读博士学位，他随即成为了乡村教会的一名会员。作为一名积极参与的教会会友，保罗参加了由加里和罗宾.郁尔带领的“了解乡村教会”课程，参加了詹森牧师和其他教会会友所教授的查经学习，信实地参与了韩语团契的生活小组，并加入了我们教会前往印度和黎巴嫩的短宣队。2013年，当韩语团契的牧师职位有空缺时，教会要求保罗作临时传道讲员。

2014年，应教会的要求，保罗牧师在乡村教会里正式担任牧师，重点负责我们的韩语团契。保罗牧师与我们的传道团队合作，与事工人员同工并为他们提供建议。之后，他于 2019 年被任命为负责多族裔事工的副牧师，并于 2019 年加入我们教会的高层领导团队，共同创建乡村教会的下一步事工方案。2020年中，乡村教会任命保罗牧师为代理主任牧师。

保罗牧师开始教导和牧养乡村教会后，很快地，教会会众和员工便开始要求他担任我们教会正式的主任牧师。2020年年底，乡村教会长老会要求保罗牧师带着祷告的心考虑作为教会内部候选人申请成为主任牧师。2021年1月，凭藉着持续性的、团体的属灵分辨，通过教会会众、值得信赖的伙伴和事工人员的确认，保罗牧师以压倒性多数当选为乡村教会第八位主任牧师。

保罗牧师在大学期间与他妻子鲁贞娥(简)相识于新西兰，他们养育有两个女儿，名叫菡妮尔(露易丝)和丹碧(达娜)。

“我相信我们可以把一个多元文化的教会描述为一个具有多种灵性的教会。每一种文化都有其自己联系和崇拜三一真 神的方式，我们只能通过互相学习，彼此影响而一起变得更加完整。”

“乡村教会的会友们和外面的社区成员都很信赖我们，这令我感到很谦卑。他们鼓励我们无所畏惧地去梦想乡村教会的未来：作为基督的身体，一个在地上代表 神国的教会，我们要成为一个更健康的教会，一个更成熟的多元文化社区。让我们致力于这个从三一真 神启示所得来的异象和梦想。”

Village Lead Pastor

Reverendo Dr. Paul Kyu-Jin Choi es el Pastor Principal de la iglesia de Village, nuestro noveno Pastor en los más de 70 años de historia de Village desde 1949. Habiendo nacido en una familia Cristiana, Paul ha estado en misión para el Señor desde que emigró a Nueva Zelanda desde Corea del Sur, cuando era un adolescente con su familia. En su último año de la escuela secundaria el estaba discerniendo su llamado al ministerio seriamente y fue confirmado a través de varias personas de confianza en su vida.

Graduado de la Universidad de Canterbury (NZ) con especialización en Filosofía y Japonés, estudió Teologías en Regent College (Canadá), London School of Theology (Reino Unido), Western Seminary (EE. UU.) Y Boston College (EE. UU.). Su investigación académica e interés incluyeron áreas de hermenéutica y eclesiología misionales, multiculturalismo, teología de inmigrantes de la diáspora, dirección espiritual, transformación de conflictos, reconciliación bíblica y justicia restaurativa. Antes de venir a Village, el pastoreaba en Canadá y en el Reino Unido en los ministerios de la universidad y de la iglesia.

Paul se unió como miembro a Village en 2011, cuando llego a Oregón para proseguir un programa de doctorado en Western Seminary. Como miembro, completamente comprometido de Village, Paul asistió a nuestra clase Discover Village, dirigida por Gary y Robin Ewer, se unió a los estudios bíblicos enseñados por el pastor Jensen y otros Villagers, participó fielmente en un grupo de vida dentro del ministerio Coreano y se unió a nuestros viajes misioneros de corto plazo a India y Líbano. Cuando la posición de Pastor estaba vacante dentro del ministerio Coreano, se le pidió a Paul que fuera el predicador interino en 2013

En 2014, a la petición de la iglesia, se le pidió a el Pastor Paul que oficialmente pastoreara en Village con el énfasis en el ministerio Coreano. El pastor Paul colaboró con nuestro equipo de predicación, se asoció y asesoró al personal del ministerio. Luego fue nombrado Pastor Asociado del Ministerio Multiétnico en 2019 y se unió a nuestro equipo de liderazgo en 2019, co-creando los próximos pasos de Village. A mediados de 2020, se le pidió nuevamente al pastor Paul que interviniera y pastoreara a Village, esta vez como pastor principal interino. A medida que los miembros de la comunidad y el personal recibieron la enseñanza y el pastoreo del pastor Paul, pronto comenzaron a solicitarle que fuera nuestro pastor principal oficial. El consejo de Village le pidió al Pastor Paul que considerara en oración postularse como candidato interno para ser pastor principal a fines de 2020. Con un discernimiento espiritual continuo y comunitario a través de la afirmación de la congregación, los socios de confianza y el personal del ministerio, el pastor Paul fue votado con una abrumadora mayoría en enero de 2021 como el noveno pastor principal de la iglesia Village.

Esta casado con Jeongah (Jane), a quien conoció en Nueva Zelanda durante sus años universitarios, y juntos son padres de dos hijas, Haneul (Lois) y Danbee (Dana).

“Creo que una iglesia multicultural podría describirse como una iglesia de múltiples espiritualidades. Cada cultura tiene sus propias formas de relacionarse y adorar al Dios Triuno, y solo podemos ser más completos juntos si aprendemos y nos influenciamos unos a otros “.

“[Estoy] humillado por los miembros de Village de confianza y los miembros de la comunidad externos que nos animan a soñar sin miedo con el futuro de Village como una iglesia más saludable, una comunidad multicultural aún más madura como un cuerpo de Cristo, una iglesia que representa el Reino en la tierra. Comprometámonos con esta visión y soñemos del Dios Triuno.”

Associate Pastor

Rev. Dr. Pete DellaSantina was born and raised in Oakland, CA and became a disciple of Jesus Christ and was baptized when he was 18 years old. He brings over 25 years of lead pastoring experience from coast to coast, including 7 years of multicultural ministry in Maryland. Most recently he served as a senior pastor and church consultant in the Seattle area. He holds post-graduate degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary and Bethel University.

Pete and Cheryl met at the University of California, Davis and have been happily married since 1994. Their son, Jonathan, is a student at the University of Washington, double majoring in Math and Applied Mathematics. Their extended family resides in Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

“My passion is to love and glorify the Triune God by knowing our Father, proclaiming the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit, ministering to all in Jesus’ name, shepherding disciples to maturity in Christ, and equipping the Church to carry forward the Great Commission.”

Associate Lead Pastor

Raised by church planting parents in southern California, John is a graduate of Talbot Seminary with additional studies at Fuller Seminary and William Carey International University. Since 1993, John has engaged Villagers in multi-cultural outreach overseeing both long term international workers as well as short term international and local humanitarian work.

Under John’s leadership, Village provides humanitarian services to both local and international communities in partnership with non-profit organizations, other churches, and government agencies as the Health and Human Services department of Washington County. Through these partnerships, thousands of families receive Village driven medical and dental care, legal services, food provision, basic supplies, education, and most of all hope.

Prioritizing vulnerable and underserved communities, John’s passion is to see people’s lives transformed by Villagers devoted to loving others with the extravagant love of Jesus.

Senior Director of Integration

Insil Kang began attending Village in 2010. As a fourth generation Christian, second generation Korean American, and first generation Oregonian, Village’s multicultural vision provided the challenge and support Insil desired in her faith life. After attending Village, Insil had the privilege to join the ministry staff in a full-time capacity.

Insil was first hired in the summer of 2014 to oversee cross cultural communications at Village as well as local outreach and partnerships. Through her time at Village, her educational background in languages, Intercultural Relations, as well as a professional career in higher education and nonprofit (international education, student development and community outreach) were now utilized to serve the church.

Now, Insil serves with the Lead Team as Senior Director of Integration, a role that endeavors to bring our diverse community together through collaboration and partnership.

Pastor of Hispanic Ministry

Mauricio has served the Hispanic Ministry at Village since 2005 along with his wife Aleida and their five children. It is a privilege and joy to be a part of Village with his entire family.

God called Mauricio to serve in full-time ministry when the family was living in Vancouver, Canada. He had the opportunity to be part of the formation of one of the largest Hispanic churches in Canada in 1988, and God used that time to form, teach, and prepare him for ministry. The Rivas family asked the Lord what His plans were for them, and He called Mauricio to prepare himself; to study His Word in a deeper way. They moved to Guatemala, where Mauricio graduated from SETECA, a seminary extension of Dallas Seminary, with an emphasis in Biblical Teaching. He is now in the process of obtaining a degree in Missions.

It is Mauricio’s and the Rivas family’s passion to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the Hispanic community, to edify the saints through Biblical teaching, and challenge the body of Christ to proclaim the gospel. Psalm 27:4

Executive Director

Ben joined Village in the late 1990s because of a multigenerational, multicultural life group that welcomed and walked alongside him as he sought to follow Jesus in everyday life shortly after finishing college. He stayed because of the dedication to missions to the forgotten – both at home and abroad – combined with strong Bible teaching and dynamic worship. Ben’s deep interest in cross-cultural relations began at summer picnics with his dad’s colleagues — college research professors from around the globe living in a small Oregon town.

Ben and his wife, Libby, spent seven years in India supporting nationals in achieving their dreams for dignity and holistic health. After returning in 2011, he worked on the Nike Foundation’s Girl Effect team to support executives in strategic planning and donor relations across five global offices. He then worked with visionSynergy, a faith-based nonprofit strengthening networks and partnerships in critical areas of world mission, to increase major gifts from foundations and high net-worth individuals. Other jobs were in the high-tech sector and included technical writing as well as media relations for Microsoft scientists. His career path has been non-traditional but purposeful: at the core is thought-partnership with visionary leaders to communicate clearly, take practical next steps, and achieve compelling goals.

He joined Village staff in 2020 as Senior Director of Operations and previously served on the Village Council. He holds a B.A. from George Fox University in Communication Arts and an M.A. from Western Seminary in Intercultural Studies. He enjoys playing with his four children – all aged within 5 years of each other – and sailing or fly-fishing with his limited spare time.

Village Lead Pastor

Rev. Dr. Paul Kyu-Jin Choi is the Lead Pastor at Village Church, our 9th Lead Pastor in Village’s 70+ year history since 1949.

Having been born in a Christian family, Paul has been on mission for Lord since immigrating to New Zealand from South Korea, as a teenager with his family. He pursued discerning his calling into ministry in earnest as a senior in high school, confirmed through multiple trusted people in his life.

Having graduated from University of Canterbury (NZ) with Philosophy and Japanese majors, he studied Theologies at Regent College (Canada), London School of Theology (UK), Western Seminary (USA) and Boston College (USA). His academic research and interest included areas of missional hermeneutics and missional ecclesiology, multiculturalism, diaspora immigrant theology, spiritual direction, conflict transformation, biblical reconciliation and restorative justice. Prior to coming to Village, he pastored in Canada and the UK in campus and church ministries.

Paul joined as a member to Village in 2011, as he came to Oregon to pursue a doctorate program at Western Seminary. As a fully engaged Village member, Paul attended our Discover Village class, led by Gary and Robin Ewer, joined Bible studies taught by Pastor Jensen and other Villagers, faithfully participated in a life group within the Korean Fellowship, and joined our short term mission trips to India and Lebanon. When the pastor role for Korean Fellowship was vacant, Paul was asked to step in as an interim preacher in 2013.

At the request of the church, Pastor Paul was then asked to officially pastor at Village with an emphasis on our Korean ministry, in 2014. Pastor Paul collaborated with our preaching team, and partnered with and advised ministry staff. He was then made Associate Pastor of Multiethnic Ministries in 2019 and joined our senior staff leadership team in 2019, co-creating Village’s next steps. In mid-2020, Pastor Paul was asked again to step in and pastor Village, this time as Interim Lead Pastor.

As community members and staff received Pastor Paul’s teaching and pastoring, soon they began to request he be our official Lead Pastor. The Village Council then asked Pastor Paul to prayerfully consider applying as the internal candidate for Lead Pastor in late 2020. With continual, communal spiritual discernment through affirmation from the congregation, trusted partners and ministry staff, Pastor Paul was voted in with overwhelming majority in January 2021 as the 9th Lead Pastor of Village Church.

He is married to Jeongah (Jane), whom he met in New Zealand during his college years, and together they are parents to two daughters, Haneul (Lois) and Danbee (Dana).

Village Council Chair

Kamal is blessed to have served as the Chair of the Village Council since 2022.