Leadership
Leadership
Leadership
James Shin
James Shin
Senior Pastor
Pastor James Shin serves as the founding and lead pastor of International Grace Ministries (IGM), which he established in 2008 with a heart to make disciples of all nations.
Before being called into full-time ministry, Pastor Shin practiced medicine as a family doctor for 25 years with an M.D. from Texas A&M University. Following years of discernment and prayer, he felt a deep calling from God to dedicate his life to shepherding His people. Pastor Shin pursued theological training and earned his Master of Divinity from Talbot School of Theology, equipping him to serve both the spiritual and practical needs of others.
Under his leadership, IGM has grown into a vibrant community centered on worship, discipleship, and mission. Pastor Shin is known for his thoughtful teaching, visionary planning, and genuine care for every member of the congregation.
Outside of ministry, he enjoys tending to his plants, reading, savoring fresh fruits, and—true to his visionary spirit—planning for the next 100 years! He is a devoted husband to Julie Shin, a proud grandfather, a wise mentor, and a faithful friend to many.
Julie Shin
Julie Shin
Spiritual Advisor
Julie Shin serves alongside her husband, Pastor James Shin, as a faithful partner in life and ministry. Deeply devoted to Jesus, she is known for her honesty and “tough love,” offering truth and wisdom that bless those around her.
Her greatest joy is spending time with her grandchildren, but she is often abroad doing all that she can to tell people about the freedom found in Jesus.
Benjamin Kim
Benjamin Kim
Assistant Pastor
Pastor Benjamin Kim received his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Talbot School of Theology and serves as a minister who proclaims God’s truth and love through His Word.
Life Verse:
“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” – Psalm 84:10
Pastor Kim enjoys reading the works of C.S. Lewis and finds great inspiration in the words of Augustine:
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”
Jamie Kim
Benjamin Kim
Education & Counseling Pastor
Jamie Kim received her Master of Arts in Theology at Talbot School of Theology. She has been in the Youth ministry for over 10 years and counting. Her favorite hobbies are reading, writing, and organizing. She is the mother of 3 beautiful children whom she adores. She loves the Lord and is passionate about sharing the Good News of the gospel!
Jason Park
Jason Kim
Mission Pastor
Pastor Jason Park was raised in Hawaii and is a graduate of Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). He has been married for 30 years and, together with his wife Jeanie, is blessed with one son and three daughters who reflect God’s faithfulness throughout their family and ministry journey.
Grounded in 2 Timothy 1:7, Pastor Park is passionate about discipleship, spiritual formation, and helping others grow in their walk with Christ. Influenced by leaders such as Charles Spurgeon, John Bunyan, John Piper, and his mentor James Shin, he is committed to faithfully teaching God’s Word and living out the gospel.
Pastor Jason currently serves as a mission pastor and, alongside his wife Jeanie, is actively engaged in international ministry through IGM churches in regions including China, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Jeju, Korea.
Jeanie Park
Jeanie Park
Leader of Intercessory Prayer and Missions
Jeanie Park faithfully serves alongside her husband in the mission ministry of IGM. Together, they are actively involved in regions connected with IGM churches, including China, Myanmar, the Philippines, and especially Jeju IGM Church, focusing on the disciple-making ministry of Jesus Christ that IGM seeks to advance.
They are blessed with four adult children, all of whom have become precious testimonies of God’s faithfulness throughout their family and ministry journey.
Having met and married while living in Hawaii, they embrace the Hawaiian concept of “Ohana” — meaning that no one in the family is left behind or forgotten. Reflecting the heart of God the Father and the gospel of Jesus Christ they have received, they are passionate about building Christ-centered gospel communities and sharing the love of God through both their home and ministry.
Laveen So
Laveen So
Pastor of Education
Laveen So serves as Pastor of Education at IGM church, alongside her husband, John. A living testimony of Psalm 40, she was discipled and trained at IGM since the age of sixteen and feels called to do the same for the next generation.
Her passion is to see young people become disciples of Jesus—training the mind, stirring the heart, and living in the fullness of life He died to give.
At home, she and John are outnumbered by three wild, wonderful kids whose energy and honesty make sure their parents stay the real deal—living out what they teach. Her simple motto: Love God. Love others.
John So
Jason So
Education Minister
John So serves the Education Department at IGM Church alongside his wife, Laveen So. By God’s grace, he is a sinner saved through Jesus Christ and is passionate about making disciples who know, love, and obey the Lord. His heart is to live out the Great Commission by teaching and shepherding the next generation to follow Christ faithfully and to glorify God in all things.
D12 group Leaders
D12 group Leaders
Simon & Sunmi Kim
K 1 Group Leader
Simon and Sunmi Kim live in deep gratitude, centered on the joy of walking with God. Simon, inspired by Psalm 121:1–2, has served with the Glow of Love in the Philippines for 15 years and serves his church through the "Woodpecker" landscaping team. In his professional life, he is an Orange County real estate agent who enjoys soccer, kickboxing, and traveling.
Sunmi draws her daily strength from praise and 1 Peter 2:9, celebrating her identity as one chosen by God. She finds joy in camping and the outdoors. Together with their three children, the Kims are dedicated to sharing God’s love through their friendships, family life, and faithful service.
Simon & Sunmi Kim
K 1 Group Leader
Mingu & Imhyang Cho
K 2 Group Leader
Mingu and Imhyang Cho are dedicated to helping others encounter God and lead purposeful lives. Mingu, who owns a limo and tour business, serves his church by coordinating transportation for mission teams. Guided by Isaiah 52:13 and the book Boundaries, he strives to act with wisdom and faithfulness.
Imhyang, a longtime banking professional, serves joyfully in the Preschool Department and the Worship Dance Ministry. Inspired by the humility of the woman in Luke 7:37–38 and C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity, she focuses on a life of worship. Together, they have two children: Shinji, who has a passion for design, and Eugene, who enjoys drums and sports.
Mingu & Imhyang Cho
K 2 Group Leader
Sunje & Soojin Hwang
K 6 Group Leader
Sunje Hwang, a martial arts expert and Taekwondo school owner of 25 years, serves faithfully alongside church leadership. Guided by Matthew 23:12, he seeks to live with humility and be used by God for a lifetime. His wife, Soojin, holds to Psalm 121:1–2, finding her daily strength and help in the Lord as she strives for a life of gratitude and obedience.
The couple enjoys taking walks together—Sunje listening to the Bible and Soojin to worship music. They have built a joyful home with their children, Jonathan and Jana, and their dog, Bom-i. Together, they remain committed to a faith-filled journey of service and family.
Sunje & Soojin Hwang
K 6 Group Leader
Dong Hoon & Yoonjae Shin
K 7 Group Leader
Daniel (Dong Hoon) and Lydia (YoonJae) serve as tax professionals, with Daniel working as a Corporate Tax Director and Lydia as a Senior Tax Director and CPA. Daniel holds a Master of Business Taxation from USC. Their life verses are Joshua 1:9 and Psalm 23:6, which guide their faith and daily lives. In their free time, Daniel enjoys tennis, while Lydia enjoys classical music, family travel, and spending time with their children.
Dong Hoon & Yoon Jae Shin
K 7 Group Leader
Timothy & Esther Han
K 8 Group Leader
Timothy, a technology executive with a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, and Esther, a former English teacher, use their professional backgrounds to serve in the church’s building committee, finance ministry, and orphanage missions. Anchored by Proverbs 3:5–6 and Genesis 12:1–2, they strive to trust God’s direction and live as a blessing to others.
Inspired by the writings of Henri Nouwen and Timothy Keller, Timothy is driven by the radical love of God to serve those who do not yet know the Gospel. The couple’s primary mission is to walk alongside young adults, helping them move past misunderstandings of faith to build a personal, life-transforming relationship with Christ.
Timothy & Esther Han
K 8 Group Leader
Joy & Christian Kim
K 12 Group Leader
Christian and Joy were led through life’s challenges to place their hope fully in God and now devote their lives to knowing and serving Him as shepherds. Christian works in construction and serves the church in building-related needs, while Joy uses her gift of cooking and hospitality to serve others and share her testimony on mission fields. Together with their daughter, they desire to live out God’s Great Commission as a family. Their lives are anchored in Hebrews 13:6 and Isaiah 43:1, and they are continually shaped by the grace of God revealed in Christ.
Joy & Christian Kim
K 12 Group Leader
Mike & Jessie Sung
E 1 Group Leader
Mike and Jessie serve with a shared passion for evangelism and honoring God. Mike, a graduate of Talbot School of Theology with a background in business, is a Commercial Real Estate Consultant scheduled for pastoral ordination in September 2026. Inspired by Galatians 2:20 and the legacy of great evangelists, he is dedicated to seeing lives transformed by the Gospel. Jessie, who studied Social Services, serves as a devoted homemaker guided by Joshua 1:8, committing her heart to meditating on Scripture and being used for God’s purposes.
The couple shares a love for adventure, frequently taking coastal road trips or traveling internationally with their two sons, Russell and Marcus. Whether exploring new cultures or enjoying a meal together, Mike and Jessie cherish every moment as a reminder of God's abundant blessings and the joy of family life.
Mike & Jessie Sung
E 1 Group Leader
Tom & Mia Lee
E 2 Group Leader
For 19 years, Tom and Mia have faithfully led the E2 group, witnessing God unite a diverse community of believers through His love. They are deeply grateful to see their children and their spouses actively serving the Lord at IGM, continuing the family’s legacy of faith.
Outside of their ministry, Tom enjoys deep-sea fishing, exploring global coffees and teas, and grilling steaks, while Mia finds joy in sharing and tasting his creations. Together, they cherish the opportunity to serve alongside a devoted family of believers and watch God’s hand transform lives.
Tom & Mia Lee
E 2 Group Leader
James & Hannah Michelle Chung
E 7 Group Leader
James and Hannah-Michelle Chung lead the E7 Group Ministry at IGM Church, where they are dedicated to mentoring youth and young adults through faith and community. Both are active members of the worship teams—James in the praise band and Hannah-Michelle on the keyboard—finding great joy in leading the congregation in collective worship.
Guided by Psalm 121:1–2, they look to the Lord as their ultimate source of help. At home, they treasure simple moments with their two teenage daughters and their goldendoodle, Maple. Whether through music or ministry, their shared heart is to glorify God and spread His love in every area of their lives.
James & Hannah Michelle Chung
E 7 Group Leader
Faith Kim
E 11 Group Leader
Faith Kim serves in E11 Ministry with a heart to encourage others to seek God’s kingdom first. A USC graduate, she currently works with Steward Hospice Care/CCA, serving others with compassion. Her life is guided by Matthew 6:33, trusting in God’s provision and faithfulness in every season. She enjoys quiet mornings with coffee, Bible reading, prayer, and gardening, which reminds her of God’s ongoing faithfulness and care.
Faith Kim
E 11 Group Leader
Victor & Karen Santos
E 12 Group Leader
Meet Victor and Karen, who faithfully serve as English Ministry small group leaders. Victor, a mortgage broker, and Karen, a dedicated homemaker, are raising their two children, Lois and Oliver, alongside their dog, Koa. Their family is anchored by Psalm 46:10, finding peace and reliance on God by learning to "be still" in the midst of a busy life.
The family stays active through mountain biking, hot yoga, rock climbing, and swimming, but they prioritize togetherness through shared reading, household chores, and evening walks. Committed to their spiritual growth, they center their daily lives on prayer, worship, and active participation in church services and Encounter programs.
Victor & Karen Santos
E 12 Group Leader
