About Us
Why We Exist | What We Believe | Our Pastors | Our Staff | Our Leaders
Our Pastors
Our pastors are eager and excited to serve! Each one of them brings unique gifts to our ministry and is friendly, personal and easy to talk to.
- Senior Pastor |
- Small Group/Membership Pastor |
- Missions Pastor |
- Discipleship/Serve Pastor |
- Worship Pastor |
- Singles Pastor |
- Marriage & Family Pastor |
- Evangelism Pastor |
Click on the main profile pictures to see the pastors' bios below.
Rev. Michael Lee
Senior Pastor
WHAT DO YOU DO AT YNCC?
In general terms, I provide spiritual and pastoral leadership to the congregation and staff of YNCC. Some specific responsibilities I enjoy include preaching, teaching Bible studies, helping to plan worship services, providing directional leadership (i.e., casting vision and motivating the church to fulfill our mission statement), talking to individuals over a fresh cup of java, praying and strategizing with the pastoral team, and the list goes on and on. If looking good is a ministry responsibility, then I do that, too!
FIVE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Passionate, transparent, optimistic, consistent, funny (this is fact, not opinion).
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?
Mink, my wife, is my friend, lover, mentor, heart and soul, confidant, and ministry partner. Her smile melts my heart. We’ve been married since August 1997. Karis, my oldest daughter, is always eager to help and thinks of others’ needs before her own (most of the time). Kayla, my youngest daughter, has amazing determination and will. When she sets her mind to something, she sticks to it. And Nathan, my son, is definitely a people-person with outgoing personality and goofiness. He gets away with a lot because well….he’s so cute!
WHERE/WHAT DID YOU STUDY?
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Doctor of Ministry, Preaching Track.
Golden Gate Theological Seminary. Master of Divinity, Pastoral Ministries.
Puget Sound Christian College. Bachelor of Arts, Theology, Social Science, Christian Education.
FIVE OF YOUR FAVORITE BANDS FROM THE 80’S?
Bee Gees, Abba, Air Supply, The Commodores, Olivia Newton-John. Ahhhhh…the good o’l days!
FAVORITE CARTOONS GROWING UP?
Star Blazers, Marine Boy, Speed Racer, Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry. The nostalgia is unbearable!
ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE THE YNCC PASTORAL TEAM?
United
TWO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE YNCC LEADERSHIP?
Humble, diligent
THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YNCC COMMUNITY?
Missional, God-centered, fun
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YNCC?
The people’s hunger for more of God, the leadership’s humility and diligence, the missional direction of our church, the iced coffee at Café Missio.
Rev. KJ Ahn
Small Groups/Membership
WHAT DO YOU DO AT YNCC?
I serve as a pastor of small groups and have the wonderful privilege of helping people in our community experience church at its best in "small churches" known as LifeGroups. I also serve as pastor of membership and has the joy of welcoming newcomers and connecting them to our community.
FIVE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Sensitive, Sweet, Silly, Pastoral, a Shepherd
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?
I am gifted with an incredibly supportive and understanding wife, Carolyn and the sweetest 7 year-old boy, Christian and a 5 year-old princess, Karis.
WHERE/WHAT DID YOU STUDY?
Princeton Theological Seminary. Master of Divinity.
University of Texas, Austin. Bachelor of Arts, Biology.
WHY ARE YOU CALLED “KJ”?
The first place I landed on in the US was Columbia, South Carolina (aka deep south) and none of my white friends could correctly pronounce my Korean name (Ki Joong). After numerous futile attempts to correct their mispronunciations, I finally decided to make their life easier by adopting my initial as my name.
HEARD YOU PLAYED FOOTBALL IN HIGH SCHOOL. WHAT POSITION?
Nose Guard
ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE THE YNCC PASTORAL TEAM?
Crazy
TWO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE YNCC LEADERSHIP?
Faithful, Dynamic
THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YNCC COMMUNITY?
Big, Growing, Brewing
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YNCC?
I love the people with whom I get to partner and do life together.
Pastor Yana Ahn
Missions
WHAT DO YOU DO AT YNCC?
I serve as missions pastor overseeing all outreach effort; seeking to extend God’s Kingdom in the communities locally and globally.
FIVE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Others say, “Adventurous, Silly, Confident, Thoughtful, Off-The-Wall”
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?
I am happily single while residing with my retired parents. I also enjoy being an aunt to the five wonderful nieces and nephews who are across the country and the globe. Both of my sister’s and brother’s families are missionaries in Asia and West Asia.
WHERE/WHAT DID YOU STUDY?
Columbia International University & Seminary. Master of Divinity (in progress)
Fuller Theological Seminary. Master of Arts, Cross-Cultural Studies.
Occidental College. Bachelor of Arts, Sociology.
MOST MEMORABLE COUNTRIES VISITED?
Turkey, Nigeria, Dagestan (part of Russia), Brunei, Southern Thailand
WHY TURKEY?
Turkey is the largest un-evangelized country currently. Yet, this is a land where the early church flourished with a rich Christian history — the sites for seven churches in the Bible, Constantinople (Istanbul), etc. But more so, it’s a beautiful country with ocean, mountains, historic monuments and most of all, the Turks are one of the most hospitable people I have ever encountered.
ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE THE YNCC PASTORAL TEAM?
TEAM!
TWO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE YNCC LEADERSHIP?
Dedicated, Fun
THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YNCC COMMUNITY?
Relevant, Growing, Surprising!
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YNCC?
People!!! We have great people here in this community! And the history of where and how the YNCC has begun and is continuously developing into God’s community.
Rev. Stephen Han
Discipleship/Serve
WHAT DO YOU DO AT YNCC?
I serve as the discipleship pastor in designing and implementing discipleship courses (Pathways) as well as providing care and training for the teachers throughout the year. Also in line with SERVE portion of YNCC vision, I lead the development of emerging and current lay leaders as I guide those interested in serving at YNCC into appropriate ministries. One of my deepest passions in life is to see people become all that God created them to be.
FIVE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
People-Person, Meat-Lover, Adventurous, Pastoral, Love-to-Laugh
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?
I married my longtime friend, Helen in February 1994. She is my best friend and definitely my better half! God blessed us with three wonderful, energetic boys, Christopher (12), Jonathan (9), and Benjamin (7). They are the joy of our lives!
WHERE/WHAT DID YOU STUDY?
Talbot School of Theology. Doctor of Ministry, Ministry Skills in Leadership, Preaching, and Counseling (in progress)
Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena. Master of Theology (Th.M), Missiology
Talbot School of Theology. Master of Divinity, Pastoral Ministries
Biola University. Bachelor of Arts, Christian Education
SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS?
The Pursuit of God (A.W. Tozer); Spiritual Leadership (J.O. Sanders); In the Name of Jesus (Henri Nouwen); Don’t Waste Your Life (John Piper); What’s So Amazing About Grace? (Philip Yancey); Who Moved My Cheese? (Spencer Johnson); Good to Great (Jim Collins)
PET PEEVES?
Telemarketers calling during dinner time
ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE THE YNCC PASTORAL TEAM?
Tight
TWO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE YNCC LEADERSHIP?
Dedication, Humble
THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YNCC COMMUNITY?
People, Potential, Family
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YNCC?
Team dynamics of the pastoral staff, dedication of lay leadership and kingdom potential of the people of the church.
Pastor Caleb Kim
Worship
WHAT DO YOU DO AT YNCC?
I serve as the worship pastor overseeing YNCC's 6 worship services. I am honored to work with a team of gifted musicians, artists, designers, videographers, and volunteers to help in facilitating warm and inviting worship experience each Sunday.
FIVE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Creative, Loyal, Sensitive, Wry, LOL (Laughs Out Loud)
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?
I am blessed with a beautiful and supportive wife! Katherin is an amazing woman, wife and a mother with a big heart. Jonah is our precious and energetic 3 year-old who brightens up our day!
WHERE/WHAT DID YOU STUDY?
Fuller Theological Seminary. Master of Divinity in Worship, Theology & Arts.
California State University, Los Angeles. Master of Arts, Music.
University of California, Los Angeles. Bachelor of Arts, Sociology.
SOME OF YOUR MOST INFLUENTIAL MUSICIANS?
Sting, Dann Huff, Larry Carlton, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Steven Curtis Chapman, Johann Sebastian Bach, Paul Baloche, and Brian McKnight
YOUR LEAST FAVORITE FOOD?
Any combination of mint & msg
ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE THE YNCC PASTORAL TEAM?
Blessed
TWO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE YNCC LEADERSHIP?
Wisdom, Humility
THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YNCC COMMUNITY?
Relevant, Authentic, Consistent
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YNCC?
At YNCC, people are genuinely real and they live out their faith in the real world. And I love the fact that I get to be involved in worship for the community to encounter a real God.
Rev. Matt Lee
Singles
WHAT DO YOU DO AT YNCC?
I serve as the singles pastor at YNCC. Specifically, I give pastoral oversight and leadership to the two singles groups: Catalyst (20s to mid-30s) and Synergy (mid-30s+). I also teach at the weekly Catalyst and Synergy meetings.
FIVE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Honest, Teachable, Corny, Loyal, Fun
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?
I am married to a wonderful woman named Grace. Her name is a reflection of what God has shown me through our marriage. That is, God is revealing more and more of His grace through our good and tough times. She is my heart and my friend. We also have one son (Elijah-James, “EJ” for short). He is such an adorable, wonderful, gift from God.
WHERE/WHAT DID YOU STUDY?
Biola University. Doctor of Philosophy (Phd), Intercultural Education, ABD
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Master of Arts, Religion in Christian Education
University of Virginia. Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
WHAT DO YOU DO MISS MOST ABOUT THE EAST COAST?
I miss the four seasons, especially the fall. My wife and I also miss our family and several close friends who live there.
FAVORITE BANDS FROM THE 80’S?
U2 (still one of my favorite), The Police, Run DMC
ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE THE YNCC PASTORAL TEAM?
Genuine
TWO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE YNCC LEADERSHIP?
Sacrificial, Dedicated
THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YNCC COMMUNITY?
Real, Sacrificial, Loving
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YNCC?
People at YNCC are committed not only to Christ, but also His church. So many people sacrificially give and serve though they already lead very busy lives. There is a desire to truly see God magnified through their lives.
Pastor John Loppnow
Marriage & Family
WHAT DO YOU DO AT YNCC?
I serve as pastor of Marriage & Family Ministry. My desire is to inspire and equip anyone interested in learning the skills & knowledge in how to love God and love one another in their marriages & families (also including friends, co-workers, small group members, and beyond).
FIVE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Kind, Witty, Calm, Fun, Loving
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?
I am blessed with a wonderful wife, Sungshim, whom I met during my studies at Fuller. Sungshim is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. We have two beautiful children, Zachariah (son) and Zoe (daughter).
WHERE/WHAT DID YOU STUDY?
Fuller Theological Seminary. Master of Science, Marriage & Family Therapy.
Judson College. Bachelor of Arts, International Business.
SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE BANDS?
U2, Coldplay, Stone Roses, Rusted Root, Indigo Girls, The Blues (not a group, but the genre).
WHY U2?
I was initially drawn to them because they make great music. As I grew to enjoy them more and more I learned that 3 out of 4 of the band members (Bono, The Edge and Larry) sincere followers of Christ and I believe that is reflected in their songs as well as what they are trying to do in the projects they are involved with. (Jubilee 2000, RED, DATA).
ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE THE YNCC PASTORAL TEAM?
Interesting (in all the senses of the word)
TWO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE YNCC LEADERSHIP?
Thoughtful, Diligent
THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YNCC COMMUNITY?
Fun, Loving, Serving
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YNCC?
People are genuine and are willing to serve one another and beyond ourselves.
Rev. Han Song
Evangelism
WHAT DO YOU DO AT YNCC?
I serve as the evangelism pastor overseeing all programs and functions that would help the members, also known as the churched, to cultivate a heart for the lost. More importantly, the ministry of evangelism strives to attract the un-churched so that they also get to know who Jesus really is.
FIVE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Transparent, Organized, Funny, Enthusiastic, Simple
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?
I am truly blessed with four G.I.R.Ls: Grace (wife), Irene, Rebecca, and Laura. God knew that living by grace alone would not be "enough" that He blessed me to live with Grace, who is very wise in partnering with me in life and ministry. These two teenagers and one wannabe teenager make our home never dull.
WHERE/WHAT DID YOU STUDY?
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Doctor of Ministry, Leadership (in progress)
Fuller Theological Seminary, Master of Theology (Th.M), Intercultural-Studies
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Master of Divinity, General Theology
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Bachelor of Arts, History
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRI-LANGUAGE
I grew up speaking Korean. English became the second language I had to learn when my parents brought their 5 children to the States. Living and ministering in China for 10+ years blessed me to study Chinese.
TO ME, JESUS IS?
Life.
The only reason I am placed in this earth is to live for him.
ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE THE YNCC PASTORAL TEAM?
United
TWO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE YNCC LEADERSHIP?
Sharp, Humble
THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YNCC COMMUNITY?
Young, Vibrant, Moving
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YNCC?
The community of people! I love doing life together with a variety of people in our community, which continuously strives to be missional.