Rev. Dr. Won Kim

Academic Credential

* Emory University (D.Min) - Candler School of Theology: Church Leadership and Community Witness.  Atlanta GA, Class of 2024. Doctoral Dissertation - Expanding Leadership in Contextual Ecclesiology; A Comprehensive Study on the Connection Between Discipleship and Leadership. 

* Asbury Theological Seminary, (M.A) -  Christian Ministry and Wesleyan studies. Wilmore KY, Class of 2020.

* McMaster University (M.Div) - Divinity College: Biblical Studies. Hamilton ON, Class of 2012.

* York University (B.A) - Vanier College: Religious Studies. Toronto ON, Class of 2007.

Ordination Credential & Ministry Experience

* Ordained Elder in the Great Lakes Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church (GMC) 2023.

* The Great Lakes Board of Ministry, Michigan 2022 ~ Present.

* Thrive Church (GMC), Highland MI (Lead Pastor) 2024 ~ Present.

* St. Paul Methodist Church (GMC), Elkton MI (Lead Pastor) 2016 ~ 2024.

* Hospital Chaplain @ Scheurer Hospital, Pigeon MI (Country Bay) 2016 ~ 2024.

* Hospital Chaplain @ Genesys Regional Hospital, Grand Blanc MI (Spiritual Care Training) 2015 ~ 2016.

* Detroit Korean Methodist Church (GMC), Troy MI (Associate Pastor) 2011 ~ 2015.

* Eaglesfield Community Church, Burlington ON (Youth Pastor) 2007 ~ 2011.

* Emmanuel Methodist Church, Toronto ON (Youth Pastor) 2004 ~ 2007.

* Grace Mount Methodist Church, Los Angeles CA (Youth Pastor) 1999 ~ 2004. 

Won's Bio - Life Story

Rev. Dr. Won Kim is a Korean Canadian-American, the son of a Methodist minister who was born in Seoul, Korea and grew up in Toronto Ontario before moving to the U.S. While preparing to become a veterinarian, he had a personal encounter with Jesus and sensed God's calling, leading him to commit his life to pastoral ministry. He has been in ministry for more than 30 years in teaching, mentoring, and preaching wherever the LORD has called him. His diverse pastoral background includes congregational ministry, international mission, campus ministry, and hospital chaplaincy. Pastor Won desires to be a Jesus-loving, Bible-believing, Grace-trusting follower of Christ, passionate about building a church based on the Holy Spirit-inspired movement that seeks to submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, uphold the authority of Scripture, and remain committed to the historical Wesleyan Orthodox faith.

Pastor Kim received a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from York University in Toronto Ontario (B.A, 2007), a Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies from McMaster University Divinity College in Hamilton Ontario (M.Div, 2012), a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry & Wesleyan Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore Kentucky (M.A, 2018) and a Doctor of Ministry with a focus on church leadership and community witness at Emory University Candler School of Theology in Atlanta Georgia. (D.Min, 2024) The dissertation is entitled "Expanding Leadership in Contexual Ecclesiology: A Comprehensive Study on the Connection between Discipleship and Leadership" a research study that aims to provide both spiritual and practical solutions for Christian Leadership in our ecclesial setting.

Pastor Kim is married to his college best friend Jessie, whom he met while studying music at Santa Monica College in California. Pastor Won and his wife Jessie are blessed with three children; Ryan (15), Joy (12), and Sarabeth (10). Pastor Kim is an ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church (The Great Lakes Annual Conference) and he is the lead pastor of Thrive Church in Highland Michigan