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
Assistant Pastor
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.”
While he loves reading, Pastor Kim also has a tough and active side, enjoying sports such as grappling and boxing. He often spends time exercising and sweating together with the youth and young adults,
building deep fellowship and sharing faith through those moments.
Jason Park
Jason Kim
Assistant Pastor
Born and raised in Hawaii, Pastor Jason Park, describes himself as a simple island boy who has been blessed beyond measure by God’s grace.
He holds a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Talbot School of Theology and has been happily married for 30 years. Together with his wife, he is the proud parent of one son and three daughters, a family that continually reminds him of God’s faithfulness and joy.
His life verse is 2 Timothy 1:7 — “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
This truth guides his current journey—to trade fear for faith and comfort for purpose.
Deeply influenced by theologians such as Charles Spurgeon, John Bunyan, and John Piper, Pastor Jason has a heart for growing in the knowledge of God and helping others do the same. His life reflects a quiet confidence that comes from trusting God’s calling and walking daily in His grace.
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.
D12 group Leaders
D12 group Leaders
Christian & Joy Kim
K 12 Leader
Finding hope in God amidst life’s hardships, Christian and Joy dedicated their lives to serving Him as shepherds. Christian uses his construction skills for the church, while Joy serves through cooking, missions, and building Christ-centered relationships. Together with their daughter, their family’s greatest joy is fulfilling the Great Commission.
Guided by Hebrews 13:6 and Isaiah 43:1, they live without fear, knowing they are redeemed by the Lord. Inspired by Andy Stanley’s The Grace of God, they strive to live each day in gratitude for the unrepayable grace of Jesus Christ.
Christian & Joy Kim
K 12 Leader
Roy & Suzanne Koo
Jr. D 12
Roy and Suzanne began their faith journey in 2008, coinciding with the founding of IGM Church. Roy, a sushi chef, is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity to become a pastor, while Suzanne serves in cell groups and the education department.
The couple is blessed with four daughters—Morgan, Abigail, Audrey, and Damo—and they cherish their time together as a family around the dinner table. Profoundly grateful for their own transformation through Christ, Roy and Suzanne are dedicated to sharing God’s love and grace with those who are hurting or lost.
Roy & Suzanne Koo
Jr. D 12
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
John and Laveen So
Pastor of Education
John and Laveen So serve as the leadership team for the Education Ministry at IGM Church, where John serves as an attorney and Assistant Pastor and Laveen serves as Pastor. While John’s calling often reaches beyond the church walls and Laveen’s focuses within them, they share a unified heart for counseling, teaching, and equipping others.
By opening their lives and "keeping it real" with the next generation, they lead with transparency and resilience. Their mission is to show how God uses even life’s messy moments to train minds and stir hearts to seek His kingdom first.
John and Laveen So
Pastor of Education
Benjamin & Jamie Kim
Assistant Pastor
Meet Ben and Jamie Kim! Ben serves as Assistant Pastor, and Jamie is the Youth Director. They are parents to three children—Meadow, Judah, and Noah—whose unique journeys, including navigating severe allergies and Down Syndrome, serve as constant reminders of God’s intentional care.
As a family, the Kims enjoy world travel, deep theological discussions, and sharing açai bowls. Whether they are exploring big questions or just being goofy together, they find joy in the beautiful story God is writing through their lives.
Benjamin & Jamie Kim
Assistant Pastor
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
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
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
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
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
Paul & Grace Lee
Jr. D 12
Paul serves as the Music and Production Director at IGM, overseeing worship and technical operations across the Korean, English, and Education ministries. Guided by Psalm 40:1–3, he is dedicated to mentoring his teams to offer their absolute best to the Lord. Grace serves in the Education Ministry, where she leads worship and teaches Scripture; she also homeschools their two daughters and teaches at a local co-op, living out the truth of Romans 11:36.
The couple’s journey began at IGM, where their shared passion for ministry led to marriage. Today, Paul and Grace serve faithfully alongside their daughters, Hannah-Elise and Peyton, using their gifts in worship, production, and teaching to build up the body of Christ.
Paul & Grace Lee
Jr. D 12
Eric & Joyce Gee
Jr. D 12
Eric, a UC Davis graduate and Farmers Insurance Agent, and Joyce, an SFSU Education graduate and dedicated homemaker, are the parents of two children, Emma and Joshua. Eric finds security in his life verse, Isaiah 43:1, knowing he is redeemed and called by name, while Joyce is guided by 2 Corinthians 3:17, finding her strength in the freedom of the Spirit.
Outside of their family life, Eric enjoys playing bass guitar and sports, while Joyce treasures listening to audiobooks during walks with their dog. Both have been deeply shaped by the writings of John Maxwell, J.I. Packer, and C.S. Lewis, whose works continue to influence their spiritual growth and Christian walk.
Eric & Joyce Gee
Jr. D 12
TK and Helen Lee
Jr. D 12
We serve together on the praise team, sharing our love for music and worship. Our joy is to sing of God’s goodness and lead others in praising Him.
“I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”
Psalms 146:2
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
TK and Helen Lee
Jr. D 12
Steven and Allie Jung
Jr. D 12
Steven serves as a praise leader and is currently studying at GMI to become a praise pastor, a calling he embraced two years ago. Guided by John 21:22, he is dedicated to the journey of leading others into God’s presence through music. Allie works at the Saddleback College Health Center and serves as a Junior High teacher and praise team member. Her life is anchored by Psalm 16:8, finding stability in keeping the Lord always before her.
As a couple, Steven and Allie find great joy in the kitchen—both love cooking and baking, often sharing meals with others. They cherish their time together at the end of each day, reflecting on God’s guidance as Allie supportively walks alongside Steven in his journey toward pastoral ministry.
Steven and Allie Jung
Jr. D 12
Eva Gao
Jr. D 12
Eva Gao
Jr. D 12
International Grace Ministry
115 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Phone: (949) 916-0250
