Joe was born in Connecticut, but grew up in Seoul, Korea before moving back to the States as a teenager. Joe graduated from University of Connecticut (go Huskies!) with a bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. He attended Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.) for his theological studies in 2007 as he began serving in vocational ministry. Joe first served as a youth pastor at First Korean Presbyterian Church (CT). In 2010, he and his wife, Helen, moved to New York City to minister to college students with Reformed University Fellowship. He then transitioned to serve as a Youth Ministry Director and as an Assistant Pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC. Most recently, Joe served as an Associate Pastor at Grace Church in Ridgewood, NJ before starting in his role as Senior Pastor at Joy in September, 2022

As the Senior Pastor at Joy, Joe serves as the primary preacher, provides oversight for the staff and serves as the moderator on the session of elders. He is eager to see the gospel proclaimed, take root, and bring renewal to everyone in our community and beyond. Joe is particularly passionate about seeing gospel-centered churches planted across metropolitan NYC, North America, and the world. In his spare time, Joe enjoys - time with Helen and their three children - Allan, Annie, and Aria. He also dreams of one day going on a backpacking trip, eating his way through Asia.