Aloha and welcome, I’m so glad you’re here! I’ve been praying for you and all who come to check out our church’s homepage. My hope is not that you’d decide to come to our church or join one of our groups. Instead, I simply pray for whatever you may need or are in search of right now. That being said, we love to walk with people in and through whatever season(s) of life they may be in, for however long the Lord would allow. If we can be of help or offer hope, we would love to connect with you!
This past year has been really difficult, and it has affected us in multiple and complex ways, many of which we might not even be aware of. Therefore, it is my assumption that everyone could use a little bit of grace, a little bit of kindness, a little bit of warmth, a little bit of empathy, a little bit of understanding, and maybe even some help, hope, or healing. I pray these things for you, however you might need them.
As you can see from this page, my name is (Pastor) JP. I’m 34 years old and I was born in Seoul, South Korea. I grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota until I was about 9, then my parents had an existential awakening and realized there are warmer places to live, like Chandler, Arizona!
I went to college and graduate school in California and Oregon, completing three master’s degrees (MA, MS, and an M.Div) and a PhD. This might look impressive on paper, but what I’ve come to realize is that who we are, as people, is always more important than what we know because it is who we are, not what we know, that is capable of changing the world. And this is my hope: to be able to contribute, meaningfully, to the lives of others and the world around me.
I am married and my wife and I have two kids (boys – 23 months and a newborn) together. My wife works in pediatrics out on the East side of the island. She is definitely my better half in almost every way: gregarious, warm, easy to talk to, funny, intelligent…so when you see her around, probably carrying a K-Pack (Kangaroo pack that holds infants), be sure to say aloha!
If you’re concerned with what my theology is, what my political beliefs are, or what my stance is on a myriad of social issues/social justice issues, I’d ask that we have some time to be in relationship before cracking into the conversations and issues that can so quickly divide us. What I care most about is having the opportunity to be in relationship with you, aside from or next to whatever (similar or different) beliefs we may have; I will always prioritize our relationship over dogma, personal conviction, and/or ideology. Therefore, it’s my hope that we can start with and build our relationship, not on theology, politics, or social justice issues, but the virtue of friendship.
A couple last thoughts:
- Having lived a very colorful life, I have a lot of empathy and
understanding for the complexity and messiness of life. As Paul says in 1 Timothy 1:15, “Christ came to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.” Thus, I understand
that (we) are sinners in need of a savior, myself first and foremost. I
hope this need (for a savior) is something that can bring us together,
for this is the foundation for our fellowship, worship, and communion.
- I worked as a therapist in the field of psychiatric care with adolescents for around 10 years. I am deeply passionate for the study of clinical and social psychology. It is one of the primary ways I interpret the world and it is a major hermeneutic that helps me to develop insights about myself, others, and the world so that I can walk with more empathy, compassion, and understanding for myself and others.
- I LOVE SPORTS! College basketball, NBA, college football, and NFL are my primary sports; I’m always down to talk sports!
- I love visitors! I love hosting. And also, I really appreciate people calling or texting before they drop by. I can sometimes get rigidly into a schedule – flexibility is something I’m working on – and if I’m not aware you’re coming, I will probably struggle to give you my undivided attention. So! To help me show value, worth, and appreciation for you, before you come, send a quick text or call so I know you’re coming!
I hope to see you around campus or at church for one of our weekly events. Currently, we host one service a week, Sundays at 9am. We also offer a hybrid format for worship. You are welcome to join us online via our Facebook Live through our Facebook page!
Mahalo and aloha~
Pastor JP may be reached at (808) 245-2145 or via email jpaxton@ses.plts.edu. Please, do not hesitate to call or send a friendly email!
