Three Pastors Walked into a Hall…

Monday, May 12th was a special night at SUM. We continued a tradition that began when Pastor Gene was preparing to follow Pastor Woody. That evening, seven years ago, retired Pastor Mel Kawakami moderated a conversation between Gene and Woody, designed to help the congregation begin getting to know the person who would be stepping into the role held by a beloved pastor. Mel kindly agreed to come back and moderate the 2025 conversation between SUM’s current beloved Pastor Gene and the incoming pastor, Rev. Dong Hyun Choi (DH).

Since Deacon Deb has co-led with Pastor Gene over the past seven years—and will also be stepping away as she retires from active appointment—she was invited up to share a bit about her recent trip to England with DH, as well as some reflections on her own leadership style. Her comments offered a glimpse into the unique partnership she and Gene have shared in ministry and the spirit with which she will be departing.

The event was held in the Sanctuary to ensure ample seating and to allow for live broadcasting on YouTube. Gene kicked things off by telling the story of how he met DH, watched his growth in ministry, and how delighted he was when he learned that DH would be coming to SUM. DH responded by sharing that he had long admired Gene, a standout seminarian already known as a role model. Then Mel guided the evening with a series of questions, alternating between Gene and DH, exploring their personal histories, families, spiritual beliefs, approaches to ministry, leadership styles, and what both DH and the congregation might expect as he assumes his new role at SUM. Gene and DH were open, honest, and generous in what they shared.

In the final half hour, the floor opened to questions from attendees. Congregants asked thoughtful questions about the aspects of church life that matter most to them, and many shared personal connections with DH.

By the end of the evening, there was a palpable sense of excitement about DH’s arrival at SUM. As everyone knows, church is very much like family. Leadership transitions can be stressful and tender—they ask us to reflect on what keeps us coming back, week after week. But gatherings like Monday’s help us release what has been with gratitude, and embrace what’s ahead with hope. DH closed the evening with a powerful moment of prayer in Korean. Though most of us could not understand the words, we understood the heart behind them. It was a deeply moving act of intercession, and a beautiful reminder that DH is bringing his story, his culture, and his deep faith with him. SUM will be all the richer because of it.

-Glenn Knight, Chair, Staff-Parish Relations

[Click here to watch a recording of the event on YouTube.]