Rev. Inkoo Chung Appointed to Serve as New York-Connecticut District Superintendent

By: NYAC Communications 

Some things are a family affair. As a child, Reverend Inkoo Chung and his brother, Bumkoo, grew to love the Lord by watching their father, now a retired Korean Methodist pastor, shepherd his church in Seoul. Among the many lessons learned, Rev. Chung says one of the most important concerns the need to pray unceasingly, love people, and trust that God is at work in all things.   
 
All these years later, these essential lessons have been a constant in Rev. Chung’s life, current ministry at Huntington UMC in Shelton, Connecticut, as well as the other churches where he’s served in his 20 years with the New York Annual Conference (NYAC). 
 
The need to take all things to God in prayer was also on Rev. Chung’s mind when he received word from Bishop Bickerton, regarding a possible appointment as Superintendent of NYAC’s New York-Connecticut District. “I believe we should pray always and have an open mind,” Rev. Chung says. 
 
Prayerfully, Rev. Chung went to the Lord for guidance. “My heart was warmed, but being DS is a huge responsibility in this time of the pandemic, anti-racism, possible separation, declining sustainability… I was happy, but nervous. My family and I prayed about the opportunity.” 
 
In the end, Rev, Chung concluded that “this is God’s call and we must trust God for this new season. I will totally rely on God to guide me in this new journey.”
 
As the incoming District Superintendent, Rev. Chung will follow Rev. Tim Riss who is retiring in July. 

 “Tim Riss has had a stellar career of service to the NYAC and The United Methodist Church on the general level,” Bishop Bickerton explains.  “I have been honored to call Tim my colleague and friend long before I arrived in New York.  I have admired his deep commitment to our church and will miss his insight and wisdom around the cabinet table.  We all owe Tim a debt of gratitude for the way he has faithfully served so many throughout his pastoral career.”

A Long History of Fruitful Ministry and Service to the NYAC

There’s no denying that Rev. Chung is more than up to the task. Thought his life, Rev. Chung’s passion for mission has invigorated his work and inspired the loyalty and commitment he engenders. Most recently, he has served Huntington UMC as the Lead Pastor. Currently, he is also a member of the Committee on Nomination at NYAC, Connectional Ministry Vision Table and the president of the Korean Caucus. 
 
Pastor Chung  also served as a member of The Conference Committee on Parish Development, COMPASS Planning Team, The Commission on Religion and Race, Long Island West District Committee on Ordained Ministry, Connecticut District Committee on Ordained Ministry, Parish Coordinator in the Connecticut District, as a Chair of Cross-racial and cross-cultural Korean pastors’ group, and General Secretary and Vice President of the Korean Caucus.
 
According to Bishop Bickerton, Reverend Chung “will bring a unique type of leadership to the Cabinet Table. He’s described as a thoughtful, compassionate leader with a gift for bringing all of God’s people together. He’s also a proven evangelist, with a heart for mission and a love for God’s church and people.”

Sharing the message of hope and faith, Rev. Chung shapes his vision for his ministerial work and life with his favorite bible verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
 
Under his watch, Huntington UMC teamed with Habitat for Humanity, raised funds for Spooner House—a a local agency that provides food, shelter, and support services to people in need—and hosted midnight runs, feeding ministries, and Christmas gift fairs.  Rev. Chung attributes Huntington’s success to both his ministerial staff and exceptionally strong lay leaders, which he nurtured into the fold—a current NYAC priority.
 
“All the efforts and active participation of the chairs and the committees members played very important roles in making Huntington become a healthy and missional church. Huntington UMC is home to a very loving and caring congregation, a blessing for the incoming pastor,” Rev. Chung explains.  

Well Equipped for Future Ministerial Success
 
Rev. Chung is excited about the future. And when needs counsel for his new season as DS for the New York-Connecticut district, thankfully, it won’t be too far away. Both his father and his father-in-law (also a retired Korean Methodist Pastor) were also District Superintendents in Korea. And Rev. Chung’s brother Bumkoo Chung, is currently serving as District Superintendent in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. 
 
In addition, Rev. Chung’s wife of nearly 20 years, MyungJin Lee, holds a PH. D in Theology and Education from Boston College. Their nine-year-old son, Minho, which means “Hope of the people,” is an avid golfer, who has won many tournaments (Rev. Chung proudly serves as his caddy) and enjoys playing with his dad. 
 
Rev. Chung’s wife, son and extended family of faithful Korean Methodist servants are ready—and covered—for all that lies ahead. 
 
“Every day, I enjoy an early morning Prayer and meditation of the Scripture at a quiet Sanctuary,” Pastor Chung reflects. “I love to listen to contemporary Christian music when I’m driving and working out. God always journeys with me.”