Posted by
Pastor Joshua Kim has been attending Metro for 11 years and has been Metro Church’s Director of City Outreach for 4 years. Outreach ministry is important to him because he believes it is an outcome and overflow of the Gospel, transforming not only an individual, but a community as a whole, including the church community and the neighboring community where a church resides.
“We know that God cares for cities because people live in cities. And so, Metro has a unique opportunity to love God and love our neighbors by being placed in Philadelphia. We have many neighbors to reach with the tangible care and service that reflects the grace and mercy of the Gospel while sharing the good news of Jesus with every opportunity,” stated Pastor Josh.
In his free time, you can find him grabbing his gear and heading out for saltwater fishing, which he wishes the weather would allow him to enjoy all year. Off the water, he disappears into the Star Wars galaxy, from every film and show to the endless rabbit holes of lore videos.
We asked Pastor Josh a few questions to gain some perspective on the purpose and characteristics of the outreach ministry at Metro, which meets in the parking lot of Falls Ridge (4349 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129) at 10:00 AM every last Saturday of the month to deliver groceries to neighbors in need.
The annual Turkey Drive will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Sign up here!
Q: What made you personally come to Metro? What made you stay?
A: “I came to Metro not as a Christian. I guess you could have considered me a curious skeptic when I first came to Metro. I knew Pastor Donny and a few members of the church. Initially, I stayed because of the warmth and authenticity of the community. Over time, through the preaching of the Word and many people investing in me (teaching me about doctrine, correcting and admonishing me in my sin, and genuinely caring for me), I came to faith in Christ. Since then, my affection and desire to serve the church continue to grow.”
Q: What makes Metro’s outreach ministry different from other volunteer opportunities?
A: “The outreach ministry’s many initiatives and events always fill me with gratitude. I get a front-row seat to watch our whole church serve with genuine excitement and joy—evidence of the Gospel taking deep root in people’s lives. These volunteer opportunities aren’t just chances to “do something good.” They are moments where we get to walk with our volunteers, helping them understand why we serve: as a joyful response to the gospel and in obedience to God’s Word.”
“[Outreach events] are moments where we get to walk with our volunteers, helping them understand why we serve: as a joyful response to the Gospel and in obedience to God’s Word.”
Q: If you could pick one moment from serving on the outreach ministry that stuck with you over the years, what would it be?
A: “What stands out most to me isn’t a single big event, but all the small moments I’ve shared with our team. Outreach at Metro has never been about one person—it’s always been a community effort. Over the years, whether we were in team-wide meetings, small group planning sessions, or out in the neighborhood serving side by side, those shared experiences have left a deep mark on me. Doing both life and ministry with people I love and respect has been one of my greatest joys, and I’m grateful to have such faithful partners and friends in this work.”
Q: What do you hope people will take away from participating in the annual Turkey Drive?
A: “This year’s Turkey Drive comes at a crucial time. We are looking to provide over 150 families with Thanksgiving groceries. Many of our neighbors in East Falls and the surrounding communities are facing financial hardship and struggling to put food on the table. Our hope and prayer is that, through this effort, we can offer a small glimpse of the future hope we have in Jesus Christ—the day when we will feast with Him forever. We recognize that events like this don’t solve the larger issue of hunger in our city, but we also believe that God often uses moments like these to open doors where people have the opportunity to come to Jesus. Our prayer is that more people will come to know who Jesus is as they experience His mercy and kindness in tangible and personal ways.”
Step Into the City with Us
Outreach is where the gospel takes shape through service, mercy, and presence. Together, we love our neighbors, meet real needs, and share the hope of Christ in our city.
