Pastors Appreciation Month

October marks the start of Pastors Appreciation Month! The six pastors at Metro work together to serve every Sunday of the year: preaching, presiding, leading worship, teaching Gospel Academy classes, and much more. Words cannot capture everything they do for Metro, including so much that goes unseen, but beyond the work, their hearts are clearly rooted in the powerful gospel they faithfully proclaim every week. The pastors shepherd countless people in humility, love, and gentleness. Each of them genuinely embodies Jesus’ Great Commission: to go and make disciples.

Read memoirs and encouragements from six different congregants to our pastors.

Pastor Donny Cho

Written by Guirae Jang

“We sat at a small restaurant in Northern Liberties. Life was tough: my marriage, relationships, work, all of it, made me not like the version I was turning into. We had some heavier talks working through the actual weight of life the last couple of times we met, so Donny wanted to spend some time together by enjoying a meal with me. Even so, I remember thinking that I would not even want to sit across from myself right now.

Donny always says that as Christian leaders, we tend to think we are meant to be the starter pitcher or the closer, the one who delivers the big moment, when really God often just calls us to be the setup man. This is the one who does not get the glory but still matters. Donny has been a starter and a pitcher for me plenty of times, through speaking directly into my life, pointing me back to Scripture to remind me of the truths of God’s Word, and through some of my hardest confessions about idolatry and sin. But that night in Northern Liberties, he was the setup man. We talked about life, work, sports, character, the people in our community, and the stories that energize us and give us hope. There is a real difference between just showing up and choosing to be fully present, and I felt that difference, and that is what I needed that night. I experienced God’s grace more than I would have through a heavier conversation, solely focused on me.

I have come back to one thing over and over since I met Donny in 2014: he is always fighting for our friendship, for me to know that someone cares, and that the one above more fully cares for me than anyone else. He has spent years reminding me that there is a friend in him and an even better friend in God through Jesus.

He is the one who first taught me that I had been building my sense of worth on what I do instead of who I am in Christ. That night was not him teaching me that lesson again with words; it was him showing it to me. Because this time, the conversation was not about the things that make me feel more valuable and how I need Christ more; it was him showing me that even at my lowest, my worth was worth more than anything I could produce, because of how God sees me through Christ. I walked away knowing I am still loved, even as a sinner, and still covered by grace I did not earn that night or any other night.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says this:

‘And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.’

This is exactly what Donny did for me at that table, and what he has done for so many of us for years. My encouragement to you, Donny, is simple: in the way you show up for others, let yourself receive that same care too. You are not loved for what you produce in ministry; you are loved because you belong to God, and I hope that is something you get to feel as much as you have helped the rest of us feel it.” – Guirae Jang

Pastor Timothy Shin

Written by Hannah Park

“During one week in August 2023, I was feeling incredibly overwhelmed. I was about to start my first teaching job, getting more involved with serving on the worship team and as a community group leader at Metro, and figuring out what it means to be a ‘good’ friend, all while trying to care for my parents by being more present at home. It was a season where I was constantly running on empty, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. I remember reaching out to Tim and sharing about my busyness and exhaustion. Of course, he said he would be praying for me and encouraged me to rest, and that we would follow up later in the week. Not long after, he sent me the song ‘Give Thanks.’ At first, I was absolutely offended because I was thinking, ‘Did he not hear me? I am going through it. I am not sure how much longer I can do all of this, and he is saying I should be grateful?’ It was at that moment that I realized that Tim did hear me, and he knew the reminder and correction that I needed.

I was so lost in the chaos of my own thoughts and emotions, the deep-rooted desires of wanting to be seen a certain way by everyone around me, and the belief that I was sustaining myself and getting through life based on my own strength. I failed to see how discontent and dissatisfied I had become with myself, my life, and ultimately God. I failed to see who he was and what he was doing. I had become my own god in so many different ways. But it was in Tim’s simple reminder to ‘give thanks’ that led me to see all of that and not just stay there.

‘And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us”
Give thanks’

It was in those words that I was reminded to cling to Jesus and the Word for truth rather than being led by my own emotions. I was reminded of my identity as a child of God, so the approval I was seeking from everything and everyone else had already been freely given to me. I was reminded that God is the one who gives me strength to live through each trial, not just to get through it, but truly for his glory and my good. I was reminded that Jesus died for me so that I could experience the great love of our Father through every season. All of that led to repentance and learning what it looks like to remember God and have joy in suffering in that moment and in all the times after to this day!

‘And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.’ Colossians 3:17

Colossians 3 is a Bible passage that Tim has referred to quite often when challenging and encouraging me over the years. Tim is someone who models and really lives out Colossians 3. He cares so deeply for all of us, and I do not really know how he does that with everything he does for our church, yet it is always done with so much thoughtfulness and purpose. Tim always says that the work has just started, so I pray that you, Tim, will continue to give thanks to God as things only get busier. We are so grateful for the pastor, friend, and brother we have in you!” – Hannah Park

Pastor Brian Park

Written by Nate Law

“One of the earlier times I called Brian for help was when I was struggling to build a relationship with another church visitor. As I explained my frustrations, I became increasingly anxious about what Brian might say. I was bracing myself for the kind of answers I thought a pastor should give: ‘Humble yourself.’ ‘Love this person as yourself.’ I was afraid that my experience would be dismissed and that my perspective on the situation would simply be reduced to something I had done incorrectly.

But Brian did not do this.

He took the time to understand the complete situation and why I was having a difficult time. He empathized with the insecurity and anxiety underneath my frustration, while also challenging me to apply some of the educational content I received in a Gospel Academy class. During this phone call, we addressed multiple topics, including why this particular situation brought me discouragement, what would have been my next course of action, and what a gospel-centered friendship with this person could actually look like. Brian was unwilling to reduce his counseling to simple, generic Christian advice. If left on my own, I might have otherwise selfishly responded by keeping my distance from the visitor and protecting my comfort and pride. However, Brian was patient with me and helped me understand how the gospel could be applied in this situation.

As I reflected back on this experience and upon Scripture, I came upon 1 Peter 5:2–3:

‘Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.’

I thought this verse was apt in this season because of Brian’s growing desire to build spiritually mature men in the church. One of Brian’s strengths as a pastor is leading by example. He lives among his flock. He exposes his family and his home to members and visitors of the church. As he does with me, he walks with others through difficult situations and big decisions. He does not lead from a position of pride with the title of ‘pastor.’ Instead, he leads by example, living out the gospel for congregants to see. So with that, my hope is that this verse not only reaffirms the fruit already present in you, Brian, but also encourages you to continue pastoring in a similar manner to lead men into gospel maturity.” – Nate Law

Pastor Andrew Pae

Written by Claire Sharpe

“When I think of Pastor Andrew, I am reminded of my first retreat as a college student in the fall of 2021. I was new to Philly and new to Metro, and I was so nervous to travel an hour and a half away with a group of people I barely knew and who barely knew me.

Andrew took the time throughout this retreat to get to know me and hear my story. In this story, he found out that I had never been to a Wawa before – at least, not to order food. So after a full day of retreat events, Andrew stayed up and took another new student and me on a late-night drive to Wawa. The food was not remarkable or life-changing, but in that moment, I began to feel like I might be able to have a home in Philly. I realized that there were people who cared for me and wanted to invite me into the things they loved, even though everything was new and unfamiliar to me, including ordering food from a gas station.

Even now, Andrew has consistently been there for me and walked with me through countless trials. He continuously invites me into the gospel, even when I am prone to wander and drift away from it time and time again.

I am reminded of Luke 15:1-7, where a man leaves the 99 sheep to find the one that is lost. Andrew, my prayer for you is that you continue to seek out those who are lost, invite them to come home, and rejoice over everyone who does.” – Claire Sharp

Pastor Joshua Kim

Written by Sam Do

“Pastor Josh has been an integral part of my spiritual journey here at Metro as I navigate the highs and lows of my young adult life. To be honest, at first, I was intimidated by Josh’s massive stature and his ‘Philly’ side, but the more I got to know him, the more I witnessed and experienced his care, love, and humility in all the ways he poured into me personally and served the church body. As I wrestled with my sin, vices, and a hedonistic lifestyle, Josh reflected Christ’s character through many conversations, check-ins, encouragements, and challenges, pointing me back to our ultimate Savior Jesus, who died for the sins we could never pay for ourselves. He has always reminded me of the significance of knowing God and his love that surpasses human understanding.

One passage he frequently reminded me of was Colossians 3:1-4:

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

I am very thankful to have a pastor like Josh who models and exemplifies Christ by setting his mind on things above. My hope and prayer for you, Pastor Josh, is that you would continue to be an imitator of Christ, through sharing each other’s burdens, sharpening each other daily in his Word, and growing together as a body!” – Sam Do

Pastor Dan Sung

Written by Peter Kim

“One of my most memorable moments with Dan was when my mom passed away; he asked me how I was doing. I naturally started listing all the tasks I needed to complete, unintentionally evading the question. He answered, ‘I know there are a million things you need to be doing, but how are YOU doing?’

In that moment, I broke down. I told him how, as a medical provider, I felt ashamed that I did not see the illness earlier. I wished that I had known sooner, so I could have helped my mom make a more informed decision. But Dan helped me zoom out from all the ‘what-ifs.’ He seemed to know exactly what I needed and gently shifted my focus back to God’s Word and what he has done, reminding me that Jesus has defeated death and is taking care of my mom in heaven. Dan is so good at taking me and others back to the Word.

Moreover, he is always asking, ‘What can I do to help you?’ I remember often thinking, ‘Are you serious? You have a bajillion things on your own plate – how do you find the time and energy to help someone else?’ If it were me, I would be completely consumed by my own to-do list. His selflessness is a living testament to Christ’s love.

Looking back, I first met Dan and his wife, Michelle, on the track field at Cheltenham High School to run laps. This setting befits them perfectly because not only do they like to run, but they are incredibly tenacious. As a couple, they remind me of Philippians 3:12-14:

‘Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.’

Reflecting on their journey here at Metro, they hit the ground running. It has only been two years, but they have pursued the mission of the church wholeheartedly. Sometimes I forget that he is a pastor. I am so thankful and profoundly blessed to walk this journey of faith alongside you, Pastor Dan.” – Peter Kim