Reverend YoungHak Joseph Lee (“Pastor Lee”) began at Paoli United Methodist Church in July of 2023. Having witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the gospel, he strives to create a Christ-centered, spirit-led faith community, one that embraces all people.
Before Paoli, he served Arcola Korean UMC, Covenant UMC in Plainfield, Wesley UMC in Edison, Trinity UMC in South Amboy, NJ, and has ministered in Army chaplaincy, campus ministry, youth and children’s ministry, and hospice chaplaincy. With life experience in South Korea, India, the Philippines, and the United States, Pastor Lee brings a global perspective to ministry. He holds two master's degrees from Drew and Yale and is pursuing a PhD in New Testament studies at Drew.
Pastor Lee is happily married to Grace Park, “the most beautiful person in the world.” His hobbies include spending time with Grace, including watching movies together. At the top of his list of hobbies is studying the Bible, especially the New Testament, his area of expertise: “I genuinely find fulfillment in exploring the Bible’s profound teachings, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions within the realm of biblical studies brings me immense joy.”
