You may have heard of me as “Pastor Jae” but I do not currently serve a congregation. I served in congregational ministry as a pastor for a total of 5 years and between 2 congregations. In 2025, I moved on from pastoral congregational ministry and began serving the ELCA through a churchwide position managing the ELCA Leadership Network. I am also a PhD student at Luther Seminary. Some people still refer to me as “pastor” as a title of respect for the theological and pastoral work I do and in recognition of my maintenance of my eligibility for rostered ministry in the ELCA.

I have been invited and hired to provide faith education, preaching, and other services for a variety of ecumenical (interdenominational) groups and congregations. I have also spoken at Temple Israel in Minneapolis through interfaith relationships that I maintain in the Twin Cities. I am also open to speaking with non-affirming communities who are interested in opening up transparent conversations about gender and sexuality. I have spoken at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship events, Cru+, and shared my story on campus at Bethel University in Arden Hills, MN.

The world “evangelist” comes from the Greek term “euangelizo” which means to be a bearer of good news of a coming ruler and used to be used to refer to the “good news” announced after a Roman emperor would decimate and conquer land across the ancient world. The “euangelion” (good news) would be announced to the survivors of the horrors brought by the Roman army that the land now belonged to the emperor. Jesus and his followers intentionally used the word “euangelion” and “euangelizo” in order to turn the violent use of “good news” to one of liberation, justice, and anti-Empire. I believe that this world is still used to being gripped by systems of power, violence, and hate that position themselves as “good.” I find the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be a compelling way to understand the coming reign of true liberation for the oppressed (Luke 4:18) and believe that in a hurting world, the news that there is a way of flourishing, abundant life, and true liberation (in this life and not in some alternate dimension) is worth sharing. I am unapologetic about sharing my experience and vision of liberation from oppression. Many people (including modern “evangelists”) incorrectly associate proselytizing with evangelism. I interpret and practice evangelism as what the original intent, context, and meaning of it is; to proclaim the good news of the coming reign of a just and liberating God. Proselytizing means to “attempt to convert a person from one religion to another,” which is not in alignment with the scriptural intent for evangelism.

I work with all budgets and typically take regional standards into account. If you are an ELCA congregation, I work within synodical recommendations/standards. If you are worried that your community will not be able to “afford” me, I can almost guarantee you can. I hope that you will reach out to inquire about your unique situation.