HCC – Higher Calling Conference
Elective Seminars
Michael Ferris
Dr. Ferris holds a Ph.D in counseling psychology, a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Masters Degree in Church Development. He is an ordained minister and holds credentials with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. After having had a private counseling practice for 12 years and teaching at the graduate level for 15 years, he left both positions to pursue a full-time calling as a missionary, sharing the message of “A Journey to the Potter’s House” along with other teachings and equipping workshops.
"Getting Past Your Past - Forgiveness, the key to walking in freedom"
As Christians, when we use the word “Forgiveness” we think we know what is meant by this word, but what is forgiveness really? Forgiveness is a concept. An intangible. But what does forgiveness look like in real life? How do you do it? In this seminar we will look at the practical steps; the “How to’s” of forgiveness. What exactly is meant by this concept. What forgiveness looks like in real life. At the end of this seminar you will understand what “actions steps” you must take as you work through the process of forgiveness. Understanding this process will set you free from the pain of the past that still holds your heart and mind captive.
Joseph Lee
Joseph Lee has been practicing as a licensed mental health therapist for the past 8 years. He currently works at Align Counseling Center in New Jersey. He is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) through the International Institute of Trauma & Addiction Professionals (IITAP). He received a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Alliance Graduate School of Counseling and a Master of Arts in Biblical Literature from Alliance Theological Seminary. In his free time, he enjoys reading, playing video games, practicing calligraphy, and being a tortured fan of the New York Giants, New York Mets and Brooklyn Nets.
"The Gospel & Sex: Moving from Sexual Brokenness to Wholeness"
What does the gospel have to do with sex? As in all areas of life: everything. This seminar seeks to provide a framework for dealing with unwanted sexual behaviors (e.g. pornography and masturbation) that explores 1). the biblical and theological foundations of how God intended sex to be, 2). the different factors that have warped our sexual journeys and contributed to the pervasive brokenness around sex in our society, 3). how the gospel of Jesus Christ redeems our sexuality. Our sexual behavior does not have to be a source of guilt, shame, and self-condemnation. Rather, the emphasis will be on being compassionate toward ourselves and curious about our story, thereby allowing our sex lives to be a space where we can meet the grace of God.
Tina Kim
Tina Kim’s greatest treasure is knowing and beholding Jesus. She spent years working for college ministries in the Boston area before getting her Masters in Christian Studies at Regent College in Vancouver. She worked in both the non-profit sector targeting issues of anti-trafficking and global poverty, and also in the church as a youth pastor and elder. She is passionate about the nations coming to know Jesus. Her family has traveled yearly on missions and she recently spent a year teaching ESL virtually to elementary students in Haiti. She loves to see the Church healed, equipped, and empowered to live in the fullness of all that Jesus paid for. She lives in Fort Lee, NJ with her husband DK and 1-year old son, Noah.
"The Power of Prayer"
The disciples could have asked Jesus to teach them about many things– how to preach, how to teach, how to heal. Instead, the only thing the Bible records them asking Jesus to teach them is how to PRAY. What makes prayer truly effective? What are some keys to a powerful prayer life? Come learn more about the power of prayer.
Jay Chae
Jay Chae began his ministry career in campus ministry, working with students on a number of colleges in the New York metropolitan area. A graduate of Columbia College (B.A., Environmental Biology) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div, PhD) and ordained in the Korean-American Presbyterian Church (KAPC), he has served in various youth and English ministries in the Queens area, where he has also taught courses at a local Korean seminary. Currently, he is a secondary school science and Bible teacher at a private Christian school and a youth pastor in the Albany region, where he lives with his wife and two daughters.
"Unapologetic Apologetics"
This seminar will introduce attendees to Christian Apologetics. Contrary to its connotation, apologetics is not about saying “I’m sorry” for holding to Christian beliefs but about articulating and defending it in a clear, yet loving and respectful manner. This seminar seeks to equip attendees to engage others with the Christian faith through a variety of approaches and tools, address common objections to Christianity, and, in so doing, fulfill the instruction of 1 Peter 3:15, “but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you”
David YT Oh
David Oh is currently serving as the National Executive Director at SOON Movement Global. He did his M.Div at Fuller Theological Seminary and Th.M at ITS. He was part of the first graduate class of GCTC in America. He was formerly a teacher at California Graduate School of Theology, and he’s been working at Crossbridge Fellowship as a lead pastor, helping the next generation to build their own church. He has five children, Caris, Kayla, David, Jeremiah, and Timothy, with his beautiful wife Esther. His special passion is for the Asian American Diaspora, whom he believes to have some of the greatest potential to impact the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
"Discovering Your Calling and Purpose"
How do I hear God’s calling? In what ways might God be calling me personally? How can I discern whether the path I’m walking truly aligns with His will? And what if I end up choosing a path that does not please Him? How can I know which career God is leading me toward? Is full-time ministry the ultimate expression of God’s call, or can every vocation be a genuine calling from Him? How do I know what to pursue?
For anyone planning their future or wrestling with career decisions, these questions are not theoretical—they are deeply practical and real. Many worry, “What if I misunderstand God’s calling?” or “What if I choose a path that God does not delight in?” But the call of Jesus Christ is neither as confusing nor as complicated as we often imagine. It may be a narrow and challenging road, yet it is not an unclear one.
Through this seminar, we aim to gain a biblical and healthy understanding of God’s calling by examining what Scripture teaches and what God’s call really means.
Myung Jin Cho
Myung Jin Cho has served with SOON Movement Global (SMG) since 1997, dedicating her ministry to mentoring and equipping college students and emerging leaders for Christ. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Christian Ministry and Leadership with a focus on Pastoral Care Counseling, and is currently completing her Doctor of Education in Biblical Counseling. She is also a certified coach with Birkman International, CoreClarity, and EQ-i2/EQ 360 (MHS Inc.).
Currently, Myung Jin serves as a Leadership Development & Human Resources (LDHR) Director, GCTC(New staff training) Director, and International Sending Director at SMG. She has been married to her husband David for 24 years and has one daughter named Irene.
"Staff & Domestic Internship with SOON Movement Global"
Considering investing your life in making disciples of all nations? Full-time SOON missionary staff serve across various ministries and locations, both in the U.S. and internationally, using their God-given talents in areas like campus ministry, IT, media, finance, and more. Explore what it means to serve the Lord full-time with SOON.
Haeun Yang
Haeun Yang has been on staff with SOON Movement Global since 2020 and served as an International Intern in Asia Minor from 2017-18. She currenrly serves in New York as campus staff and as the International Sending Coordinator. It is her joy to send, train and coach the international interns. She lives to delight in the Lord daily and eat lots of ice cream!
"International Internship with SOON Movement Global" (STINT)
God is on a mission. His desire is that all nations would come to know His love through His Son, Jesus Christ. And you are God’s chosen vessel to reveal Himself to the world! In this seminar, you will learn about SOON Movement Global’s International Internship in which you will spend one to two years serving college students in a different country. Learn a new language, be immersed in a new culture, and share about Jesus to people who haven’t even heard of His name. Be blessed to be a blessing to the nations. Hear war stories from staff members who have spent time on our overseas internship, and learn more about the application process.
*All students are welcome, but only 3rd years and above can apply to the internship.*