Elective Seminar – WEST
ELECTIVE SEMINARS
SUPER SEMINAR SPEAKER: Sokin Yoon
Sokin was a former staff with Soon Movement and believes that some of his best memories in life were on the mission field overseas and on campuses. He served in NY before meeting his wife, Grace, through the ministry in 2015 and now calls Southern California, home. Together, they are raising two beautiful daughters, Audrey and Norah, and he dreams of one day becoming the most fearsome, Korean-Christian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner in Southern California.
TOPIC: "From Destruction to Delight: Exposing the Enemy's Tactics and Finding True Joy in Christ" Brothers only
Each day, we face the choice to pursue either the abundant life promised by the world or the one offered by God. In this seminar, we will examine how Satan’s schemes manifest in modern society, revealing the false identities and destructive patterns that often ensnare men. We will begin the journey of learning to walk with Christ, turning away from the fleeting pleasures of the world, and embracing the true freedom and joy found in a life fully surrendered to God.
SUPER SEMINAR SPEAKER: Grace Yoon
Grace is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a deep passion for people and the redemptive work God is doing in them. Her experience in ministry laid the foundation for her current role, where she helps clients navigate trauma, relationship dynamics, and life’s many challenges. She met her husband, Sokin, while on staff with Soon Movement and together are raising their daughters, Audrey and Norah, in Southern California.
TOPIC: "From Destruction to Delight: Exposing the Enemy's Tactics and Finding True Joy in Christ" Sisters only
This seminar will shine a light on how the enemy seeks to rob us of our true purpose and joy. We will examine how trauma, hurt, and pain can often compel women to seek counterfeit pleasures that never truly satisfy. We will use this time to further discover how to reclaim our true identity in Him, find comfort for our wounds, and experience the abundant joy that comes from living in alignment with God’s will.
SPEAKER: Benjamin Shin
Benjamin C. Shin has served in the ministry as a pastor, parachurch leader, and professor for more than 30 years. He is a graduate of UCLA, Talbot School of Theology, and Dallas Theological Seminary. He enjoys reading, music, sports (especially the UCLA Bruins), and spending time with people. His vision and passion include mentoring leaders, re-building churches, and teaching the Word of God. He is married to his bride, Jen and has 2 wonderful sons named Adam and Zachary. He currently serves as the Teaching Pastor at New Life Vision Church in Glendale, CA and as an Associate Professor of Christian Ministry & Leadership and Director of the Asian-American Ministry track for the Doctor of Ministry at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, CA. He is the co-author of Tapestry of Grace: Untangling the Cultural Complexities of Asian American Life and Ministry.
TOPIC: Family Matters!
Everyone is born into a family whether you like it or not. Unfortunately, for many, the family is a great source of frustration, stress, and even pain. What does the Bible have to say about the family and how it should function? This seminar will overview this concept of family and help younger people realign themselves with God’s design for family.
SPEAKER: Christine Pak
Ms. Christine Pak is deeply passionate about empowering and advocating for God’s precious children with disabilities. God has guided her calling in special education, particularly in the area of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, to give a voice to the voiceless (Proverbs 31:8). She currently provides private therapy as an AAC specialist, inviting students to know and love Jesus Christ. Alongside her husband, Pastor Thomas, she founded a church in Fullerton, California, dedicated to supporting families of children with disabilities. Nothing brings her more joy than worshiping each Sunday with God’s beloved children.
TOPIC: Disability Worship - The Most Unreached Mission Field
A missionary once shared with me that the only reason she committed to serving the disabled population in Egypt was that no other missionary wanted to work with them. There was no competition; they were the least among the least. Her honesty broke my heart; however, that was the reality. What does God say about serving “the least of these”? (Matthew 25:40) Where is your mission field? What is your calling? You may not need to travel far to find your mission field. Come and discover God’s heart for His precious children with disabilities. God has called me to this field over 30 years ago and transformed my life through our worship with our children with special needs. Our desire is not only to see people with disabilities worship God but to become worshippers of Jesus Christ, impacting the lives around them! It will be an honor to share my journey with you.
SPEAKER: Dae Hoon Kim
Pastor Dae Kim completed the first batch of GCTC (SMG staff training) and served for 10 years. He now serves at Crosspoint Church in Chino and as an affiliated staff member of SMG. He is married to Joanne, and they have three daughters. He has a great passion for discipleship and missions. He completed his Master of Divinity at Talbot Theological Seminary.
TOPIC: Old Testament Survey
The Old Testament is too complicated to understand. Isn’t the New Testament enough to know Jesus Christ? Why should I know the Old Testament? How are the Old Testament and the New Testament related? Does the Old Testament talk about Jesus Christ? If these are some of the questions you’ve always had, this seminar is for you.
SPEAKER: Esther Hwang
Ogres are like onions. Onions have layers. Esther Hwang (though obviously) is not an ogre- is definitely an onion. Born, raised, and still rooted in Cerritos. She lived for many years as a people-pleaser and a pharisee- driven by insecurity and bounded in legalism. But everything changed in 2013 during her final quarter at UC Riverside, when she encountered a radical call to repentance and entered into a relationship with Christ. This journey led her to Talbot School of Theology, where she earned her Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care and Counseling in 2018, while serving as a youth pastor for four years. Today, Esther works as a project manager for a Christian philanthropist in Costa Mesa. When she’s not catching (yet another) flight, you’ll probably find her unapologetically bedrotting at home. She’s grateful for no longer being shackled by insecurity and lives daily under the grace of God with the kind of confidence that only comes from knowing she’s fully loved by Him.
TOPIC: Jesus Loves You… So Maybe You Should Too: How relationship with Christ brings confidence to an insecure heart
Insecurity has a way of distorting how you see yourself. In this seminar, we’ll explore how cultivating self-love whilst rooted in Christ breaks the cycle of self-doubt and unlocks confidence. Because guess what? Your worth isn’t up for debate—it’s already been declared by God. Insecurity keeps you small, but God created you to flourish. Learn how to identify and combat insecurity, break free from the trap of comparison and people-pleasing, and step into a life of freedom and purpose. Loving yourself well isn’t selfish; it’s the foundation for loving others as Jesus called us to do.
SPEAKER: Myung Jin Cho
Myung Jin Cho has been serving with SOON Movement Global (SMG) since 1997, dedicating her life to discipling and developing young leaders for Christ. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Riverside, an MA in Christian Ministry and Leadership from Talbot Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Education in Biblical Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Myung Jin is a certified coach through Birkman International, CoreClarity, and EQ-i2/EQ 360 (MHS Inc.). She currently serves as SMG’s Leadership Development & Human Resources Director, GCTC Director, and International Sending Director. She has been married to her husband, David, for 24 years and is the proud mother of their daughter, Irene.
TOPIC: Staff & 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.
SPEAKER: Jay Chun
Jay has served as a missionary with SOON Movement Global (formerly KCCC) since 2011, ministering on college campuses across Southern California, Illinois, and Japan. Currently on sabbatical, he is pursuing an M.Div. in Pastoral and General Ministries at Talbot Seminary. Jay and his family are preparing to return to Japan in the summer of 2025 as long-term missionaries. His vision is to help fulfill the Great Commission by raising Christ-centered, missions-focused, multiplying disciples among Japanese and Korean-American communities. Jay has been married to his wife, Sukyung, for 10 years, and they have three children: Nathan, Noah, and Olivia.
TOPIC: International Internship with SOON Movement Global (INT INT)
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15)
God is on a mission. His heart is that all nations would come to worship Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. And you are His chosen vessel to reveal Christ to the nations!
In this seminar, you will learn about SOON Movement Global’s International Internship—an opportunity to spend one to two years ministering to college students in a different country. You’ll have the chance to learn a new language, immerse yourself in a new culture, and proclaim the good news of Christ to people who may have never heard His name.
Be blessed, and become a blessing to the nations! Hear inspiring stories from staff members who have served on the overseas internship, and gain insight into the application process.
*This seminar is recommended for 3rd year students and above, but all are welcome to attend.
SPEAKER: Jun Son
Jun came to know Jesus through the SOON Movement (Formerly KCCC) in his Freshman year in college. After coming to know the Lord, he was always involved with the ministry of discipleship as a student leader and as a volunteer staff. After serving as a volunteer staff for a few years, God called him to be a full-time campus missionary, and this is his 12th year serving as a full-time. Being a former atheist who greatly benefitted from exploring the logic and reasonings behind Christianity, Jun believes apologetics can play a crucial role in helping people hear out the claims of Christianity with open hearts
TOPIC: Intro to Apologetics
A few years ago, Barna Group, a Christian research organization, interviewed young Christians who left the church and asked why they left. Six main reasons emerged, and three of them were related to apologetics:
– Churches come across as antagonistic to science
– They wrestle with the exclusive nature of Christianity
– The church feels unfriendly to those who doubt
Can you relate to any of these? Have you heard someone expressing a similar claim/concern? What would be your response to such a claim? In this seminar, a brief introduction to Christian apologetics (defense of what you believe to be true) will be presented, and we hope that the logic and reasonings presented will solidify your faith and help others see that Christianity is not a “blind faith,” but a faith based on solid reasons.
SPEAKER: Dr. Sara Lee
Dr. Lee is the Assistant Professor of Psychology and Assistant Clinal Director in the School of Arts and Science in the Psychology program at the University of Massachusetts Global, Online campus. Dr. Lee is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. She has been serving the community as a therapist, clinical supervisor, and trainer/consultant in the greater Los Angeles area. Dr. Lee is a clinical fellow at American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. Dr. Lee has taught the Masters and Doctoral programs in an adjunct capacity at different MFT programs.
TOPIC: Living Life to the Fullest; From a Mental Health Perspective
In John 10:10, Jesus said that he came for us to have life, and for us to have it to the full. What does it mean to have life, and to have it to the full? Are you experiencing/living this life? In our daily lives, as we face our reality and challenges, we may find ourselves being shaken and struggling with anxiety and depression like others including non-Christians. Then, what is going on and what is the problem? What can we do about it?
SPEAKER: Karen Cartmell
I first got involved with Cru as a high school student in 1976, when I attended my first Christmas Conference. My husband and I met on a summer project when I was in college. We have been involved with Cru as volunteers since then. Since 2012, I have served with Cru in the NAMEStan region (North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia) teaching spiritual formation and giving spiritual direction to national staff. My husband is a medical doctor and I am a spiritual director and adjunct faculty at Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology, Institute for Spiritual Formation. My husband and I have 3 grown children and 9 grandchildren, who keep me smiling and active.
TOPIC: Spiritual Formation: The S-L-O-W-E-S-T Motion on Earth
We are always growing and as believers, we desire to grow toward God and love. How do I actually grow? What does that look like in my life? Do I grow myself or is that God’s work? How do I know if I am walking in the Spirit and growing in Christ? What do my prayer life and other Christian practices contribute to my life with God? What do I do with habitual sin in my life? These important questions impact our lives with God. This seminar will address these questions in practical ways so that you can open your heart more fully to God’s loving presence.