Pastoral Welcome
We’re glad you found us!
ARK is a church for the sojourner, the third culture, ones along the Way. We understand what it feels like to leave home, to miss home, and to try build something new in a place that doesn’t always feel like a perfect fit.
Whether you’re here for a season or staying long-term, our hope is that you’d find something real here. A place to breathe. People to walk with. A space to know God and be known.
We know what it’s like to live in-between, carrying homesickness while trying to put down roots. We believe God meets us in that tension, shaping our faith and giving us a deeper sense of home in Him.
We pray that you are blessed as you come, and that you will be blessed as you go.
—Pastor Jiwon + Janice
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Jiwon was born in Busan and moved to Australia at the age of 3. He grew up in Sydney, where he met the Lord and received his call to ministry. He spent over a decade in California, ministering and earning his M.Div from Talbot Theological Seminary. He’s now completing his Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care.
Having moved several times, Jiwon sees his third-culture journey as central to his Christian identity and formation. His heart is to see a vibrant community in Seoul who ceases striving, surrenders to love, and says “yes” to go wherever, whenever he calls.
The most meaningful part of planting ARK has been moving countries with his wife and three kids. Pursuing God’s will together as a family has drawn them closer and deepened their faith to keep living for Jesus.
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Janice was born and raised in Silicon Valley and studied Sociology at UC Davis, where her love for understanding people and their stories first took root. She later earned a Master’s in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from Talbot Theological Seminary and worked there on staff as a spiritual director before moving to Korea. At Ark, Janice leads the Families and Prayer ministries, bringing a heart for discipleship, prayer and community care. She is also a mom, joyfully (most of the time) raising three little ones while continuing to walk alongside others in their journey with God.
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