Rev. John Yoon, Pastor
Rev. John Yoon describes himself as an ordinary person who loves Jesus Christ and seeks to walk in His ways. He treasures his family and church community and admits with humility that, like everyone else, he makes mistakes along the way.
Outside of ministry, Pastor John enjoys golfing (when he can find the time!), exercising, watching ball games, and sharing meals of all kinds—from Korean BBQ and sushi to hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta, and good old-fashioned church potlucks.
Pastor John and his wife, Mina, have been married for 35 years. He often says he is “truly blessed” by Mina, their two sons, and the love of extended family and friends.
Born in Seoul, Korea, Pastor John grew up in a Methodist pastor’s family. At age 14, his family immigrated to the United States when his father was called to serve a small Korean Methodist church in Detroit, Michigan. Having spent most of his life in the Los Angeles area, Pastor John is a loyal fan of the Dodgers, Rams, and Lakers. Yet he still roots for his hometown teams, the Detroit Tigers and Lions—so don’t be surprised if you see him wearing a Tigers or Lions cap on game day!
Pastor John has served in ministry for more than 30 years. He began as a youth pastor at Woodland Hills Korean UMC, then served as an associate pastor at Staten Island KUMC in New York. For the past 27 years, he has faithfully served as a solo pastor at Del Rosa UMC, Yucaipa UMC, First Riverside UMC, Thousand Oaks UMC, and Shepherd of the Hills UMC in Monterey Park.
Reflecting on his journey, Pastor John often likens himself to a “journeyman” in sports—someone who has played for several teams throughout a long career. For him, ministry is a journey of faith, much like Abraham and Sarah, who set out into the unknown trusting God’s call and grace. In the same way, he believes each stage of life—whether a move, a new relationship, a new job, or a new church—is an invitation to trust God’s guidance.
Pastor John is passionate about relationship-driven, team-centered ministry, believing that this is how the gospel of Jesus Christ becomes real and relevant to all people. He looks forward to sharing this journey of faith with the Sierra Madre UMC family and community, as together they strive to be an open, affirming, and inclusive church.
“No matter who you are or where you are on your journey—whether you’re a longtime churchgoer, someone deconstructing faith, or exploring Jesus for the very first time—Pastor John and Sierra Madre UMC welcome you with unconditional love, just as Jesus does.”