Quick Fun Facts
Name: Michael Kim (a.k.a. P Mike)
Birthplace: Panorama City, CA
Wife: Jamie
Children: Kaetlyn, Josiah, and Mikaelah
Favorite Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:25-27
Favorite Sports Teams: Lakers, UCLA Bruins, St. Louis Rams
Favorite Sports: Football, Basketball, Volleyball
Favorite Moments: My wedding day, the birth of all 3 of my children, Lakers going back-to-back in ’87-88, the Rams win the Superbowl, UCLA wins the NCAA championship in ’95, witnessing people accept Jesus Christ as their Lord & Savior.
Born the youngest of six children, Pastor Mike grew up in a loving Christian family. He attended Christian schools from kindergarten (Panorama Baptist) through high school (Los Angeles Baptist ’94). He grew up going to church and cannot recall ever missing a church meeting. His family was very active in church leadership and was a constant model of servant leadership.
Despite all the Christian influence, education and regular church attendance, Mike still found himself searching. He found himself searching for meaning, identity, and belonging. He was not sure what he was capable of doing, but he was certain of what he never wanted to become, a pastor or missionary. A growing emptiness plagued Mike throughout his high school years only to magnify in college. While in high school, Mike discovered a desire for counseling and to help others in need, with a particular burden for families. Mike assumed he discovered his life purpose. God had a different plan in mind. Mike attended San Diego State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with the long term goal of having his own family practice. As Mike continued his studies, he started to have a restless heart about pursuing a career in psychology. He still wanted to help others, but began to question whether psychology was the direction God had designed.
In October 1994, Mike met the love of his life, Jamie, at the dormitory pool table room. A deep friendship quickly developed. During their brief time of friendship, Mike quickly realized he found his soul mate. Together, Mike and Jamie would begin a life journey of many twists, turns, ups, downs, and everything in between.
After a long search for a suitable church, Mike and Jamie discovered Horizon Christian Fellowship. More accurately, God led them to a dynamic church that showed them what it meant to have a passion and desire for the Lord. Over the next three years, God recaptured Mike’s wandering heart and began changing his attitude toward ministry. Through a series of events, Mike had the opportunity to volunteer as a college home fellowship leader. As time passed, God used several individuals to confirm a growing conviction within his heart. It was time to respond to God’s calling to ministry.
Mike and Jamie partnered in an amazing journey in ministry together. In the fall of 1999, Mike enrolled at Azusa Pacific University’s Haggard Graduate School of Theology to pursue a Master of Divinity degree. Mike served as a youth pastor for 3 years (Loving Jesus Grace Church 2000-2001 & Covenant United Methodist Church 2001-2003) before joining the EFC family in 2004. Mike served at EFC Cerritos as the English Ministry Pastor from 2004-2009 before joining EFC San Fernando Valley in February of 2010.
Mike grew up watching his family serve in various church roles. Little did he know it would make a profound impact as he began serving years later. Coming full circle with his own beautiful family, Mike credits his wife Jamie and his three children (Kaetlyn, Josiah, and Mikaelah) as his inspiration and constant reminder of God’s love and grace. Through many ups and downs, joys and trials, his family has always been the constant source of love, joy, and support. Pastor Mike no longer finds himself searching for meaning, identity, or belonging. God’s faithfulness, mercy, and loving kindness have proven, in His time, we can discover all that God has planned for us if we trust in Him.
