Our Pastor

My Story

Hello, I’m Pastor Jisun Kwak, and I feel truly blessed to serve as the pastor of the United Methodist Church at Demarest.

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Whether you are searching for a church home, curious about faith, or simply visiting, know that you are warmly welcomed just as you are.

To tell you a little more about me: I was born and raised in South Korea, where I studied theology and social work at Yonsei University before coming to the United States. My journey of learning continued at Drew University, where I received both a Master of Divinity and a Ph.D. in Religion and Psychology.

My passion has always been walking with people—whether through counseling, teaching, or pastoring. Over the years, I’ve served churches across New Jersey, guided churches as a district superintendent, taught seminary students, and offered care as a pastoral counselor. But more than anything, I love being present with people in their stories, joys, and struggles, and helping them discover God’s love at work in their lives.

Family is my greatest joy. I am the proud mother of my daughter Lydia, who shares her gift of healing with children as an art therapist in New York. And I am also a young grandma to my sweet granddaughter, Naya, who just turned one! Holding her for her baptism was one of the most precious moments of my life, and I am happy to share that photo with you here as a reminder of God’s grace across generations.

With grace and peace,
Pastor Jisun