‘Metro Kingdom Builders’ is a series highlighting the partners and people that make up, and serve, at Metro Community Church. This week’s Kingdom Builder is Mike Myung!

When did you start attending Metro?
I started attending Metro the summer of 2016. I had just moved back to NJ and was looking for a church to call home. However, I first started coming out to Metro regularly through the Arts Ministry’s summer camp - [Pastor] Doug needed a dance instructor and I was looking for a part time job. It all ended up working out well I would say.

What was it about Metro that you liked?
One of the first few weeks I attended Metro, I heard Pastor Peter say "black lives matter." I truly appreciated how the church leadership did not shy away from calling out racial injustice in the US and at home in Bergen County. It was bold and refreshing to finally see a church that did not shy away from recognizing the suffering of our black and brown brothers and sisters. I still remember the panel where members from our church shared their personal experiences with racial injustice. I don't think I'll ever forget the impact that had on me.

What ministries are you involved with?
I currently serve on the Arts Ministry core team and I co-lead a small group with Jung Hur.

In both instances, I feel that God called me to serve, but in a different way for each opportunity. Sometimes I feel like God places a specific vision in my heart (and usually a person or two around me who confirm or will join in on that vision); and sometimes God is more like "Idk dude, just do what you want to do and trust that I'll bless it if it's good."

What do you do outside of Metro?
I am a software engineer at a startup company called Bluecore. My academic background is in pre-law (political science and philosophy), but I spent most of college learning how to dance.

I love to cook or watch videos about food and learn about ingredients, agriculture, people in food, etc. Most of the time I'll be watching (or eating) with my girlfriend, Jiin Shin!

What does transformation mean to you? Have you seen or experienced transformation through Metro?
Transformation means surrendering to who God says I am. Sometimes it's really uplifting, God tells me I'm his beloved son and that He is proud of me; other times it's a tougher love and I have to surrender who I would like to be or how I think I should live, and instead trust that God's directive will lead me to be more united with Him.

What is one thing you want people to know about you?
I'm an introvert! But come find me if you want to have a deep dive about the moral & philosophical themes in the [Marvel Cinematic Universe] or any other Disney IP.

What brings you the most joy?
Spending time with Jiin, my dog, and my family and friends.

Anything else you want to share?
Everyone should read "The Life You've Always Wanted" by John Ortberg. Our small group just finished it this past semester, and it is to me what EHS is to Pastor Peter.