Staff
Interim Lead Pastor / Executive Pastor - Peter Park
Email: peter.park@newsong.net
Hometown: OC since 1981. Korea, NY, and Michigan 1972-81
How did you become a part of Newsong North Orange County?
I started out as the High School Pastor at Newsong Irvine back in ’01 and was invited to join NOC in ’06 as the Executive Pastor. Looking at the crowd, I realized there are several former students of mine. Therefore, the true answer is that I’m stalking my former students here at NOC ;-D.
What is your role?
I’m currently the Interim Lead Pastor.
What is your favorite part about your role?
I get to witness transformed lives, growth, first-time commitments, recommitments, and God at work in not only an individual, but in a community and beyond.
Where is your favorite place on earth?
The majestic, panoramic, view of the ocean or scenery…on a golf course.
If you have to choose a movie title for your life story, what would that be?
Live and Learn Part 38
If you could go back in time and witness one monumental moment in history, what would it be?
Besides when Jesus appeared before His disciples after resurrecting, the day that man first landed on the moon…on the moon.
What’s the dumbest purchase you’ve ever made?
Paid $75 to get on a top students in America yearbook that ended up having thousands of random people’s names next to mine with no significance. Basically, it was a list of name of the top most gullible sucker students in America. Total scam!!!
What is the most useful gift you’ve ever been given?
My leatherman squirt P4 mini pocket utility tool that I take everywhere I go on my keychain. MacGyver rocks!
What makes you laugh?
Things that are funny. Haha! (That actually made me laugh.) Also, almost all types of humor. I thank God for laughter. Endorphins does a body good!
Director of First Steps - Angie Pang
Email: angie.pang@newsong.net
Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee!! Woot woot!
How did you become a part of Newsong North Orange County?
I attended Newsong Irvine all throughout college and was heavily involved in the college ministry that Brian Kim was leading at the time, so Newsong was very much home for me. However, Newsong NOC launched while I was living back in Memphis. I moved back to Memphis after graduation from UCI. After about a year of living back at home, I decided it was time to move back to SoCal and literally as I was on my way back to the West Coast, Brian called me and invited me to join NOC staff as an intern. Though I had never much considered working for a church, the potential of getting to help launch a church was extremely exciting to me, especially the opportunity to do so under Brian’s leadership. So, I had actually joined staff before I had even attended a NOC service.
What is your role?
I try my best to help keep things in order. I also oversee our Justice, Advocacy, and Compassion Ministry. This is the outreach arm of our church where we help to provide platforms and resources to help our community live out the value of “cause” in our lives.
What is your favorite part about your role?
I truly feel it is a privilege that I get to do what I do. I am allowed a front row seat to see how God is moving and changing the hearts and lives of the people in our community. Witnessing this process of transformation is my favorite part.
Where is your favorite place on earth?
One of my favorite places on earth is my mama’s kitchen. I love hanging out with my mom at home, in the kitchen, while watching (and sometimes helping) her cook. Other than that, most of my other favorite places involve being outdoors enjoying the earth.
If you have to choose a movie title for your life story, what would that be?
“Orchestrating the Details”
If you could go back in time and witness one monumental moment in history what would it be?
Being that I was born and raised in Memphis, I would have to say that I would love to witness the monumental “Mountaintop” speech made by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or the deliverance of people through the Underground Railroad, alongside Harriet Tubman.
What’s the dumbest purchase you’ve ever made?
She’s thinking about her answer.
What is the most useful gift you’ve ever been given?
The most useful gift I’ve ever been given would have to be toilet paper. It was a housewarming gift and something I use everyday!
What makes you laugh?
Almost everything. I’ve been told that I like to laugh at people, as opposed to with people. I’m not sure I entirely disagree. But, I’d also like to note that I laugh quite a bit at myself as well. I think it’s better if we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Laughter is good for the soul.
Director of Spiritual Formation - Kumi Nakagomi
Email: kumi.nakagomi@newsong.net
Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
How did you become a part of Newsong North Orange County?
I heard about Newsong through two friends that I met during the summers they came on short term missions trips to Tokyo.
What is your role?
Director of Spiritual Formation
What is your favorite part about your role?
People! 
Just being a part of seeing God work in and through people has been such a privilege.
Where is your favorite place on earth?
I love being home (Tokyo) but I also love being where there are just landscapes of nature (being at the beach, the mountains, etc) and so being in SoCal has been great!
If you have to choose a movie title for your life story, what would that be?
“The Unexpected Life” - life definitely has not been what I had expected - but it’s been so much better!
If you could go back in time and witness one monumental moment in history what would it be?
Would love to experience what community was like in the early church.
What’s the dumbest purchase you’ve ever made?
I actually can’t remember…I’m sure my mom would have answers to this question, but I just can’t remember! I tend to be very careful about my purchases.
What is the most useful gift you’ve ever been given?
An alarm clock that is covered by rubber sides so even if it falls or gets thrown it’s still in tact.
What makes you laugh?
Our staff team. There is a lot of laughter in the office.
College Pastor - Benjie Kim
Email: benjie.kim@newsong.net
Hometown: Orange, CA
How did you become a part of Newsong North Orange County?
Though I had always heard about Newsong throughout my undergrad years at UC Irvine, I never visited any Newsong campus until October 2007. Long story short, my dream of doing my Fuller Seminary pastoral internship at Newsong came true when I had the privilege of working with The Edge (Irvine’s College Ministry) from 2007 until the beginning of 2009. Just as my internship came to a close, my pastoral supervisor at Irvine, Abe Park, introduced me to Peter regarding the opportunity to work with the NOC College Ministry. About 6 lunches with a variety of NOC Staff and volunteers (thanks Kumi for all the food!!) later, I was given the opportunity to join NOC Staff as the college intern. Several months later, I was given the opportunity to come on-board as the first official college pastor at Newsong NOC!
What is your role?
College Pastor
What is your favorite part about your role?
Spending time with my students and building relationships and memories. I crave and thirst after seeing students learning to be self-reflective and honest with who God has created them to be. I am always in awe when I see students wrestling with their pain while clinging on to God for their redemption and freedom. True hope can be so elusive, and it is always miraculous when I’m able to witness hope embodied in the lives of our future leaders.
Where is your favorite place on earth?
Can I name several? Peet’s Coffee with an iced americano (easy water) in my hand (I suppose any other inferior coffeehouse can qualify too as long as I’m in the presence of good company [which is key]. Any baseball stadium. The game of baseball is sacred to me and though I’m not able to go to nearly as many games as I’d like, the feeling of being at the stadium on a warm summer night brings me serenity and opportunities for reflection. OH, and I also LOVE watching, analyzing, and dissecting baseball!! Watching an episode of Lost, How I Met Your Mother, The Office, or Dexter in bed with Rebecca before going to sleep.
If you have to choose a movie title for your life story, what would that be?
Band of Brothers (and Sisters)
If you could go back in time and witness one monumental moment in history, what would it be?
This is kind of silly but my all-time favorite moment is baseball is Kirk Gibson’s Game 1 World Series homerun in 1988 (Ironically, I’m an Angels season seat holder…but I love the game above all else!). My family didn’t have a t.v. at the time, and I distinctly remember listening to the game on my mini blue am only radio. Watching replays later, I feel like I imagined the moment perfectly, just like it happened. NEVERMIND, I think that moment is best treasured as a memory.
What’s the dumbest purchase you’ve ever made?
Probably too many to count. I’m a slickdeals.net junkie who constantly scours the forums in search for the perfect deal. I’m pretty good about it now, but my early years on slickdeals resulted in lots of needless, technological junk. This is turning into a confessional because I don’t think I’ve ever admitted this to my wife. You got me honey!
What is the most useful gift you’ve ever been given?
My noise cancelling headphones are amazing. Our Roomba was amazing too until it died a fatal death. My video IPod is a near life essential. Did I mention all three gifts were given to me from one person?
What makes you laugh?
Michael Scott, Dwight, Creed, Meredith, Kevin, Stanley. Oh, and don’t forget Marshall, Ted, Robin, and Lily. And lastly, silly flatulence. Sorry, I can’t lie. But I’m convinced that funny noises and odors were given to us by God to bond and become family. I suppose there might be something physiological to it as well but I don’t know.
Director of Children’s Ministry - Justine Nguyen
Email: justine.nguyen@newsong.net
Hometown: Anaheim Hills, CA
How did you become a part of Newsong North Orange County?
I was gently nudged to come to noc from Newsong Irvine to potentially help with Noah’s Town
What is your role?
I oversee the late childhood stage in Noah’s Town and operations.
What is your favorite part about your role?
I love that I am in a role that allows me to see students identify and own their own relationship with Christ. It is also such a privilege to serve alongside the volunteers who have such a passion for the children as well as this ministry.
Where is your favorite place on earth?
I love the beach, preferably Newport but any beach works. Summer, fall, winter, spring…anytime. Disneyland during Christmas time.
If you have to choose a movie title for your life story, what would that be?
Justine in Wonderland
If you could go back in time and witness one monumental moment in history, what would it be?
The fall of the Berlin Wall and 1994 South African elections.
What’s the dumbest purchase you’ve ever made?
The most expensive jeans I bought. They were big, the seams were extremely thick, and they aren’t very comfortable. I force myself to wear them once a year in order to try to get my moneys worth. At this rate I am going to have these jeans for over 60 years.
What is the most useful gift you’ve ever been given?
My wonderful MAC laptop and my ipod.
What makes you laugh?
I love when people fall, not hard enough where they hurt themselves, but enough for them to trip. When children say the craziest things. I usually laugh at everything, I am pretty easy to amuse.
Director of Student Ministries / Operations Assistant - Liz Yim
Email: liz.yim@newsong.net
Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado
How did you become a part of Newsong North Orange County?
About 2 weeks after I returned home from Guatemala, I was given the opportunity to be an intern at Noah’s Place at Newsong Irvine. There had already been talks off a new location launching in the North Orange County area and that Brian would be the site pastor but I had no idea that it would come so soon after I began my internship. In the short 6 months of learning all that I could about children’s ministry, I was asked to join the team and we were at our first official preview service! Oh…the memories! God has truly taken this community on an unforgettable journey over the last 4 years.
What is your role?
I am the Children’s Ministry Director and as of the Fall of 2008 I’m overseeing Jr. High Ministry too!
What is your favorite part about your role?
I love seeing our amazing volunteer team interact, engage, and build relationships with the kids/students and parents. I also love to eavesdrop on the conversations kids are having with each other. When these little ones start chatting with one another, you can’t help but smile!
Where is your favorite place on earth?
Disneyland in front of the castle during the fireworks.
If you have to choose a movie title for your life story, what would that be?
“A Box of Chocolates”
If you could go back in time and witness one monumental moment in history what would it be?
She is still thinking about this answer.
What’s the dumbest purchase you’ve ever made?
I bought shoes that were very cute but 1/2 a size too small.
What is the most useful gift you’ve ever been given?
My car and my macbook.
What makes you laugh?
I love to laugh! It could be a number of things…you falling down or tripping, me falling down or tripping, impersonations of people that we know, when I’m in the mood corny works too but you have to catch me at the right time, and sometimes awkward people that say awkward things.
Worship Pastor - Vaughn Thompson
Email: vaughn.thompson@newsong.net
Hometown: Hagerstown, MD
How did you become a part of Newsong North Orange County?
I married one of the NOC worship leaders.
What is your role?
Worship Pastor
What is your favorite part about your role?
Being able to do what I am called to do with people that I love.
Where is your favorite place on earth?
Wherever I can be with my wife, my family, Korean BBQ, and Maryland Blue Crabs all at the same time.
If you have to choose a movie title for your life story, what would that be?
Dumb and Dumber
If you could go back in time and witness one monumental moment in history, what would it be?
Original 1992 dream team inter-squad scrimmages.
What’s the dumbest purchase you’ve ever made?
P90x
What is the most useful gift you’ve ever been given?
Wedding gift-toaster oven or my Transformers Snuggie.
What makes you laugh?
King of Queens, funny movies, hanging with cool peeps.
Creative Leadership Development - Daniel Kam*
Email: daniel.kam@newsong.net
Hometown: Cerritos, CA
How did you become a part of Newsong North Orange County?
I attended Newsong Irvine since 1999, and when NOC started, our then small group community decided to make the move and be part of the NOC community.
What is your role?
Creative Leadership Development
What is your favorite part about your role?
Being able to work with a creative and passionate team of people. We blend creativity, marketing and technology to communicate relevant information to our community and beyond.
Where are your favorite places on earth?
The 18” of mattress that I sleep on. The beaches of Bora Bora. Boarding in deep powder in Jackson Hole or Whistler. Fishing on a Super Panga in La Paz with my dad.
If you have to choose a movie title for your life story, what would that be?
“The JOAT who GSD and Dies Happy”
If you could go back in time and witness one monumental moment in history what would it be?
When Adam named of all the living creatures.
What’s the dumbest purchase you’ve ever made?
A phantom laptop from Ukraine.
What is the most useful gift you’ve ever been given?
My ACM wallet.
What makes you laugh?
Chandler & Ross.
Director of Finance/Accounting - Connie Pak*
Email: connie.pak@newsong.net
Hometown: Upland, CA
How did you become a part of Newsong North Orange County?
Moved to the North Orange County area after getting married. Used to attend Newsong Irvine. Pastor Brian was my college pastor while I attended UCI.
What is your role?
Finance
What is your favorite part about your role?
Being able to use my skills from my job as a way to serve God and NOC. Creating systems.
Where is your favorite place on earth?
My favorite crab restaurant in Redondo Beach.
If you have to choose a movie title for your life story, what would that be?
13 going on 30
If you could go back in time and witness one monumental moment in history what would it be?
Jesus’ death and resurrection.
What’s the dumbest purchase you’ve ever made?
Signing up with Mary Kay and buying inventory to start selling.
What is the most useful gift you’ve ever been given?
My purse from my mom.
What makes you laugh?
Being silly with my husband and friends.
Director of Life Groups - Jay Wu*
Email: jay.wu@newsong.net
Hometown: Diamond Bar
How did you become a part of Newsong North Orange County?
I attended Newsong Irvine in college but Irvine was a bit of a drive from Diamond Bar and I have a heart to serve and be a part of the community where I live. And honestly, I just didn’t want to drive that far.
What is your role?
I focus on serving the Life Groups ministry at NOC.
What is your favorite part about your role?
I have a huge grin on my face when I hear how people connect in community and actually find a place where they are received and belong. And when I hear that people experience some relationship with God and respond to His love my heart begins to beat faster. Overall, I’m just thankful to know that God is everything I’ve read about Him in the Bible and I get to share that with others.
Where is your favorite place on earth?
Any place where I get to be free to explore - city or wilderness.
If you have to choose a movie title for your life story, what would that be?
Run, Forest, Run!
If you could go back in time and witness one monumental moment in history what would it be?
When the first man stepped foot on the moon!
What’s the dumbest purchase you’ve ever made?
Some knockoff designer sunglasses in a Beijing market.
What is the most useful gift you’ve ever been given?
An electric toothbrush.
What makes you laugh?
Random thoughts…you’ll know what I mean when you’re around me and I’m laughing or grinning.
Director of Programming - Cindy Park*
Email: cindy.park@newsong.net
Hometown: Orange, CA
How did you become a part of Newsong North Orange County?
My husband got hired by NOC.
What is your role?
Creative Arts Programming Team Director
What is your favorite part about your role?
Helping to create experiences that allow people to encounter God.
Where is your favorite place on earth?
Disneyland!!! (and the mall).
If you have to choose a movie title for your life story, what would that be?
Eat, Pray, Love, (shop)
If you could go back in time and witness one monumental moment in history what would it be?
I would love to hear Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a Dream” speech in person.
What’s the dumbest purchase you’ve ever made?
I bought Tony Little’s exercise tapes from an infomerical… I only used it for like a week. Probably b/c I didn’t want to listen to him repeatedly say “it burns so goooood!!!”
What is the most useful gift you’ve ever been given?
Mmm… i don’t know what it’s called…it’s the cord that connects my iPod to the car…I use that EVERY day!!
What makes you laugh?
My kids!!!
Director of Creative Arts - Josh Chang*
Email: josh.chang@newsong.net
Hometown: Diamond Bar, CA
How did you become a part of Newsong North Orange County?
I started attending Newsong Irvine in 2000, joining their college ministry group the Edge. After graduating and finding work, I spent a year in China (2004) and returned to the States. I’ve been at NOC ever since.
What is your role?
Director of Worship
What is your favorite part about your role?
Serving with people with the same passionate for music and helping to create an environment for people to worship Him. I love to be involved in the process of making idea/vision happen.
Where is your favorite place on earth?
Backcountry, knee deep in powder.
If you have to choose a movie title for your life story, what would that be?
“27 tuxes”
If you could go back in time and witness one monumental moment in history what would it be?
Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble - Live at the El Mocambo (1983)
What’s the dumbest purchase you’ve ever made?
In junior high, I saved up $300 for a pair of roller blades (K2 Fatty Pros). I only found one pair that was two sizes TOO big. I bought it at full price.
What is the most useful gift you’ve ever been given?
My guitar!
What makes you laugh?
“Bears, Beets, Battlestar Gallactica”
* Volunteer Staff
