From his ministry as a pastor in Korea to his partnerships with United, Rev. Dr. Byoung Sam Kim (DMiss, ’98) is helping others say “yes” to God.

Since graduating from United, Dr. Kim has remained a faithful supporter of United and is now helping to shape future leaders of the church through the seminary. A former member of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Kim currently serves as a life board member. In October 2022, he led an international worship and preaching seminar through the Innovation Center, and he presented a plenary at the Fall 2024 Doctor of Ministry Intensive. Dr. Kim also serves as the head of the Korean House of Study (KHOS), established in Fall 2023.

At the doctoral intensive he told students, “I often receive questions about the origins of my current ministry. I always give the same answer: It’s what I learned at United!”

As senior pastor of Manna Church in South Korea—a congregation of more than 23,000 members—Dr. Kim has facilitated substantial support for global leaders who follow God’s calling and cultivate spiritual disciples in Christ worldwide. Notably, Manna Church established the Rev. Woo Young Kim Scholarship, supporting two global leaders at United in their pursuit of God’s vision to make disciples of Christ and expand the Kingdom. Another gift from Manna Church helped initiate one of the bilingual focus groups of the Doctor of Ministry program, “Cross-Cultural Ministry & Spiritual Leadership” (started in Fall 2021).

Dr. Kim demonstrates unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation of Christian leaders. Through his consistent support and generous hosting of United’s annual Contextual Ministry Retreat at Manna Church in Korea, he has offered exceptional spiritual leadership, hospitality, and accommodations to students, faculty, and staff.

Dr. Kim’s vision for KHOS is to strengthen the integration of theological education with pastoral practice. He emphasizes that scholarships are essential for preparing global leaders who will return to their home communities to raise leaders, nurture disciples, and engage faithfully with contemporary society and culture. Through this program, United students gain a deeper understanding of the church and are guided in discerning the direction of their future ministry.

Dr. Kim regards United’s programs as foundational for ministry development and Christ-centered leadership. He views his financial support as an opportunity to enable pastors and missionaries worldwide to study at United, be equipped for ministry, and return to serve God’s Kingdom.