Hwapyoung Kang was born and raised in Korea. In 2010, he moved to the US to attend Seminary. He completed his Master of Divinity degree at Pacific School of Religion and graduated in May 2015. He was ordained as an elder on June 27, 2021 by California-Nevada Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Since July 1st, 2021, he has been appointed to both Hollister United Methodist Church and Gilroy United Methodist Church. His hope is to serve the church as the place for healing and growth in spirit and body in God’s love and grace. He and his wife, Mihyun, have been married since 2012.
His favorite scripture passage is Romans 8:26-27 (Common English Bible)
“26 In the same way, the Spirit comes to help our weakness. We don’t know what we should pray, but the Spirit himself pleads our case with unexpressed groans.”
“ 27 The one who searches hearts knows how the Spirit thinks, because he pleads for the saints, consistent with God’s will. (Common English Bible)”
His favorite hymn is UM Hymnal #191 “Jesus Loves Me.”
This hymn always reminds him of his first, true, and deep identity: a child of God.
