In the third episode of our “Pastoring Worship” series, Adam talks with Ted Kim about building a worship community that is fraternal rather than functional. They discuss logistics of creating culture and practicing mutual submission, and how to make the act of worship more humane by respecting people’s humanity as we’re calling them to serve. Ted also talks about laughter as a sign of health in a church community. This is an incredibly down-to-earth conversation that is full of profoundly practical ideas.
Ted Kim is the senior pastor of the Evanston Vineyard, having taken over the leadership from Steve Nicholson in early 2020, six days after the church shut down its in-person services due to Covid. He is passionate about the beauty of Jesus, spiritual formation, and building a church for Generation Z. It is also his life mission to bend the heart of the city of Chicago to God through the multiplication and releasing of young leaders.
Prior to arriving in Chicago, Ted was a worship pastor and songwriter. He spent the last decade at the Vineyard in Syracuse, NY. For some reason, God’s intention is for Ted to be cold. Ted is the son of Korean immigrants. His mother is the daughter of a South Korean dignitary. His father escaped from North Korea during the war and would later go on to be an industrial engineer. They found each other on the other side of the world in bucolic Kentucky. Ted first attended and interned at the Evanston Vineyard in the 90s, while he was a student at the University of Chicago. Despite the occasional polar vortex, he is delighted (and humbled) to return to Chicago and serve the church that formed him more than any other community in his life. Ted is married to Brittany, an Old Testament scholar. Together they have three children.
Show Notes:
The Ferment February 17, 2019
“Ted Kim – Worship Leader, Songwriter and Pastor – We All Need To Be Seen”
https://bit.ly/3qbt8aq
The Ferment March 31, 2019
“5 Books Every Worship Leader Should Read in 2019 with Ted Kim”
https://bit.ly/3tr4WTL
The Ferment October 25, 2020
“Transcendence, Surprise and Creative Process – John Mark Mcmillan and Pastor Ted Kim”
https://bit.ly/3waPjkY
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