It has been a year of transition in many ways for 2017 Claremont School of Theology, Alumna Rev. Bomi Kim, M.Div. After becoming ordained as a provisional member in the North Georgia Conference in The United Methodist Church and getting married in summer 2020, she began serving as Associate Pastor at McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church in Powder Springs, Georgia, this last September.
Claremont School of Theology is one of the 13 United Methodist seminaries supported by the Ministerial Education Fund apportionment of the United Methodist Church.
Bomi and her husband are primarily working from their parsonage home, a convenient 5-minute walk from the church. Some of her areas of ministry include Communications, Women’s Ministry, and Newcomers’ Ministry. The pandemic, she noted, seems to have little affected newcomers wanting to check out the church, even as virtual meetings have become the norm. Small groups continue to thrive, and Bomi is looking forward to engaging with mothers of preschoolers this year—especially as she gave birth to her child in May.
Bomi is Korean and came to the United States in 2014 to attend CST. When Bomi first joined the church, the congregants introduced her to the old tradition of “pounding,” in which congregants shower a new pastor with gifts. The word originates from gifting a pound of food such as sugar, flour, or coffee. Bomi explained: “When a new pastor comes, they celebrate and welcome them, giving them tissue, detergent, condiments, and just little goodies. I received really good Southern hospitality.”
Bomi has been discovering some of the cultural and theological opportunities and challenges of ministering at a primarily Caucasian, theologically traditional, Southern church. The rich spectrum of theological experiences she has had in Korea and the United States is intentionally informing her work.
Bomi’s experiences at McEachern Memorial have also prompted her to consider what aspects of her own early spirituality she may have been neglecting as her theology has become more progressive over the years. Bomi described her congregation as inspiringly dedicated, prayerful, and faithful.
“They are very passionate about sharing good news with the world,” Bomi said. “It reminds me of my first encounter of and love of God [in which] something happened that I cannot explain.”
Although Bomi is now serving in a culture different from her own in various ways, her connections across the country and the world—especially with other United Methodist ministers and fellow Asian women clergy and theologians—have served as a nurturing, grounding force for her.
This year Bomi is looking forward to getting to know her congregation further, incorporating more of her training in eco-justice into her ministry, and caring for her baby-to-come.
Claremont School of Theology website, Claremont, CA
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Ministerial Education Fund is at the heart of preparing people for making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The 13 United Methodist seminaries help students to discover their calling through the challenging curriculum. The fund enables the church to increase financial support for recruiting and educating ordained and diaconal ministers and to equip annual conferences to meet increased demands. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Ministerial Education Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
