2025 Appointments

New appointment announcements will be posted here every Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
Click here to view appointments in the EPA Conference.

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Donald Kirschner as the lead pastor of West Park United Methodist, Hopewell Township, effective July 1, 2025.

Donald has been serving Montville and Boonton UMC churches since 2018. While there he has been active in the Rotary Club, started a Dinner church, led Walk to Emmaus, and is an avid runner. He holds a B.A. degree in Psychology and Christian Ministries. He also earned a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. He is married to Katherine, and they have a two-year-old daughter named Marlena. Donald is excited about coming and serving on the Delaware Bay District and the congregation and community of West Park.

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Yeeun Kim as the associate pastor to Haddonfield United Methodist Church in Haddonfield, effective July 1, 2025.

Pastor Yeeun is presently serving as the pastor of the Community Church of Hoboken. She grew up in South Korea, where she holds a Bachelor of Theology and Master of Theology from the Methodist Theological University of South Korea. She also graduated with a Master of Divinity from Drew Theological School in May 2024. Yeeun has done graphic designs for the Breakthrough Worship Series in GNJ, has created a new outreach adult ministry with Potluck in the parsonage, along with starting a new youth group.

She is married to Daekyung Ko and they are excited to come serve on the Delaware Bay District and to the church and community of Haddonfield.

Rev. Dr. Linda A. Ross was raised in the suburbs of Chicago.  She attended the University of Illinois for her BA in Music Education.  Rev. Ross was called into the ministry in 1999, entered Drew Theological School and obtained a MDIV degree in 2003 and a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling in 2010.  Linda served six years at Saint Mark UMC in Hamilton Square, 14 years at First UMC of Mays Landing and one year at Weymouth UMC.  As a retired Elder, Rev. Ross continues to accept the call to bring the Good News of salvation through Christ to the local church.  

Believing that “every day is an adventure,” Linda plans to embrace the adventures that God presents.  And … she is a die-hard Cubs fan!   

Sarah has served as the EPA&GNJ Content Writer for the past year, demonstrating strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex communications challenges. She has built strong relationships across both conferences and understands the unique structures, workflows, and needs of our connection. Prior to her work in communications, Sarah served as a pastor in Greater New Jersey since 2014. She holds a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Arcadia University. 

The communications team of EPA&GNJ plays a vital role in equipping churches and leaders to share the good news effectively. Sarah’s experience in pastoral leadership, storytelling, and content creation, along with her deep understanding of the mission and culture of both conferences, make her well-suited to lead this work. Her promotion ensures a smooth transition and continued excellence in communications. The Director of Communications role will continue to serve on both EPA and GNJ extended cabinets. 

Sarah is married to Josh, and they have two young children, Jeremiah and Jonathan. She enjoys good coffee, engaging conversations, and watching Korean dramas. 

Sean has served at Willow and Union Grove UMC, as Associate Pastor to First Korean Cherry Hill, Lead Pastor at Cross Keys UMC, and currently serves as the Associate Superintendent to the Coastal Plains Region. He has been instrumental in working and resourcing local congregations with both Pathways and The Journey of Hope. Sean is a gifted administrator, strategic thinker, and bridge builder. He brings joy and devotion that exemplify his call and passion for the work of the church.

Sean is married to Joohee and they have two beautiful children.

Beginning July 1, GNJ’s current Assistant to the Bishop, Nicola Mulligan, will step into a new leadership role as Director of Administrative Services, joining the extended cabinet.

With extensive experience in pastoral leadership and theological education, Dr. Su Jung Shin brings a deep passion for biblical teaching, discipleship, and inclusive hospitality, aligning beautifully with Pennington UMC’s commitment to mission, community partnerships, and spiritual formation. 

Dr. Shin has served as pastor of Hurdtown UMC and UMC of Lake Hopatcong, emphasizing Spirit-filled worship, the sacraments, and engagement with Scripture. She has also taught at Drew University, New Brunswick Theological Seminary, and Wesley Theological Seminary, equipping both congregations and students with a profound love for God’s Word. 

Dr. Shin’s commitment to serving the community makes her a strong match for Pennington UMC’s vibrant mission work, including its support of local food pantries, Turning Point UMC, and crisis outreach programs. She values partnerships with schools and community organizations, reflecting Pennington’s strong local engagement. 

With a heart for fruitful discipleship, Dr. Shin encourages congregations to seek God’s voice in Scripture and live out God’s calling with purpose. She looks forward to joining the Pennington UMC family, walking together in faith, and continuing its legacy of worship, service, and outreach. 

Rev. Rosario L. Quiñones is a retired UMC Elder. She served at The UMC of the Rockaways leading Multicultural/Hispanic/Reconciling ministries. She served as pastor at Teabo UMC and UMC at Mt Tabor. Prior to ministry she worked in law and finance, and as a CPA.  Rosario holds an MDiv from SMU Perkins School of Theology with certificates in Urban, Hispanic, and Youth Ministries, an STM and an MPhil from Drew Theological School.  Rosario brings to Oasis UMC her gifts of music and preaching, as well as skill in finance and administration, along with a passion for ministries of justice and mercy, and equality for immigrants and LGBTQIA+ people.   

Oasis UMC a multi-generational/bi-lingual/multi-cultural Hispanic church located in Pleasantville, New Jersey, where they serve the needs of the community through a Food Pantry Ministry, Clothing Ministry, Support Groups, Vacation Bible School, Back to School Celebration, Evangelistic Concerts, and many other events and initiatives. They offer a myriad of ministries to the community, such as: Sunday morning worship, Sunday school, Discipleship small groups, children and youth ministries.  

JiSun Yang was born and raised in South Korea, where she studied computer science in college and worked as a programmer and project manager, developing strong organizational skills. She is also a gifted musician who loves learning and exploring new things. 

JiSun earned her Master of Divinity from Drew Theological School and was ordained as an elder in full connection in GNJ in 2021. She currently serves as an associate pastor at Haddonfield UMC, where she has continued to grow in her leadership and ministry, equipping both staff and laity to deepen their discipleship. With a heart for creating a welcoming and nurturing church community, JiSun brings strengths in preaching, team-building, and enhancing hospitality and care ministries. 

Middletown UMC is widely known for its impactful ministries, including the Goodness Now Food Pantry, Learning Path Preschool, VBS/Summer Camp, Youth Group, Spring and Fall Festivals, 20+ Small Groups, and Disaster Relief efforts. The church has also launched three new Fresh Expressions. JiSun’s expertise in small groups, children’s ministry, and music ministry, combined with her strong organizational leadership, would be a great fit for Middletown UMC’s dynamic and growing ministries. 

Beyond ministry, JiSun is blessed with the loving support of her husband, Sung Woo Lee, who is her best friend and greatest encourager. Together, they are joyfully expecting their miracle baby, a beautiful new chapter in their lives. 

Peggy’s deep devotion to kingdom-building and her belief in the care and well-being of God’s people fuel her passion for both ministry and service. She is excited to embark on this new chapter, where she will serve the congregation and community in Cape May. Originally from Barbados, Peggy is a proud alumna of Kingsborough and Baruch Colleges within the City University of New York, as well as Drew Theological Seminary, where she earned her Master of Divinity.  

Cape May UMC is a growing congregation located in a historic summer resort town. The church offers a variety of ministries, including a weekly children’s program, summer VBS, Bible study, grief counseling, a choir, and active women’s and men’s groups. Peggy will bring her gifts as a spiritual guide and shepherd, supporting the congregation as they grow in discipleship and outreach. The congregation looks forward to the exciting journey ahead with Peggy and are confident that her leadership will inspire the Cape May UMC family and community to continue flourishing in faith and service. 

Outside of ministry, Peggy is a passionate Knicks fan, but her greatest joys come from her daughter, Alexis, and her nephew, Zachary. 

Danny Yang grew up on the west side of Houston (Alief) and went to the University of Texas and Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He’s worn a few different hats in life: semiconductor engineer, youth director, campus minister, pastor, husband, and dad. He loves learning and teaching the Bible so that all might discover the unique ways God has created each of us to serve in the world.

Danny comes to Greater NJ from the Texas Annual Conference, most recently as senior pastor of Westbury UMC. Danny leaned on his gifts of preaching, visionary thinking, pastoral care, and a commitment to social holiness through action to lead Westbury UMC to stability and renewal. During his tenure, Westbury reversed years of deficit spending, completed a capital campaign, helped rebuild the community after Hurricane Harvey, voted to be a Reconciling Congregation (the second in the Texas Annual Conference), and sustained growth through the COVID pandemic. His nearly twenty years of ministry experiences align remarkably well with Morrow Church’s witness to faith and action. 

He met his wife in middle school orchestra, and they chase their two young daughters around every day. The whole family is excited to sink roots in the Maplewood community and minister together with the people of Morrow. 

Milton UMC is a church deeply committed to mission and community outreach. The church’s food pantry serves as a vital resource in addressing food insecurity in the area, while the Thrift Store fosters meaningful connections and provides an opportunity to share God’s love with the community. With a strong focus on the Christian Outreach Project Mission, both adults and youth are actively involved in service, embodying the church’s mission of compassion and care. The congregation is dedicated to growing in discipleship, walking an intentional path of faith. 

Rev. Yohan Baik, ordained as a full elder in 2014, brings his unique gifts and passion to Milton UMC. His deep, evolving faith and strong pastoral care will be invaluable assets to the church. Yohan’s enthusiasm for discipleship, mission, and outreach will help the congregation continue to grow in faith, making a lasting impact in the community and beyond as they shine God’s light in the world. 

Joseph Jueng, who holds an M.Div from Wesley Theological Seminary and a J.D. from the University of Illinois, is an attorney-turned-pastor who brings a wealth of experience in leadership, community building, and spiritual guidance to his new appointment at St. Mark UMC in Hamilton Square. He currently serves as Lead Pastor at Pennington UMC, where he fosters interfaith partnerships, developed outreach initiatives, and revitalized worship. His previous roles include Director of The Well at Rutgers University and Associate Pastor at UMC New Brunswick. 

St. Mark UMC in Hamilton, with its vibrant music ministry, strong community outreach, mission events, and dynamic worship, matches well with Joe’s gifts as a shepherd, spiritual guide, program developer, celebrant, and builder of new community relationships. His administrative and equipping skills will further enhance the church’s capacity to grow in faith as they serve the surrounding community that includes Trenton. 

He and his wife Sam are the proud parents of Astrid and Winston, whose daily antics ensure there is never a dull moment at home. Inspired by spiritual teachers like Henri Nouwen and Richard Rohr, Joe strives to lead with compassion, humility, and a deep commitment to nurturing faith in community. 

Rev. Derrick L. Doherty earned his B.A. from Cedarville University, his M.Div. from Drew Theological School and a D.Min. in Organizational Leadership from Asbury Theological Seminary. Rev. Doherty has served GNJ as a Circuit Elder, a member of the Board of Ordained Ministry and District Committee on Church Building and Location. He has served as pastor of Middletown UMC, Waretown UMC, and Memorial UMC in Neptune City. He is also an engaged community member serving as a first responder for over 25 years.

The Cape Atlantic District is made up of 85 churches with the northernmost churches being on Long Beach Island then as far south as Cape May. The district’s western border at the south is Millville and to the north Berlin. There are many shore town churches. There are the urban centers of Atlantic City, Pleasantville, and Vineland. There are many rural churches in state forests, marshlands, and farming communities. Congregations and pastors on the district are passionate about finding new ways engage their communities and grow disciples of Jesus Christ. Derrick will serve the district well as he is passionate about making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. For him it is a privilege to be part of bringing others into relationship with God’s self.

Congregations in the Cape Atlantic District also seek to meet the needs in their communities with both hands-on missions and giving to missions. Derrick will bring his gifts of being a strategic visionary, and a unifier who brings people together to work toward a common vision.

Derrick is a spiritual leader who seeks to serve God and God’s people through his call to ministry and as the deeply committed person he is. Derrick and his wife Kerri have two daughters.

James is a graduate of Rutgers University and holds an M.Div. from Drew Theological School. He has served as associate pastor at Calvary Korean UMC in East Brunswick, lead pastor at Conklin UMC South River and Wesley UMC South Plainfield, and most recently as the Director of Communications for EPA&GNJ.

HOPE United Methodist Church is in the Delaware Bay District and is an active congregation with contemporary style worship, an online campus, children and small group ministries, and a large outreach to the surrounding communities.

James brings the gifts of preaching, teaching, staff leadership, technological knowledge, and creative entrepreneurship that will further making disciples of Jesus Christ. James is married to Julie, and they have three children.

Rev. Kate Monahan is a graduate from Houghton College and Princeton Theological Seminary where she holds a degree in Master of Divinity as well as a Master in Christian Education.  She has held positions in the Greater NJ Annual Conference as a Circuit Elder, Cohort Facilitator, Lead Pastor in the local church, before becoming an Associate Superintendent in the Coastal Plains Region.

Kate is a gifted visionary and strategic thinker which has been evident in the churches that she has worked with on the Coastal Plains Region. She also is a sought-after coach that understands the local church setting as well as the needs and challenges of clergy. Kate brings into this role her organizational skills, ability to be a bridge builder, emotional intelligence, strong preaching, and a passion to see the local church thrive and grow. Kate has also been instrumental in reviving the Mosaic program of recruiting new clergy that is benefiting the theological diversity throughout the region and conference. Along with these gifts, Kate is a wonderful artist, adventurist, and enjoys listening and learning from other’s stories.

These gifts will serve Rev. Kate Monahan well in the Delaware Bay District. The district, made up of urban, suburban, and very rural areas, will have someone who can bring the missional strategy needed throughout these different settings. There are churches where communities are growing and changing, some that are faced with the challenges of economical struggles, and places of opportunities to make new disciples of Jesus Christ. Kate will bring that enthusiastic evangelistic spirit of hope that can empower the clergy and laity.

Kate is married to the Rev. Joe Monahan and a stepmother. Her love for family, friendship, the local church and serving Christ in the community is witnessed in her everyday walk with God.