I would like to thank everyone at KUC who has contributed to my “Road to Ordination”. I am so grateful for all your gifts, prayers, words of encouragement, support and love. We do this together as the family of God. While my role is to be a Pastor here, to each of us He has a plan and role for every person. As we do this as the body of Christ, we will give Him full praise and all the glory!
When and how were you called to become a Pastor?
I was called to ministry as a teen when I accepted Christ into my life. I distinctly remember telling Pastor Rodney Wong (my youth pastor at the time) “I want to be you one day”. God revealed to me that the time here on this earth is like a “mist” that disappears quickly (James 4:14). It’s vital to use this short time to honor Him. Thus, the full-time ministry was what I felt God was leading me to.
I first started as the KUC Youth Director, then became the Youth Pastor. I’ve always been recognized as a pastor at KUC. Even the State of Hawaii recognizes me as an “official Pastor” by allowing me to officiate 18 weddings. Here at KUC, I’ve led people to Christ, performed baptisms, officiated 74 funerals, preached the Sunday message, and carried out countless other pastoral tasks.
Ordination was the final step to being covered, recognized, and given authority by our denomination, the EFCA. Though this recognition now gives me the title of Reverend, I want to be faithful all my life to all I’m called to by the Lord.
When did you begin the road to ordination?
It began with Cathy Kawamura believing in me and encouraging me regularly to be ordained as a pastor. She knew me as a teenager and watched my spiritual growth process. I consider her my “spiritual mom”, always guiding me to be the best pastor I could be.
Pastor Jonathan fanned that into flame, also constantly encouraging me towards ordination. He initiated the Gateway program at KUC which began the theology paperwork for my ordination. He regularly asked about my progress and helped me to realign with the goal when I strayed.
One day when I was helping with the Manna Ministry, he said “You need to finish your ordination paper. We will find someone to replace you in serving at Manna”. That’s how dedicated he was to keeping me on the right track. Pastor Jonathan has always been the greatest encourager to get it done.
My wife JoAnna was by my side every step of the way, always supporting my efforts and seeking ways she could help me. I am forever grateful for my wife’s dedication. She knows my shortcomings yet still loves me and always wants to see the best in me. I truly say that I love to love her and she feels likewise.
Any highlights on the way?
The Gateway class was a highlight! This EFCA program equips men & women with theology basics as pastors and leaders in the church. I am the poster child, that it works. It was a stepping stone to licensing and ordination. I praise God that we’ve continued it here, to fulfill the great Commission by “making disciples” and “teaching them to obey” and honor Jesus.
Any low points that God pulled you through?
What haunted me was doubting my ability to retain knowledge, in my writing skills & reciting Scripture, and doing academic work in general. Developing key theological concepts (especially eschatology) was challenging. Looking back, I see that God enabled me to grow and that I continue to grow in these areas. There is a lot more that I now know that I didn’t before. I find myself regularly giving my low self esteem in academics to Jesus, who can transform it and use it for His good work. I constantly strive to love the Lord my God “with all my mind”, the very one that He has given to me, and I am grateful.
What scripture that got you to the goal?
The Scripture that I would regularly go to are verses such as Mark 12:30-31; Matthew 28:18-20; James 4:14 and Romans 11:33-36. I have read them, recited them, and have been encouraged by these truths along this journey.
What was the topic of your paper?
For the writing assignment, my paper primarily covered the 10 statements of faith of the EFCA. This included current doctrinal issues such as Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage, Abortion, Infanticide, Euthanasia, Role Distinctions in the Church of Men and Women, Homosexual Belief (plus other sexual perversions of God’s design for human sexuality) and Christian lifestyle (ex. Spiritual Disciplines, Stewardship, Personal Finances and Debt, Moral Purity, Marriage and Family Priorities).
In addition to the paper, there was the four hour question and answer oral examination by 12 people from the EFCA. From here, the Hawaii District of the EFCA and the National EFCA denomination needed to verify my approval of being a qualified minister of the Gospel. They did so on Nov 16, 2022. The last step was the ordination service on Jan 21, 2023. For me it was like a wedding ceremony. The State recognizes a union on paper, but to me a marriage is official when the pastor declares so, under the covering and blessing by God. At the ordination service the laying on of hands by other pastors was that final and official moment of ordination.
What was the biggest takeaway?
My biggest take away is the confirmation and affirmation that I am called and continue to be called to serve our Lord at Kalihi Union Church. I hope to continue to use my spiritual gifts, my talents, skills and personality for Him in loving the people here.