James Yim
Co-Lead Pastor
Despite his best efforts to pursue the world and throw away his life, God graciously intervened and transformed James’ life through a show on television while in college. Soon after, he changed his major from graphic design to religious studies, sensing God’s call to lead and shepherd His people through the local church. James is passionate about helping to transform lives through the preaching of God’s Word, life-on-life discipleship, and just loving on people by meeting them where they are.
James is married to the most wonderful girl, Jeandarlae, and have four children, Micaiah, Piper, Jaxon, and Addison. His favorite pastimes include spending time with his family, reading just about everything, rooting for the Dodgers (he swears he bleeds blue), and listening to music. Speaking of music, if James was to describe himself in a couple of sentences, this is what he would say: “I was born to be a musician. I just don’t have the talent.” He says he’s going to ask God why that is when He meets Him in glory.
Ray Causly
Co-Lead Pastor
Ray’s call to preach God’s Word, began when he was just 16. Growing up in a gang and drug infested neighborhood, all he wanted to do was escape. He worked hard in school, believing that financial success would be the escape he longed for. One day God met him in a dramatic way while eating lunch at his high school. In that encounter, he came to see the truth behind Christ’s words, “what profit is it to gain the entire world and lose his soul!” The futility of a life lived in pursuit of things where, moth and rust can destroy, resonated in His soul to such a degree that in that moment he made Christ His pearl of great price.Twenty-four years later, Ray is still chasing the eternal treasure that Christ is with a passion to see others do the same.
Ray loves to listen to Scripture while working out, rap, watch cartoons alone, watch movies with his wife of over 20 years, surf with his son (he’s the only black surfer he knows), and eat sweets, play board games and read fantasy books with his daughters. Most of all, Ray loves Jesus; the Lord, Savior, and Treasure of his life.
Noolee Kim
Elder
Noolee believes with a strong conviction that his calling to eldership at LivingWay is "God graced, and God ordained." Noolee is passionate about LivingWay, its members, leadership team, and the ways God has been moving within the church. He enjoys the hardships, the trials, the pain, and all the fun that comes with pursuing Christ together with the church body. Noolee is married to Mikki and has two sons, Elliot and Dillan.
James Shin
Executive Pastor
Growing up, two things defined who James was: money and sports. How much money he made determined his success and what he accomplished in water polo determined his worth. But God radically upended his life when he visited a Christian ministry on campus during his senior year at USC. James went on to go on a mission trip to Cambodia the next year, where he got his calling into vocational ministry. And while life hasn’t been smooth or easy since, God’s grace continues to lead him in all aspects of his life. James is married to his beautiful wife, Cindy and they have a beautiful and extremely extroverted baby daughter, Ava. In his spare time, James loves to spend time with his family, eat good food, hangout with family and friends and watch crime shows (only non-fiction). He also loves to be active and teach kids how to swim.
Jacob Crandall
Youth Pastor
Jacob (but his friends call him Jake) grew up in the church, and was saved at 4 years old in his bunk bed with his dad by his side. As he grew, he developed an appreciation for ministry and felt called to vocational ministry at the age of 13. Unfortunately, Jake had not fully understood what it meant to live out a life in Christ. Seeking validation from the world and the people around him, Jake turned to a life of worldly success. He began a role as a financial representative and thought he had found his true calling. While the job had a lot of elements he liked, it lacked a true sense of purpose. It was here that Christ met Jake and delivered him from depression and confusion. From there, Jake remembered his true calling he received at the age of 13. Jake loves sharing the love of Jesus with everyone in hopes that he will reflect the love of Christ as mirrors reflect sunlight.
Jake is married to his beautiful wife, Danielle. While they do not have kids yet, they are content with their 7 pound toy poodle named Moose. Jake loves baseball, working out, and reading. He loves food and trying new spots. Jake has a passion for our youth and truly desires to point them to Christ in new, exciting ways.
Mikki Kim
Kingdom Kids Director
Joyce Choi
Children's Ministry Director
Steven Song
Administrative Director