With a background in young adult ministry and marriage and family therapy, Isaac Kim steps fully into his role as Youth Director for the Southeastern California Conference (SECC). His appointment to the position followed confirmation of the August Executive Committee, effective September 2025. Kim succeeds Aren Rennacker, the former director, after five years of leading SECC Youth Ministries.
Kim is no stranger to youth ministry or SECC. After more than two decades pastoring at the Calimesa Church, he joined the conference office in 2021 as Associate Director for Family & Children’s Ministries—a ministry area he continues to oversee as Youth Director.
Originally from Georgia, Kim began his academic journey at Georgia State University before receiving the call to study religion at Southern Adventist University. He later earned his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University, where he discovered how spiritual care and emotional health intersect in ministry. Working with young adults and families has always been a passion for Kim. “There’s a certain blessing that comes when you’re able to engage in the lives of people you worship and minister with,” he shared.
Reflecting on his transition to the Youth department, Kim is focusing on the momentum the department has created. “Aren and I shared a vision that age-based ministries are cohesive,” he explained. “Strong children’s ministries build strong youth ministries, which then strengthen adult ministries. Ministry doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s intergenerational.”
As Youth Director, Kim oversees SECC’s Family, Children’s, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries. The department supports local churches, Club Ministries, summer camp at Pine Springs Ranch, and works collaboratively with schools and pastors to nurture young people across all stages of faith development.
Kim emphasizes the importance of connection and prayer. “We ask that our members pray for our youth,” he said. “They are the most valuable part of the Church. Anything we can do to support our local churches and extend ministry to the next generation matters.” Through his leadership, Kim hopes to strengthen connections between generations and ensure that young people not only belong in the Church today but help shape its future.
