Minister
Rev. Dr. Bong-Chan Paul Ko:
minister@stpaulsburlington.ca
In the late fall of 2024, Rev. Dr. Bong-Chan Paul Ko was joyfully inducted as the minister at St. Paul’s Burlington, bringing with him a rich and diverse background in both academia and ministry.
Born and raised in South Korea, Bong-Chan first pursued law studies before relocating to Canada, where his path took a new direction. He earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) while studying accounting. However, his true calling emerged when he felt God’s undeniable pull toward ministry. Answering this call, he enrolled at Knox College, where he completed his Master of Divinity in 2017, preparing himself for a life of service as a minister of Word and Sacrament.
His passion for theological exploration did not stop there. With an insatiable curiosity and deep love for learning, Bong-Chan pursued doctoral studies, earning a Ph.D. in Theological Studies from the University of Toronto in 2024. His dissertation, “The Vulnerability of God as Viewed from a Theology of Han: A Constructive Dialogue between Jürgen Moltmann and Suh Nam-Dong,” reflects his commitment to understanding how God’s love approaches a suffering world through God’s church.
Bong-Chan’s ministry has been marked by a heart for service and a dedication to those in need. Throughout his journey—both before and after his ordination in the Presbyterian Church in Canada—he has been actively involved in diverse ministries, including praise teams, outreach to the homeless, and reconciliation efforts with Canadian Indigenous communities.
Beyond his pastoral and academic pursuits, Bong-Chan finds joy in reading, writing, travelling, and unwinding with Marvel movies. Yet, his greatest happiness comes from time spent with his family, especially walking Burlington’s waterfront trails with his wife, Eunjung, and watching their children—Caleb (violin), Josh (cello), and Abigail (piano)—bring music to life.
With a heart devoted to God, a mind shaped by deep theological inquiry, and a passion for building up the church, Rev. Dr. Bong-Chan Paul Ko continues to inspire and serve, embodying God’s love in action.
Music Director
Eunjung Jeon
Our Music Director, Eunjung Jeon, graduated from Queen’s University with a major in voice and brings a wealth of experience as a performer and a leader in the world of music. She has graced opera stages and concert halls as a guest artist and has dedicated over twenty years to conducting and directing choirs, inspiring both church and children’s ensembles with her passion for music and leadership.
At St. Paul’s, Eunjung finds profound joy in conducting the choir, a role made even more special when accompanied by her son, Caleb. Being part of the St. Paul’s community is a true blessing to her, as singing together fosters both musical and spiritual connections. She treasures her choir members—their voices, dedication, and hearts—and one of her greatest joys is singing the post-anthem with the entire congregation, united in music and harmony.
Clerk of Session
Douglas Needham
Committees
Worship and Nurture
Mission and Outreach
Finance and Maintenance