1. FEASTING ON GOD
TOGETHER
The Great Commandment
We believe we cannot live a life of faith without first-hand tasting and seeing that God is good. Intimacy with God allows us to feast in every season, even in the presence of our enemies, knowing there is a place for the rebellious and religious at the Father’s table. Our teaching, praying, worship, service, and giving stem from the life-giving call to love God and love one another.
We believe we cannot live a life of faith without first-hand tasting and seeing that God is good. Intimacy with God allows us to feast in every season, even in the presence of our enemies, knowing there is a place for the rebellious and religious at the Father’s table. Our teaching, praying, worship, service, and giving stem from the life-giving call to love God and love one another.
2. INVITING OTHERS
TO THE FEAST
TO THE FEAST
The Great Commission
We are commissioned to call others to this feast, like the servant in Matthew 22:9 who goes to the highways and byways to invited everyone to the wedding feast. At the heart of this endeavor is the desire to see God’s invitation in the Gospel extended to all people-- no matter the race, age, gender, background, etc. -- for the glory of His Name, as we partake in the Father’s joy.
We are commissioned to call others to this feast, like the servant in Matthew 22:9 who goes to the highways and byways to invited everyone to the wedding feast. At the heart of this endeavor is the desire to see God’s invitation in the Gospel extended to all people-- no matter the race, age, gender, background, etc. -- for the glory of His Name, as we partake in the Father’s joy.
3. PREPARING FOR THE
END-TIMES FEAST
END-TIMES FEAST
The Great Return
The Good News of the Gospel without the Return of Jesus is no good news at all. We are ultimately called to prepare the way for His return-- the End-Times family feast as expressed in Revelation 19:7, where all history culminates in the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. There is a sense of urgency and purpose as we are called to be prepared and be found waiting like the wise virgins who await the coming of the Bridegroom with oil in their lamps, that the fullness of the Gentiles would come in, ultimately unto the salvation of Israel.
The Good News of the Gospel without the Return of Jesus is no good news at all. We are ultimately called to prepare the way for His return-- the End-Times family feast as expressed in Revelation 19:7, where all history culminates in the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. There is a sense of urgency and purpose as we are called to be prepared and be found waiting like the wise virgins who await the coming of the Bridegroom with oil in their lamps, that the fullness of the Gentiles would come in, ultimately unto the salvation of Israel.
Our Staff
CALEB JINWON LEE
Co-Lead Pastor
Caleb Lee is co-lead pastor of New Philadelphia Church. After a troubled past growing up in Southern California, God radically changed his life in Korea by calling him to a life of full time ministry. Caleb and his wife Mina were the campus pastors of New Philly Busan for 13 years. Though they loved the city of Busan, in 2024 they were asked to move up to lead the church in Seoul. After months of prayer they answered God's call and became co-lead pastors of New Philadelphia Church. Caleb grew up in Torrance, California and has a bachelor's degree from BIOLA University, and master's of divinity from Liberty University. Caleb and Mina have two boys, Ethan and Ezra.
MINA CHOI LEE
Co-Lead Pastor
Mina Choi Lee is the co-lead pastor of New Philadelphia Church. She came to Korea straight after graduating from the University of Maryland. A year into her time in Korea, she had a power encounter with God and felt that she wasn't living right. Although she grew up in the church, it wasn't until then that she had experienced God in a personal and intimate way. From there, it has been an upward journey of falling more in love with the Word and with Jesus. She desires that people would encounter God in a real and tangible way and know that He is loving and fun! Through discipleship and prayer, she desires that the people would come to encounter God and live for Him. She’s happily married to Caleb Lee and has two sons, Ethan and Ezra.
GINA KIM
Admin / Children's Ministry Director
Gina serves as Admin at New Philly and Children’s Ministry Director. She was born in Seoul, Korea in 1981, and studied English Language and Literature in Korea and Pastoral Leadership and Contemporary Ministry at Hillsong International Leadership College in Sydney. She moved to Korea and joined New Philadelphia Church in 2011, joining the staff team in 2019. She is happily married to her husband, Kookmin.
Gina serves as Admin at New Philly and Children’s Ministry Director. She was born in Seoul, Korea in 1981, and studied English Language and Literature in Korea and Pastoral Leadership and Contemporary Ministry at Hillsong International Leadership College in Sydney. She moved to Korea and joined New Philadelphia Church in 2011, joining the staff team in 2019. She is happily married to her husband, Kookmin.
Our Beliefs
Below, you will find our statement of faith. In short, we have a high view of Scripture, we love Jesus, we embrace the power of the Holy Spirit, we emphasize the importance of community, and we are missional (which pretty much means we put feet to our faith).
THE WORD OF GOD
We believe that all 66 books of the Bible are the inerrant (without error) and inspired (Spirit-breathed) Word of God in the original manuscripts, and are therefore the ultimate authority in life and doctrine. The Word is God is holy, eternal, and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training God’s servants.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:3; Psalm 18:30, 33:4, 119:105; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 4:4, 7:24, 24:35; John 1:1, 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; James 1:22; 1 Peter 1:23-25
TRIUNE GOD
We believe in one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The uncreated God has existed in relationship with Himself for all eternity, and each person of the Trinity serves different functions while being perfectly co-existent, co-equal, and co-eternal.
Scripture: Genesis 1:1,26; John 1:1,3; Matthew 28:19; John 4:24; Romans 1:19, 20; Ephesians 4:5,6; Ps. 104:1–35; 139; Mt. 10:29–31; 28:19; Acts 17:24–28; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 1:9–12; 4:4–6; Col. 1:16–17; Heb. 1:1–3; Rev. 1:4–6
GOD THE FATHER
We believe in God the Father, who is the infinite, personal, and perfect head of the Trinity. He is the uncreated Creator of the heavens and the earth, transcendent, all-powerful, and omnipresent. He created mankind in His own image for eternal fellowship and communion, ultimately drawing humanity back to Himself after the fall through the finished work of Christ.
Scripture: Luke 10:21,22; Matthew 23:9; John 3:16; 6:27; vRomans 1:7; 1 Timothy 1:1,2 & 2:5,6; 1 Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:6; Ps. 68:5; Isa. 64:8; Mt. 5:45; 7:11; Jn. 3:17; Rom. 8:15; 1 Pet. 1:17
GOD THE SON
We believe Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died a physical death on the cross to make atonement for our sins, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, makes perpetual intercession for His people, and will physically return to this earth to rule & reign and to bring His final judgment. We believe there is no other name men can call upon for salvation from God’s future wrath and judgment. He is the Word of God made flesh through the incarnation, and He alone has become the perfect substitutionary atonement for the sin of mankind.
Scripture: Is. 7:14; 53; Mt. 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 14:33; 16:16; 28:5-6; Lk. 22:70; 24:46-47; Jn. 1:1, 14; 10:30; 11:25-27; 17:1-5; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; Rm. 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 8:1-3; 10:4; 1 Co. 8:6; 2 Co. 5:19-21; Ga. 4:4-5; Pp. 2:5-11; Col. 1:15; 2:9; 1 Ti. 2:5-6; 3:16
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person of the Trinity and is fully God, having existed for all eternity. We believe in both the indwelling and empowering ministry of the Holy Spirit. We believe the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Jesus Christ, convict men of sin, regenerate the sinner, cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, guide, instruct, comfort, and empower the believer for godly living and service. We believe that the gifts of the Spirit are needed and still manifest today. Subsequent to salvation when the Holy Spirit seals the believer for the day of redemption, we believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a crucial experience for every born again believer, releasing them into powerful service and effective witness. Although we believe that it is important for every believer to receive the empowering ministry of the Holy Spirit by faith, we do not believe that the experiential baptism of the Holy Spirit is essential for salvation.
Scripture: Jn. 14:16,17,26 & 15:26,27; Jn. 16:9–14; Rm. 8:9; 1 Co. 3:16, 6:19; Ga. 5:22–26; Mt. 3:11; Jn. 1:12–13; 3:1–15; Acts 4:29–30; Rm. 8:9; 12:3–8; 1 Co. 12:12–13; 2 Co. 1:21–22; Ga. 3:1–5; Eph. 1:13–14; 5:18
THE FALLEN STATE OF MANKIND (ORIGINAL SIN)
We believe mankind was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is therefore totally lost, unable and unwilling to turn to God. We are therefore all born into sin, both by nature and by choice, and it is only by the effectual call of God and regeneration by the Holy Spirit that any man will turn to God and put his trust in Christ.
Scripture: Gn. 1:27; Gn. 1:31; Ec. 7:29; Acts 17:26-29; Gn. 2:16-17; Gn. 3:6-24; Rm. 5:12; Rm. 5:15-19; Ps 51:5; Rm. 8:7; Is. 53:6; Gn. 6:12; Rm. 3:9-18; Eph. 2:1-3; Rm. 1:18, 32; Rm. 2:1-16; Ga. 3:10; Mt. 20:15; Ezk. 18:19-20; Rm. 1:20; Rm. 3:19; Ga. 3:2
SALVATION BY GRACE
We believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. We believe salvation is a gift of God through the finished work of the Cross, and not a result of man’s works. Salvation involves 1) our justification, being in right standing before God, 2) our sanctification as the Holy Spirit progressively conforms us into the image of Christ, and 3) ultimately our glorification when we enter into eternity. We believe the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only grounds for salvation for all who believe– Jesus alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Scripture: Is. 1:18; 53:5-6; 55:7 Mt. 1:21; 27:22-66, 28:1-6 Lk. 1:68-69; 2:28-32 Jn. 1:12; 3:16, 36; 5:24 Acts 2:21; 4:12; 16:30-31 Rm. 1:16-18; 3:23-25; 5:8-10; 6 1 Co. 1:18 2 Co. 5:17-20 Ga. 2:20; 3:13 Eph. 2:8-10 Pp. 2:12-13 Heb. 9:24-28 Rev. 3:20; Jn. 1:12–13; 6:37–44; 10:25–30; Acts 16:30–31; Rm. 3:1–4:23; 8:1–17, 31–39; 10:8–10; Eph. 2:8–10; Pp. 2:12–13; Ti. 3:3–7; 1 Jn. 1:7, 9
THE CHURCH
We believe the invisible, universal Church is composed of all regenerated believers in the Lord Jesus Christ throughout history, and the local church is a visible manifestation of this true Church. The Church is the bride and body of Christ, the priesthood of all believers, and the family of God. Commitment to a local church is imperative for the maturation and sanctification of both the individual believer and the corporate body. We believe that the Church is God’s primary instrument in fulfilling His redemptive plan in this earth, where both men and women are called and gifted to proclaim the Gospel and do the works of the Kingdom.
Scripture: Eph. 2:19–22; Acts 1:8; Eph. 5:19–21; Acts 2:42; Heb. 10:23–25; Mt. 28:18-20; Mt. 16:18-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-47; 5:11-14; 13:1-3; 14:23; 16:5; 20:28; 1 Co. 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Eph. 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:10-12; 5:22-32; Col. 1:18; 3:15; 1 Ti. 4:14; 1 Pt. 5:1-4; Rev. 21:2-3
THE LORD’S SUPPER AND WATER BAPTISM
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to be observed by the church: water baptism & the Lord’s Supper. Water baptism is an outward expression of the death of one’s old life and resurrection of one’s new life in Christ. The means of full body immersion would be preferred, but we acknowledge other outward methods such as sprinkling and pouring of water, as long as it was consciously done as a believer. The Lord’s Supper commemorates the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ as He has commanded His followers to observe this practice in remembrance of Him by eating bread which symbolizes His body broken for us & grape juice/wine which symbolizes His blood shed for us. Both of these are indispensable symbolic practices for the believer, and not to be regarded as a means of salvation.
Scripture: Mt. 26:26–29; 28:19; Rm. 6:3–11; 1 Co. 11:23–34; 1 Pt. 3:21
MISSIONS
We believe that Jesus gave the Great Commission to be fulfilled by the Church unto the return of Christ, when the Gospel will have been preached in every nation and the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. It is the commandment of our Lord Jesus to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom and make disciples of all nations, both through local and global missions. It is the privilege and assignment of the Church to partner with Jesus in the joy of declaring and establishing His Kingdom in all spheres of society all across the earth unto the worship and glory of His Name.
Scripture: Isa. 58:6–12; 61:1; Mt. 5:1–7:28; 24:14; 28:18–20; Lk. 4:18; 21:1–4; Ga. 2:10; 1 Ti. 6:8
THE RETURN
We believe in the literal second coming of Jesus at the end of this age following the “Great Tribulation”– a time of unparalleled difficulty for the world and unparalleled power for the Church– after which Jesus will remove His enemies, establish His millennial kingdom, and bring Israel into salvation. Although no one can know with certainty the timing of the Lord’s return, the Church is called to eagerly wait for His coming, fervently pray for the salvation of Israel and the nations, and remain in a posture of radical love and defiant faith.
Scripture: Ps. 2:7–9, 22:27–28; Mt. 24:36; Jn. 14:12; 17:20–26; Rm. 11:25–32; 1 Co. 15:20–28, 50–58; Eph. 4:11–16; Pp. 3:20–21; 1 Th. 4:13–5:11; 2 Th. 1:3–12; Rev. 7:9–14
RESURRECTION OF THE BODY AND ETERNITY
We believe that believers, after their death, will enjoy fellowship with Jesus, awaiting to receive both their glorified bodies in the resurrection as well as heavenly rewards. We believe that there are eternal ramifications to what beliefs we hold to in this life, and that Judgement Day will relegate true believers into an eternal, conscious, and perfect fellowship with the Triune God, while relegating unbelievers into an eternal, conscious, and tormented separation from God in the lake of fire. Simply put, we believe heaven and hell are real.
Scripture: Dn. 12:2; Mt. 25:46; Lk. 16:19–31; Jn. 5:25–29; 1 Co. 15:35–58; 2 Co. 5:1–10; Pp. 1:19–26, 3:20–21; 2 Th. 1:5–10; Rev. 20:11–15; 21:1–22:15