Meet our church staff

Pastor, writer, and former social worker, Pastor Kim brings compassion and lived experience to his ministry at Christ the King.

Born in Seoul, Korea, he moved to Japan as a teenager while his parents served as missionaries. He studied theology at Kwansei Gakuin University and was ordained in the United Church of Christ in Japan before retu

Pastor, writer, and former social worker, Pastor Kim brings compassion and lived experience to his ministry at Christ the King.

Born in Seoul, Korea, he moved to Japan as a teenager while his parents served as missionaries. He studied theology at Kwansei Gakuin University and was ordained in the United Church of Christ in Japan before returning to Korea for military service.

He later moved to the United States, earning a Master of Science in Human Services from Murray State University. For 17 years, he served the Los Angeles community through the Little Tokyo Service Center, walking alongside individuals and families of all ages.

In 2007, he was honored as Social Worker of the Year by the City of Los Angeles. In 2008, he organized the "Little Tokyo Harmony Concert" to bridge cultural gaps between Japanese and Korean residents, an initiative that gained national attention, thanks in part to this Los Angeles Times article.  After retiring from social work, he felt called to pastoral ministry, completing the TEEM program at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and being ordained in 2017 in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

At home, he is a devoted father of three, and he often says his greatest source of strength and inspiration is his wife, who is Japanese. His ministry is grounded in caring for others, bridging cultures, and walking with people through every season of life.

Dr. Susan Stouffer brings a lifelong commitment to care, education, and community to her role as Church Administrator at Christ the King. 

She holds degrees in math education and occupational therapy, as well as a Ph.D. in Occupational Science from USC, and has spent many years working in mental health, teaching, and church ministry.

Susan 

Dr. Susan Stouffer brings a lifelong commitment to care, education, and community to her role as Church Administrator at Christ the King. 

She holds degrees in math education and occupational therapy, as well as a Ph.D. in Occupational Science from USC, and has spent many years working in mental health, teaching, and church ministry.

Susan has served churches in a variety of roles, both as a volunteer and on staff, with a particular passion for outreach, youth, and community care. She is the founder of Peace Camp and continues to lead peace-centered programs through SOLA Community Peace Center, the nonprofit she launched in 2019.

Susan is married to Carlos. Together they have one daughter and two grandkids who live with them and are the joy of their lives. She joined Christ the King as Church Administrator in August 2025.

CTK organist Masaaki Yamazaki began piano studies at the age of four and later attended the Toho School of Music in Tokyo, focusing on music theory, choral performance, and piano. 

He continued his musical education in New York, specializing in pipe organ, and was a two-time winner of the Bennington County Choral Society Competition. 

Masaa

CTK organist Masaaki Yamazaki began piano studies at the age of four and later attended the Toho School of Music in Tokyo, focusing on music theory, choral performance, and piano. 

He continued his musical education in New York, specializing in pipe organ, and was a two-time winner of the Bennington County Choral Society Competition. 

Masaaki studied pipe organ at The Juilliard School and pursued harpsichord
and duo piano at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music. 

He has been serving as an organist at Christ the King Lutheran Church for 18 years.