Dr. Lee was born and raised in a Christian home in the Chungcheong province of Korea, deeply influenced by the prayerful guidance of his grandmother and mother. After graduating from Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea, and serving three years as an army officer, he relocated to the United States in 1990. Dr. Lee earned a Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL, and a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University Graduate School in Nashville, TN.

His doctoral dissertation focused on the Fourth Gospel, particularly John 17, exploring how the Johannine farewell discourse conveys God’s assurances of divine unity, love, joy, and hope to the multiethnic and multicultural communities of Jews, Greeks, Samaritans, and for us today. Published by UMI Dissertation Services in 2005, his dissertation, titled “Assurance of the Word,” delves into these relevant themes.

While serving local churches, Dr. Lee taught introductory biblical studies at Vanderbilt and other biblical study classes at Shenandoah University. He also actively contributed to the Society of Biblical Literature, presenting several papers on John and the Johannine community at both U.S. and international meetings.

Before assuming his current role in the Richmond and Charlottesville area, later newly created Three Notched District, Dr. Lee served in various ministry settings—from two-point charge churches to medium, and large congregations. At the district and conference levels, he served on Dcoms, BOM, CEMCA, and AAMA.

Dr. Lee’s passion is twofold: assisting people in knowing and following Christ (Mt 28:18-20) and supporting churches in becoming vibrant congregations of Acts 2:37-47 that changes the world. Even during the challenging transition to the district office amidst the Covid pandemic, he visited all the churches, met with every clergy member, and prayed with them, encouraging us that we serve the God of immeasurable power of Ephesians 3:20-21.

In his leisure time, Dr. Lee finds joy in swimming, kayaking, and weekend movie sessions.