Today, we shine the spotlight on Katlyn Cho. Katlyn wears so many hats around NCC that it’s hard to know where to begin. She is probably most well-known for her leadership of our Crown Financial groups. Crown is the Port City on the Investor Island of our Discipleship Map. She also serves as the Crown Coordinator for NCC. Additionally, she helps lead a monthly Women’s Book Club, provides one-on-one budget counseling, and she serves on the Stewardship Team. She served as the meal coordinator for Alpha for three semesters. And as though she didn’t have anything else to do, we recently promoted her to Team Leader in Sarah Owen’s zone, where she will give vision to our Crown ministries and support those leaders.
One of the most impressive things about Katlyn is her humble servant leadership and high level of hospitality. There is some NCC group hanging out at her house all the time– for prayer, for training, for Alpha planning, or just because someone needs a place to stay. Katlyn loves people tremendously, and it shows.
Today, we talk with Katlyn about life, leadership, and Jujitsu.
How long have you attended NCC?
May 2003
What brought you to NCC?
I went online to look for churches in the VA/DC area.. The good news was there were 140 churches listed.. The bad news was there were 140 churches to weed through. Through a friend that was visiting, I was invited to attend a dinner and was sharing with them the overwhelming task of going down the list visiting each church one by one. B/c my criteria for a home church would be based on the people. Which meant, I couldn’t just attend 1 service and base it on a good sermon, I had to actually meet the people and get to know them which = time. Someone at the dinner overheard me and said, “I have a great church for you. In fact I just attended it this morning and have the bulletin with me” So I figured, what’s one more church to add to my list. At first, I wasn’t sure about the whole movie theater thing… but a friend reminded me that Church is not a building so I gave it another try. Now, I love it b/c I can worship with my coffee!!
Tell us a little about the small groups and/or ministries that you lead and how that experience has impacted you.
Crown Financial (no I am not an accountant nor a CPA). Leading this study has been a privilege. Not only has it been humbling for me to see how easily finances compete with my relationship with God, but it has been exciting to see others draw closer to Him as they go through this study.
The privilege to lead has been instrumental in my own personal growth and understanding of God. As a leader, I’ve learned to be open to what God wants to do. In who comes, what role I am to play, how many He will bring and when the ministry grows.
Where can you be found on Sunday mornings?
At the U.S. Arboretum with God.
When did you start following Christ and what have been some of the spiritual turning points in your life?
I accepted Jesus into my heart when I was 13 but didn’t have a personal relationship with Him. Somehow I missed that component. So for the first 30 years, I worked hard setting goals, reaching them and adding accomplishments and accolades to my name. Until I found out that there really isn’t a “party at the top”.. It was then I realized that everything this world had to offer didn’t satisfy. It was also the moment I reached complete brokenness. And that was when I started to hear Jesus’ voice.
Tell us a little about your background.
Originally born in S. Korea, youngest of 3 strong, independant, outspoken girls (sorry Dad) but came to America when I was 1yr old. Typical immagrant family trying to make ends meet, learn the culture and fit in. Grew up in Valencia, CA which was predominantly Caucasian. Then moved to the “OC” for undergrad studying Criminal Justice and Psychology (yes, I thought I wanted to be the next Jodie Foster and chase Serial Killers). After 12 years of the “planned community” life and completing an MBA, God brought me to DC.
What is your favorite Scripture passage?
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord “plans to prosper you, not to harm you but to give you hope and a future.”
What are your favorite books?
Divine Conspiracy - Dallas Willard
Sacred Romance - John Eldredge
Desiring God - John Piper
Boundaries - Cloud and Townsend
What are your favorite movies?
Sixteen Candles is the all time classic!!
What is your favorite fast food?
In n Out and Fatburger (sadly, only available in CA)
What is something that most people at NCC would not know about you?
I hold a 1st Degree Black Belt in Jujitsu…………but I’m really a “delicate flower”
Tell us a little about your day job. What is your dream job?
Sales with a Computer Networking Manufacturer. I think I’m doing it. I get to work out of my home and have flexible hours that allow me to focus on the things I’m really passionate about.
Who is your hero? (besides Jesus or any other member of the Trinity)
Paul, he was sooooo passionate and focused. God used the worst offender to become one of the biggest influencers.
What do you do in your free time?
read, fellowship with friends (usually over food), run, journal, scull, rollerblade, hike, house repairs (the downside to being a homeowner)
In NCC:THE MOVIE who would play you? Who would play Pastor Mark?
Lucy Liu. Tom Hanks b/c he’s humble but commands presence and can definitely do goofy
What is your favorite Pastor Markism?
God is a His - story Maker
Delicate flower, huh Kat? I LOVE YOU!
Lanre
September 5th, 2006
Katlyn, you rock my world! Thanks nine million for all you do for Alpha, the Alpha team and everyone at NCC. What would we do without your living room? I mean, what would we do without you?
Hyla
September 6th, 2006