:: meet the staff

Joe Lum :: pastor-shepherd

Joe is a native of Seattle. He grew up attending church and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior around the age of 12 after hearing the gospel during children's worship. During his last year of studies at the UW (B.S., Electrical Engineering, 1992), God called him into the Christian ministry. Before leaving for graduate studies at The Master's Seminary in Southern California (Master of Divinity, 1995), he assisted in the planting of Living Hope Bible Church.

Upon graduating from seminary, he returned to LHBC to serve as a Pastoral Assistant and was ordained into the ministry in 1997. After spending another year of studies at Dallas Theological Seminary (Master of Sacred Theology, 1998), he returned to LHBC and assumed the role of senior pastor in 2001. Most recently, he completed his doctoral work (D.Min.) in Biblical counseling (2005) and now has more time to enjoy his time with his family, friends, tennis, and home repair projects. God has truly shown his blessings in the spiritual growth and life change at LHBC.

James Barbouletos :: pastor of student ministries

James was born in Salt Lake City, UT, the eldest of three boys. From childhood his parents raised him to fear God and have a high view of His word. At the age of 14, his family moved to the Seattle area where they remain today. During his high school and college years, James was actively involved in many church activities including teaching Bible study, facilitating small groups, and leading mission trips. In 2003, he graduated from the University of Washington (B.A., History). It was during his college years that James felt the Lord calling him into full time ministry; and after college he enrolled at The Master’s Seminary in southern California. While attending TMS for pastoral training, James served in the college ministry at Grace Community Church. In 2007 he graduated from TMS with a Master of Divinity (M.Div), and was called to serve at LHBC as the Pastor of Student Ministries. He and his wife LeAnne also serve on the LHBC worship team.

Born and raised in the Northwest, Jerry attended church while young, but dropped out in high school when warned that a church class was boring. Although he had no interest in religion after that, God did not lose interest in him, nor did other Christians who carpooled with him to the UW. He could accept the idea that there was a God, but not Jesus. However, that was not satisfying to God and within a couple years, found himself attending the college fellowship and becoming a Christian.

The most significant influence in his life was a youth coordinator in a home Bible Study. Because of that study, he became more involved in Bible Studies as well as teaching Sunday school. It also lead to further studies at Western Seminary (Portland) and serving in a missions outreach and local churches. He currently works for a fishing company in human resources; however, his heart’s desire is to see believers grow in their knowledge and understanding of the Word of God, and being able to walk with their God.

Jim was born and raised in LA in a Buddhist family. He attended school in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Jim committed his life to Christ in 1993, soon after beginning to attend what is now known as Living Hope Bible Church. He is currently working as a surgeon.

Michele grew up in Seoul, South Korea. Christ became her Lord and savior when she received Him in 1984 while she was living in Pennsylvania. She is a stay-at-home mom. Jim and Michele live in Renton with Michele's mom, their daughters Jessica and Kristin, and their dog Webster.

As an original member of the team that helped to start LHBC, Wil has had the privilege of seeing how the Lord has faithfully worked in this church body since its inception. Wil graduated from the University of Washington in 1991, and works as a Software Manager. He and his wife Vera are the proud parents of twin boys, Alexander and Connor.