Then, while working for a United States Marine Corps Chaplain as an interpreter, translating sermons before Korean audiences, he decided to enter into ministry.
Kim went to the Methodist Theological Seminary in Seoul, and upon completing study there came to the United States to pursue further education.
Kim went on to serve as the Chairperson of the Conference Council on Ministries and has provided leadership at the annual and general church levels.
During these years he had an important role in developing national and jurisdictional mission structures to facilitate Korean American ministries and congregations.
He worked with the Northeastern Jurisdiction Multi-Ethnic Center: on the Charter Committee and then as a member of the Board of Directors, serving as President (1988–92).
That same year he was appointed a district superintendent in the Northern New Jersey Conference, the first Korean American to hold this position in the entire United Methodist Church.
The details of the charges were handled in accordance with confidentiality requirements of the United Methodist Book of Discipline and were not disclosed.
He translated many Korean hymns into English, two of which are in the United Methdodist Hymnal: Lonely the Boat and Mountains are All Aglow.