Yooyun Cho

Rev. Dr. Yoo-Yun Cho-Chang is an ordained clergy with a full-connection to the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church. She is a licensed psychologist in Massachusetts currently doing full-time clinical work at the Commonwealth Psychology Associates. She earned her Ph.D. degree in Counseling Psychology and Religion from B.U. Graduate School of Arts and Science. Before her extension ministry for clinical work, she served several local churches for full-time, part-time, interim, and team ministry. For her clinical training, she finished her internship and post-doctoral training at the Albert-Jessie Danielsen Institute at Boston University. During her tenure as a co-chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry of New England Conference, she worked with BOM to adopt the Inclusivity Statement in 2016 and the Resolution of Sanctuary, which was finalized in April of 2017, shortly after she resigned from the Board.

Introduce yourself and why brought you to come to BU?

I’m a United Methodist ordained clergy and a full member of New England Conference. I’m currently appointed to serve beyond local church for extension ministry. I decided to come to BU because I was interested in studying counseling and my professor in Korea told me about the counseling training at the Danielsen Institute at BU. I’m truly grateful that I received counseling training at the Danielsen Institute which emphasizes the importance of integrating spirituality, religion, and existential matters in clinical work.

What are your class of the year and which degree?

1994 (M.Div)

2000 (STM)

2013 (Ph.D)

What memorable (or unforgettable) stories like fun, challenge difficulties do you have while in STH?

When I first came to study at BU STH, I didn’t consider ordained ministry because I grew up in Korea where I didn’t see any female clergy, so I didn’t imagine that becoming a pastor was an option for a woman. During the first semester, Professor John Ward who was teaching homiletics class at that time asked me whether I would consider a path for ordained ministry. I still vividly remember that moment as his invitation sounded like a thunder and continued to nudge my soul until I finally decided to seek ordination in the UMC. That moment changed my life.

What is your current job or ministry and vision?

I’m a licensed psychologist in MA and doing clinical work as a therapist at Commonwealth Psychology Associates. In my work as a therapist, I hear many stories of pain and suffering. However, I also recognize the resiliency of human spirit and the possibility of repair and healing in all of us. My vision is that I can be an embodiment of God’s work of healing and peace that alleviates pain in the world. I hope every client I meet can find strength and a sense of well-being, so their presence and life can have a positive ripple effect in the world.

Whatever do you like to say to STH and the people of the School of Theology?

I find that theological education I received from STH continues to shape and inform what I do and how I serve people wherever I’m located. I hope you don’t take your opportunity lightly, so you can maximize the benefit of education you receive at STH.