“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have dies;and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”
Rev. Dr. Stephen Ko
Senior Pastor , New York Chinese Alliance Church
Formerly a Professor of Global Health and Pediatrics at Boston University and medical officer at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Steve is passionate about evangelism, global health missions, and holistic ministry as exemplified by the life of Jesus Christ. A shepherd at heart, he enjoys mentoring church leaders, discipling Christians of all stages of faith, and teaching seminary students at Alliance Theological Seminary—where he serves as an Adjunct Professor. Steve has worked extensively in Africa and Southeast Asia on diseases of epidemic potential, helping low and low-middle-income countries implement their national public health programs. Writing at the intersection of faith, medicine, and public health is a particular interest. He co-authors All Creation Groans (Wipf & Stock) and Re-visioning the Mission of Health: A Global Invitation to Heal and Thrive in Crisis (Brill). His forthcoming Zondervan Reflective title on incarnational health, Faith Embodied, will be released in April 2024.
Pastor Steve graduated from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (MDIV) while completing an MPH from Columbia University, an MA from William and Mary, and an MD from Medical College of Georgia. During his time at Gordon Conwell, he was the recipient of the Robert J Lamont Leadership Award and Emmanuel Applied Research Award. He maintains pediatric board certification, having received post-graduate training in pediatrics (Cornell-New York Presbyterian Hospital) and preventive medicine (Stony Brook Hospital).
Steve is married to his “Hostess with the Mostess” wife, Bridget. Together, they enjoy spending time with their sons, Topher and Luke. Also known as “KOKO” the Clown and Magician, he always enjoys a hearty laugh over practical jokes and pranks. He admits to having “wanderlust”, which is why he enjoys loves visiting remote places around the world. A sports fanatic, he will play any sport with a bouncing ball while cheering for his hometown Falcons, Braves, and Hawks!
Steve loves spending time with others while getting to know their “story”. He is always ready to serve coffee from Ethiopia, tea from Thailand, and mochis from Japan. He welcomes you to stop by his office anytime!
Steve believes Vitality in Faith and Health is essential to flourishing. He posts frequently on Instagram and Facebook to encourage believers to live holistically. Follow these posts on Instagram or Facebook below.
Email him at: rev.ko@3stone.org
Reverend Cristobal Tong
Associate Pastor & College/Youth Ministries
God has led Reverend Cristobal to a wide range of occupations in his journey to ministry ranging from working as a sushi chef to a potential legal career as a paralegal. It is through these unique experiences that he has been able to minister and bless youth, college students as well as young adults alike at 3Stone/NYCAC for the last 10 years as a counselor, intern and as of 2015, an associate pastor. He obtained his Bachelor Degree from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary. He was recently ordained as Reverend Cristobal Tong in May of 2022.
Reverend Cristobal wants God to use all aspects of his life in spreading the gospel to the nations, and desires to equip, empower, and encourage the local church to be the arms and legs of Christ in their community and throughout the world. Having grown up in NYC, Cristobal feels naturally led to serve and make disciples of the 2nd and 3rd generation of Asian Americans through mentorship and living life together – truly living out the invitation to “come and see.” He invites you “come” by his office anytime and together “see” what God is doing!
Revenered Cristobal is married to his wife, Carla, whom he calls the biggest blessing of his life. They look forwarding to faithfully following God, wherever He calls them.
minister Timmy Yee
Timmy has recently committed his life to follow God’s calling into full-time ministry after a season of several occupation changes, from an aspiring physical therapist to a youth ministry director for a non- profit organization. He obtained his BSW from NYACK College and his Associate Degree in Kinesiology from Hunter College. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary. Timmy is passionate towards the act of worship and how we live our lives as beacons of hope for Christ.
Timmy wants to enable and empower others to experience the Gospel in a way that transforms them from the inside out. Whether it’s having a one-on-one conversation or jamming to worship songs, Timmy hopes to manifest Christ through his words and actions. Timmy’s desire is to help others find joy in their walk with Christ.
God gave Timmy one of the biggest blessings when he married his wife, Katie. During his downtime, he likes playing all sorts of sports (including being a Yankees, Nets, Spurs, and NY Giants fan), exploring different types of coffees around the world, and recently took an interest to woodworking. He is always open to grabbing a good cup of coffee and seeing how God is working in your life!
Minister Lawrence (Larry) Wee
Preaching Team
Larry serves on the preaching team at 3Stone, while serving as the at-large Governing Board representative for NYCAC. He is a partner at Millbank, LLP and a member of the firm’s Alternative Investments Practice. He received his J.D. from Harvard Law School and B.A. from Yale. Together with his wife Christina, they enjoy spending time with the two daughters and son.
Pastor Paul oliferchik
Pastoral Resident
Pastor Paul is a licensed minister under the Slavic District of the Assemblies of God for the four years prior to 2023, he and his wife Natalie served as missionaries at a local Ukrainian Church in NYC. There, they were involved in leading Bible studies, preaching and teaching, overseeing youth and young adult ministries, and even remodeling parts of the building. As a student at Alliance Theological Seminary, Pastor Paul felt called to serve at 3Stone and join the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He loves to play soccer and basketball and enjoys having deep spiritual conversations in the sauna!