Every journey into pastoral ministry begins with a courageous response to a clear call.
For Pastor Daniel Koh, that path meant stepping away from a corporate career in human resources to pursue a life of listening, shepherding and helping believers encounter God in their everyday lives.
From 1 August 2026, as he steps into his new season as a Member-on-Trial (MOT) at Wesley Methodist Church, we invite the Wesley family to get to know his heart, his journey of faith and how God led him here.
As an MOT in the Methodist Church, Pastor Daniel will serve full-time at Wesley as he undergoes hands-on pastoral training in preaching, shepherding and leadership under the mentorship of senior clergy as part of a season of mutual discernment leading towards full ordination.
FAITH ROOTED EARLY AND NURTURED IN SERVICE
Born in 1988, Pastor Daniel Koh grew up as an only child with the steady, loving support of his parents.
His childhood faith took root early.
On his fourth birthday, his mother shared the gospel through a picture Bible and young Daniel said a simple, heartfelt “yes” to Jesus.
A few years later, at the age of eight, Daniel experienced God’s personal care when prayer healed his high fever just in time for him to watch a musical he had been looking forward to. It was an early moment that anchored his trust in God’s faithfulness in answering prayer and meeting us where we are.
As the adage goes, parents know best.
Pastor Daniel’s father, David Koh, had observed how his son’s sensitivity and heart for others were evident from an early age.
“Daniel has a heart for people,” David recalled. “From a young age, he has valued and cared deeply for his friends and shared his belongings with them.”
“He is usually very sensitive to the needs of others and these qualities have continued to grow into adulthood.”
As Pastor Daniel grew up, his faith was continually nurtured through Sunday School, fellowship groups and church camps. Over time, he took on leadership roles, guiding Bible studies and mentoring younger youths.
Later, during his early working years, he took a step of faith to volunteer with the School of Youth Ministries in English (SYME) in Taiwan, using Bible texts to teach English and reach pre-believers. It was a pivotal season that deepened his commitment to sharing the gospel.
Outside church, Pastor Daniel enjoys catching movies at the cinema, sharing good food with friends and relaxing over a cup of teh bing.
“Daniel has a heart for people. From a young age, he has valued and cared deeply for his friends and shared his belongings with them.”
DISCERNING THE CALL AND STEPPING INTO MINISTRY
After completing his undergraduate studies, Daniel worked in human resources.
“The work felt unfulfilling and life felt a bit meaningless,” Pastor Daniel reflected. “I thought to myself, there must be more to life than this. So I left my previous career intending to pursue God.”
“God found me and slowly led me into pastoral ministry,” he shared.
When Pastor Daniel first shared his desire to enter full-time pastoral ministry, his father encouraged him to seek clear affirmation of God’s guidance.
Yet, behind the scenes, God was already answering a long-standing family prayer.
“In fact, this was an answer to our prayer,” David shared. “Before Daniel was born, we prayed and entrusted him to God, asking that his life be used to serve Him in whatever way He pleased. We are grateful for God’s call on Daniel’s life and are humbled and privileged that he is able to serve God in full-time ministry.”
Transitioning into ministry required sacrifice, including accepting a pay cut, giving up weekend flexibility and navigating the inevitable vicissitudes of full-time ministry.
Yet God consistently affirmed Pastor Daniel’s call through ineffable joy, fruitful service and the steady affirmation of those around him.
“Before Daniel was born, we prayed and entrusted him to God, asking that his life be used to serve Him in whatever way He pleased. We are grateful for God’s call on Daniel’s life and are humbled and privileged that he is able to serve God in full-time ministry.” – David Koh, father of Pastor Daniel
EQUIPPED FOR WESLEY AND SURROUNDED BY PRAYER
Pastor Daniel’s theological training spans two rich seasons: first at Regent College in Vancouver (2017-2019), followed by Trinity Theological College (2022-2025).
Between and during his studies, he served faithfully for more than a decade at Pentecost Methodist Church and for three years at Bedok Methodist Church.
“Daniel is a humble and easy-going guy with a big heart for evangelism,” said Christina Ong, a volunteer who served alongside Pastor Daniel in Witness and Evangelism at Bedok Methodist Church.
“He quickly understands what we are doing and provides great support along the way,” she added.
“We will miss him and will be praying for him as he serves the Wesley congregation this season.”
Drawing on his HR background, Daniel brings a well-developed capacity for active listening to his pastoral care.
What excites him most about serving at Wesley is the quiet privilege of “bringing God into the daily lives of people”.
As Pastor Daniel embarks on this new chapter, his parents expressed their deepest hopes for his ministry: “Our prayer for Daniel is that he would seek after God’s heart above all else, love the people God has entrusted to him and serve the Lord with humility.”
“That he will be prayerful in all things and remain faithful to the One who has called him, teaching and preaching the Word of God with boldness and clarity,” David noted.
As for Pastor Daniel himself, he is looking forward to this new season at Wesley, praying that he will remain close to God amid the busyness, have a heart to love and shepherd others and be given strength to persevere through difficult times.
“I am looking forward to getting to know the community at Wesley better, so pray for me to have a good memory and remember everyone. That would be very helpful,” he quipped.
KYP – KNOW YOUR PASTOR
ADVICE TO YOUNGER SELF: Eat healthier and exercise more!
FAVOURITE
- BIBLE VERSE: 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
- HYMN: Amazing Grace
- SCHOOL SUBJECT: Literature
- MOVIE: Inception
- LOCAL FOOD: Nasi Lemak
FUN FACT: Born in Perth, Australia
COFFEE OR TEA: Tea
If you see Pastor Daniel around the church grounds on Sunday, he warmly invites church members to “just come and say hello and let me know your name!”
(Photos courtesy of Pastor Daniel Koh)
Read also: Following God’s Call: Meet Rev Rufus Chan
