Rev. Jeon is currently the Senior Pastor of the United Methodist Church of Mt. Vernon, Iowa.
"I never imagined that I was going to be appointed to Bishop’s Appointive Cabinet, Rev. Jeon said. “I was literally shocked…but I do believe that ‘the first call is God’s call’ that is shaped and formed by many prayers.”
Prior to the appointment at Mt. Vernon (2015), he served Iowa City First UMC as associate pastor (2012-2015) and Corning UMC (2007-2012). He is an ordained Elder and Full Member of the Iowa Annual Conference.
Rev. Jeon was born and grew up in Gwangju, South Korea. He is a graduate of Kwangju First High School, Hoshin University (B.A.), San Francisco Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity), Graduate Theological Union at Berkeley (M.A. Coursework), and Claremont Graduate University (Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion & Theology). He also authored a book titled "Subjectivity of Différance: A Poiesis of Deconstruction of Subjectum, Deus and Communitas" in 2011. He is currently working on American pragmatism and John Wesley's practical theology in the history of American Methodism.
He and his wife Ann have one daughter Sonia who is a senior in high school. Heecheon loves tennis, reading, and music.
Of Rev. Jeon’s appointment, Bishop Trimble said, “After a period of prayer, consultation and discernment, I have decided to appoint Rev. Heecheon Jeon as a Conference Superintendent to follow Rev. Dave (DA) Weesner in the Central District. Rev. Jeon will bring his experience as a pastor in rural and urban context, leader and associate pastor, and passion for our commitment to the HCI (Healthy Church Initiative). He adds a younger voice to the richly diverse Appointive Cabinet. A sharp theological mind and a humble, confident engaging personality, he is also a missional strategist who will join the Cabinet team as we face adaptive challenges.” Noting that Rev. Jeon has been at Mt. Vernon UMC since only July 1, 2015, Bishop Trimble added, “While I have not usually appointed someone after one year in a local church appointment, I am confident it is the right time for this appointment.”
Rev. Jeon said, “As I trust God and God’s people, I trust Bishop Trimble’s discernment process and decision for the future of the church today…'So here I am, Lord.' I will be very honored to serve as a Conference Superintendent for the unshakeable kingdom of God where justice may roll down like a stream and peace may be fulfilled in our midst."
