Senior Pastor

kjkim@eastwoodcc.org

Rev. KJ Kim began serving as Senior Minister at Eastwood Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Nashville in August 2024. Before coming to Eastwood, he served in congregational ministry and hospital chaplaincy in Texas—experiences that deepened his call to walk alongside people through every season of life. KJ also serves as the NAPAD Area Director for the Pension Fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

A first-generation immigrant from South Korea, KJ brings more than a decade of ministry experience in both the U.S. and Korea. He previously served Korean Christian Churches in Seoul and holds graduate degrees from Seoul Christian University, Korea Christian University, and Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University (Go Frogs!).

KJ shares life with his partner, Hyeyoung Lee, and their three children—Joel, Johan, and Noelle. Outside of church, you’ll often find him jogging, sipping black coffee, playing with his kids, or dreaming up new projects. He loves meeting new people and learning from different cultures, traditions, and stories—always discerning what it means to build a loving, faithful, and prophetic community in a time such as this.

Music Director

music@eastwoodcc.org

Daryl H. Johnson is overjoyed to serve as the Director of Music at Eastwood Christian Church. With over 25 years of experience in choral conducting, worship planning, and teaching voice, Daryl brings a heartfelt passion for music and ministry to our congregation.

A skilled baritone, Daryl has performed in distinguished works such as Handel's Messiah, Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, and Dubois' Seven Last Words. Additionally, he has earned multiple awards in vocal competitions sponsored by the National Association of Teachers of Singing for his exceptional vocal performances. His musical journey began in a lively Baptist church in Huntsville, Alabama, where music filled his home, thanks to his two sisters who played piano, sang, and were actively involved in choirs, inspiring him to take up the piano and join in singing. Though Daryl has a deep love for classical music, he embraces many different styles, reflecting the diverse musical influences of his upbringing. His passion was further shaped by a bachelor’s degree from Belmont University and a master’s in performance and church music from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Outside of ministry, Daryl is a licensed real estate agent, actively participating in Nashville’s vibrant community.

Outside of his musical pursuits, Daryl loves diving into history and traveling across the United States and Europe, experiences that deepen his appreciation for culture and architecture. He also enjoys watching movies, from thrilling action-adventure to imaginative sci-fi. A proud Alabama native, Daryl is a passionate Auburn Tigers fan.

Accompanist

Dr. Jidong Zhong (pronounced Jone) grew up in Beijing, China, where he attended the Elementary and Middle Schools of the Central Conservatory of Music, beginning his professional training in classical piano at age ten. In 2009, Zhong migrated to the United States to further pursue his passion for music. In 2016, he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance, magna cum laude, from Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Maryland, studying under Dr. Daniel Lau. That same year, Zhong was admitted to the studio of Dr. Douglas Humpherys at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Piano Performance and Literature in 2018 and 2022, respectively.

In recent years, Zhong has given dozens of solo recitals across eastern United States and has received recognition from several regional and national competitions. In 2018, he was named the first-prize winner of the Young Artist Piano Category of the MTNA National Competition. Zhong is often praised for his exceptional technical command of the instrument.

Dr. Zhong is also passionate about his roles as pedagogue and collaborative pianist. From 2021 to 2014, he served as adjunct professor of piano and staff accompanist at his undergraduate alma mater, WAU, while also serving as church pianist at the Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. Zhong taught choir and piano at Long Reach High School in Columbia, Maryland last year, and currently serves as staff pianist and piano teacher at Stewarts Creek High School in Smyrna, Tennessee. He is regularly invited to perform with soloists and choirs and has appeared in venues such as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Strathmore Mansion, and the Arts Club of Washington.

Zhong is excited about the move to Tennessee with his wife, Ana Aguilar Piedra, who is pursuing a career in opera and is currently enrolled in a post-graduate certificate program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In his spare time, Zhong enjoys playing tennis, cooking, and traveling.

EC3 Director

directorec3@gmail.com

Abby Griffin has taught at EC3 since 2019 both as a floater and as the Eagles teacher. Abby attended Auburn University where she received a B.S. and M.S. in Horticulture. She lives in Eastwood Neighbors with her husband, Greg, and their children, Gray and Wills. Abby fell in love with EC3 when her son, Wills, attended. She loved the caring teachers and inclusive environment it provided for her son so much that she never left.  In her spare time she enjoys long distance running, gardening, and cooking. 

Office Manager

office@eastwoood.org

Jessica Curtis holds a BA in Sociology and Religious Studies with a MA of in Social Responsibility and Sustainable Communities. She has served as the Office Manager at Eastwood since October 2023. Jessica and her family have lived in Nashville since 2021 and have loved getting to know this wonderful and welcoming community.