Joshua Liem, Interim Lead Pastor
Josh Liem is the Interim Lead Pastor of Pilgrim Church, where he provides pastoral leadership, preaches most Sundays, and helps guide the church’s vision and ministry life. He’s passionate about walking with people through Scripture and discipleship, and loves seeing how God transforms lives in quiet and beautiful ways.
Josh has been part of Pilgrim Church since 2022, drawn by the community’s warmth, theological depth, and willingness to wrestle honestly with hard questions. He brings a thoughtful and grounded approach to ministry, shaped by his love for Scripture, hospitality, and the local church.
From the kitchen to the pulpit
Born and raised in Vancouver, Josh is the youngest of seven in a family that immigrated from Indonesia in the 1980s. He grew up immersed in church life, taking guitar lessons from his church's worship leader, joining the band at 13, and leading worship by the time he was 18. Before stepping into ministry, Josh spent twelve years in the hospitality industry as a chef and bartender—experiences that continue to shape his relational, welcoming style of leadership.
In 2022, he completed his Master of Divinity at Regent College, where he focused on biblical studies, theology, and contemporary issues in the church—including courses on global Christianity, imagination and the arts, gender and sexuality, and the use of the Old Testament in the New.
A heart for Scripture and community
Josh approaches faith with curiosity, playfulness, and a deep trust in the goodness of Jesus. He believes the church is called to be a place of honesty, growth, and transformation—a people being formed into Christ’s likeness by the Spirit. He’s energized by good questions, thoughtful conversations, and those moments when Scripture comes alive in community.
Josh is married to Grace, and they have a young son, Jonathan. Outside of ministry, he enjoys cooking, gaming, board games, and playing music. He’s always up for sharing a good meal or discussing theology over coffee or other beverages.
Have questions, want to connect, or just grab a coffee? Send an email or book a coffee time here.
Josh Liem is the Interim Lead Pastor of Pilgrim Church, where he provides pastoral leadership, preaches most Sundays, and helps guide the church’s vision and ministry life. He’s passionate about walking with people through Scripture and discipleship, and loves seeing how God transforms lives in quiet and beautiful ways.
Josh has been part of Pilgrim Church since 2022, drawn by the community’s warmth, theological depth, and willingness to wrestle honestly with hard questions. He brings a thoughtful and grounded approach to ministry, shaped by his love for Scripture, hospitality, and the local church.
From the kitchen to the pulpit
Born and raised in Vancouver, Josh is the youngest of seven in a family that immigrated from Indonesia in the 1980s. He grew up immersed in church life, taking guitar lessons from his church's worship leader, joining the band at 13, and leading worship by the time he was 18. Before stepping into ministry, Josh spent twelve years in the hospitality industry as a chef and bartender—experiences that continue to shape his relational, welcoming style of leadership.
In 2022, he completed his Master of Divinity at Regent College, where he focused on biblical studies, theology, and contemporary issues in the church—including courses on global Christianity, imagination and the arts, gender and sexuality, and the use of the Old Testament in the New.
A heart for Scripture and community
Josh approaches faith with curiosity, playfulness, and a deep trust in the goodness of Jesus. He believes the church is called to be a place of honesty, growth, and transformation—a people being formed into Christ’s likeness by the Spirit. He’s energized by good questions, thoughtful conversations, and those moments when Scripture comes alive in community.
Josh is married to Grace, and they have a young son, Jonathan. Outside of ministry, he enjoys cooking, gaming, board games, and playing music. He’s always up for sharing a good meal or discussing theology over coffee or other beverages.
Have questions, want to connect, or just grab a coffee? Send an email or book a coffee time here.
