The Rev. Adam Bak, taken on June 7, 2026

St. James the Great is Growing: Meet the Rev. Adam Bak

At St. James the Great, we are delighted to welcome the Rev. Adam Bak to our clergy team. Since joining the parish as Priest Associate in June, Rev. Adam has already begun sharing his gifts for ministry, teaching, pastoral care, and worship with our community.

Originally from Hungary, Rev. Adam brings a unique international perspective shaped by both his faith journey and his academic studies. His path has taken him from theological studies in Budapest to advanced studies in Cambridge, England, and ultimately to St. James the Great in Newport Beach.

At 34, Rev. Adam brings a rare combination of youthful energy, international perspective, and theological depth that resonates with both longtime parishioners and younger generations seeking a meaningful spiritual community.

What makes Rev. Adam especially compelling is not only his academic background, but also his heart for ministry. He is passionate about helping people grow in faith, engage deeply with Scripture, and discover God’s presence in everyday life.

His priestly motto comes from John 17:17: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” This guiding principle reflects his commitment to faithful teaching, compassionate pastoral care, and a lifelong love of learning.

As St. James continues to grow, Rev. Adam’s presence strengthens our mission to be a church that is welcoming, intellectually engaging, spiritually grounded, and connected to the wider world. His international experience and fresh perspective enrich the life of our parish while helping us build meaningful connections across generations.

We are grateful that God has led Rev. Adam to St. James and look forward to the many ways his ministry will continue to bless our parish family and the wider Newport Beach community.

Please join us in extending a warm St. James welcome to Rev. Adam as we continue this exciting chapter together.