Meet the team
At Grace Church Taipei, we’re led by a diverse team of pastors, elders, and staff who love Jesus, serve with humility, and are committed to guiding others in faith. Each person brings a unique story, background, and set of gifts—but we’re united by one mission: to glorify God and make disciples of Christ in Taipei and beyond.
Joey Chen
Pastor
Born: Worcester, MA, USA
Raised: Taipei, Taiwan
Education
Master of Divinity (M.Div.). Regent College, Vancouver, CA
Bachelor of Arts (B.A. in Biochemistry), Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, USA
Ministry Experience
Senior Pastor, Oasis Bread of Life Church (3 years)
Worship Director, Taipei Christian Assembly (3 years)
English Pastor, Port Moody Pacific Grace Church (3 years)
Spouse
Tina
Children
Titus
Hobbies
Volleyball, Guitar/Singing, Word Games
Testimony
I was born into a Christian home and grew up with the basics of the Christian faith, but I didn’t truly know Jesus personally until my second year in college. At the time, I was preparing for medical school when my dad ended up in ICU on full life support after a heart transplant. I spent weeks by his bedside, praying and asking for God to heal him.
One day, I finally surrendered and prayed, “Let Your will be done.” In that moment, I experienced a peace unlike anything I had ever known. It was the first time I truly felt the Holy Spirit’s Presence and heard the voice of God.
After that, I began to pray more, dive into the Bible, and grow in my relationship with Jesus. I was baptized a year later, joined various Bible study groups, and eventually felt led to attend seminary. Since then I’ve received calls to pastoral roles in several churches, and it’s been an honor to preach God’s Word and serve His Kingdom.
Jonathan Maas
Associate Pastor
Born and raised
Born:
Born in Blanco, Texas, USA
Raised:
Childhood years on the East Coast of the United States. Teen years in Kansas City. Adult years marked by extensive national and international travel contributing to a broad, cross-cultural perspective shaped by diverse ministry and leadership contexts.
Education
Theological Degree in Pastoral Leadership
International House of Prayer University — 2011Strategic Leadership & Search and Rescue Certification
ALERT Academy — 2011
Ministry Experience
Associate Pastor, Travis Christian Assembly — 4 years
Pastor / Director, Hope Prayer Center — 3 years
Worship Leader / Chief Operating Officer, OneEleven Global Ministry — 2 years
International Missionary –5 years
Spouse
Veronica
Hobbies
Authoring and theological writing, music production, sports and games, and cultivating meaningful relationships with friends and ministry partners.Testimony:I was raised in a Christian home and come from a fourth-generation pastoral legacy, having inherited the privilege and responsibility of faith passed down through my grandparents and parents who faithfully served the Church. From an early age, I was immersed in Scripture, worship, and the rhythms of Christian life, gaining a foundational understanding of the Gospel and the call to ministry.
However, I have come to understand that spiritual heritage, while a gift, must be personally embraced and stewarded. Over time, my relationship with Jesus moved beyond inherited faith into lived conviction through seasons of surrender, prayer, and encounters with the Holy Spirit, unto Jesus, while beholding the Father. These moments shaped my identity not merely as one raised in ministry, but as one personally called and formed by the presence of God.
This generational legacy has instilled in me both humility and accountability—recognizing that faithfulness is not sustained by lineage alone, but by daily obedience, intimacy with Christ, and a commitment to serve His Church with integrity. I carry deep gratitude for those who went before me, and I seek to honor that legacy by investing in the next generation through discipleship, worship, and presence-centered pastoral leadership.
Aldrik Jonker
Elder
Born and raised: The Netherlands, living in Taiwan since 2020
Ministry Experience
Deacon, Youth leader, Elder
Spouse
Wieneke
Children
Myrthe, Stef, Jasmijn and Finn. Since a few years Edna (girlfriend of Stef) is also living with us.
Hobbies
Not really. I guess I spend too much time working 🙁
Testimony
Being a Christian means for me that anyone should see God’s great work through me. I thrive to be a contributing and reliable help for many in their journey of life while pointing them to Jesus as their Savior for eternity and their life changer.
Eric Johnson
Elder
Born: Los Angeles, California, USA
Raised: Spokane, Washington, USA
Education
English Major with an Emphasis in Education and Creative Writing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
Master of Arts in Teaching, Whitworth University, Spokane, WA, USAMinistry
Experience
Elder, Grace Church Taipei (3 years)
Lead Usher, Grace Church Taipei (10 years)
Church Involvement
Member of Grace Church Taipei since 2006
Career
English Teacher
Spouse
Stacey Johnsen
Children
Sarah Johnsen and Ella Johnsen
Hobbies
Reading, Golf, Fantasy Sports, Poker
Testimony
I grew up in a Christian home and regularly attended Northwood Presbyterian Church, where I was baptised and later went through confirmation at the age of 16. However, during my later high school and college years, my church attendance and spiritual involvement gradually declined.God graciously brought Stacey into my life, and our journey together has drawn us closer to Christ. We were married at First Presbyterian Church of Spokane: the same church where my parents were married. Soon after marriage, we headed overseas to begin teaching at the American Community School in Amman, Jordan.While in Jordan, we joined a small Bible study with other young couples. This group, initially just eight of us, was led by a spiritually mature couple who inspired and nurtured our walk with Jesus. Over time, both our faith and the group grew, eventually reaching around twenty members. We were also blessed to visit many biblical sites, including frequent trips to Jerusalem. These experiences had a profound impact on our spiritual growth, deepening our connection with God.After seven years, we felt called to seek a more family-oriented environment for our two newborn daughters and made the move to Taipei. We also knew we needed to continue our pursuit of a deeper relationship with Christ. In 2006, we found a spiritual home at Grace Church Taipei.Here, God has surrounded us with a community of like-minded believers, faithful teachers for our children in Sunday School, and friends. Through the ministry of Grace Church and the work of the Holy Spirit, we have continued to grow in insight, spiritual wisdom, knowledge, and intimacy with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Nancy Hau
Elder
Born and raised
Grew up in Australia
Education
The Juilliard School, BM, MM, DMA
Ministry Experience
An active member of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) since 1990 – currently serving in the Area team for the classes located in Taiwan.Grace Church Taipei: Intercessor Team, Sunday School Support Leader, Sunday School Teacher 5th, 6th, 7th grades & Special Needs childrenPrevious Churches: Chair of Worship Committee, Member of Church Council, Special Music ProviderServed on Missions trips to Cambodia & Greece.
Spouse
Lawrence
Hobbies
Reading, visiting museums, learning new things
Testimony
Blessed to know TRUTH in the person of Jesus Christ. Came to understand that having a vibrant relationship with the One True Living God is a life changing gift! By God’s grace, came to know Him personally in New York City whilst in College through Intervarsity Christian Fellowship at The Juilliard School.
We are all on God’s mission together here at Grace Church! Looking forward to serving together with everyone.
Philippians 4: 4-8
Serena Lai
Elder
Born and raised
Taipei, Taiwan
Education
Washington State University, BS in Business Administration, Minor French
Ministry Experience
Collegiate leadership team at WSU with The Navigators – 5 years
Youth Group counselor at Evangelical Chinese Church in Seattle, WA. – 5 years
BSF Admin/substitute DL in Taiwan – 4 years
Leader of Mom’s Group at Island ECC in Hong Kong – 3 years
Sunday school teacher and Leader of Women’s bible study at Grace Church Taipei -(current).
Spouse
Leland
Child
Alex
Hobbies
Biking, Hanging out with friends, Travelling
Testimony
My brother was the first Christian in our family, having received Christ as a freshman at WSU through The Navigators. When I arrived at WSU 2 years later, he quickly got me involved in their campus activities. It was all very new to me, but I did notice a peace and joy in the Christians that made me want to find out more. One day I learned that a friend in Taiwan had passed away in a car accident. This news made me question the meaning of life until someone shared with me that if my friend was a Christian, he would be in heaven with Jesus. A few days later, I accepted Christ because I wanted to go to heaven, too. Almost immediately, I noticed some dramatic transformations in me. The Holy Spirit began to fill me with a joy and a love for others I had never experienced before. Thus, began my walk with the Lord who has carried me through life’s highs as well as dark lows faithfully and never disappointing.
Sean Jackson
Elder
Born & raised
St. Michael, BARBADOS
Education
Doctor of Musical Arts — The Juilliard School, NYMaster of Music — The Juilliard School, NYBachelor of Music (Hons) — Royal College of Music, UK
Ministry Experience
Director of Music and Organist, North Stamford Congregational Church (6years)
Director of Music and Organist, Stanwich Congregational Church (2 years)
Director of Music and Organist, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Stamford CT (8 years)
Organ Scholar and Assistant Organist, Trinity Church, Wall Street (6 years)
Director of Music & Organist, St. Ann’s Church of England, London UK (2 years)
Spouse
Sally
Hobbies
Movies, cycling, traveling
Testimony
I was born into a Christian family and made a decision to follow Jesus at the age of five. One year later, my mother passed away from cancer, and I developed a fear of death at a very young age. Even so, God continued to guide me, using different seasons of life to help me grow in my understanding of what it truly means to be a Christian.
At various points in my faith journey, God revealed new truths to me through His Word, through prayer, and through other believers. One significant moment came when I was twelve years old, when the Holy Spirit removed my fear of death, through a sermon at a youth rally, and replaced it with lasting peace. To this day, Easter Sunday is my favorite holy day of the church calendar year, as it reminds me of Jesus’ victory over death and what that victory means for us as believers. For the same reason, the final section of Romans 8 remains my favorite passage of Scripture.
Now in marriage, Sally and I have continued to see the importance of a community of faith. We are deeply grateful for the Grace Church life groups we are part of and for the meaningful friendships God has given us through them. Through these relationships, we have experienced encouragement, accountability, and God’s grace in very real and lasting ways.
Tim Chou
Elder
Our Staff
Amy Hsu
Finance
Born and raised
Changhua, Taiwan
Education
Ming Chuan University, MD in international Business.
Ministry Experience
Treasurer of the Youth Fellowship; adult small group leader at Chinese Church in Taipei; member of bible study at Grace Church; member of prayer team at Grace Church; BSF member for about 7 years.
Spouse
Fred
Children
Jeff, Jane
Hobbies
Fitness walking, Reading bible, Travelling
Testimony
I grew up in Changhua, where most people, including my family, follow Taoism. Fortunately, I met Jesus Christ when I was a senior high school student and then started to go to church during my college years.Although I attended church for many years, I still couldn’t understand God’s Word and did not have a close relationship with Christ until my father was diagnosed with cancer. During that time, my pastor and many friends from church visited my father and prayed for him in the hospital. Thanks be to God, my father finally accepted Jesus and was baptized before his death. I was so thankful for God’s deep love after that and I began reading the bible with great enthusiasm and have continually pursued spiritual growth to this day.
Angela Chou
Secretary
Born and raised
Taipei, Taiwan
Education
Law and Commerce College, Chung Hsing National University (now combined with National Taipei University), BS in Finance and Cooperative Management.
Ministry Experience
Women’s bible study and fellowship at Gi-Kong Presbyterian Church
Spouse
Bob
Child
Dani
Hobbies
Reading, Cooking, Listening to Classic Music
Testimony
My own family did not follow any religion, and I had never set foot in a church until I met my husband. Back then, he was my boyfriend—Bob—and he started taking me to a weekly Bible study. Eventually, we began attending Sunday services together. I stood out quite a bit because the Presbyterian church we attended held services in Taiwanese, a language I wasn’t familiar with. Still, I appreciated the warmth and care the community extended to me.We eventually became the first young couple to be married in that small, young church, which had a rich history despite its size. We remained there for over 16 years until we transitioned to a Mandarin-speaking church—Grace Church—due to some political reasons. Later on, I joined the staff as an administrative assistant when the church relocated from Tien Mu East Road to Min-der Road. In August 2016, after stepping away from the Chinese congregation a few months earlier, I was invited to return to the English-speaking church.
Tim Gillette
Missions and Outreach Coordinator
Born and raised
Michigan, United States
Education
- B.A. in German and International Relations – Michigan State University
- Studied at the University of Campinas (Brazil), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (Germany), Hillsdale College, and Montgomery Community College
- Additional training in Christian missions, language, and culture through the University of the Nations
Ministry Experience
Over four decades of leadership and international ministry experience. Served with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and founded several initiatives uniting education and discipleship – i.e. ENCOUNTERS Educational Exchanges, the Forum on Leadership and International Policy (FLIP), and the Symposium on International Educational Exchanges. Also served as National and Regional Leader for King’s Kids International (KKI) and partnered with World Vision, Compassion International, and Studio Classroom in outreach and leadership training across Asia.
Spouse
Naomi
Children
Boaz, Andy and Nicola
Hobbies
I love meeting new people and developing close, meaningful relationships. I enjoy cooking and spending time with my wife and family.
Testimony
Though not raised in a Christian environment, I came to faith as a teenager through the witness of my older brother. My life completely turned around. Originally preparing for a career in international diplomacy, I quickly realized this was not my true calling. It took seven years before I found YWAM, which turned out to be a perfect fit for me. For over three decades, I have devoted myself to challenging, training, and mentoring others into their God-given calling—encouraging a generation of courageous, faith-filled leaders to love, honor, and serve God and to inspire others to do the same.
Naomi Gillette
Manager, The Hub
Born and raised
Taipei, Taiwan
Education
Bachelor’s Degree – National Taiwan University (Music Performance)(Ranked #2 zither player in Taiwan during her university years)Master of Divinity – Taiwan Theological SeminaryMinistry training through Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and University of the Nations
Ministry Experience
Over five decades of service in discipleship, worship, missions, and family ministry.Co-founder of King’s Kids International Taiwan (KKI)Long-time member of the YWAM Taiwan National Leadership Team.Taught and mentored leaders across Asia and beyond, with a special focus on equipping families for ministry, creative discipleship of children, and intercessory worship.
Spouse
Tim
Children
Boaz, Andy, and Nicola
Hobbies
Enjoys mentoring young women, time at home, music, and family life.
Testimony
I grew up in Taiwan in a typical idol-worshiping family. As a young girl, I was led to the Lord by a foreign missionary from England. For many years after that, I did not know any other Christians and had no access to a church, but I held tightly to the truth that there was a God in Heaven who loved me and would guide me through His Son, Jesus. Years later, I was discipled by another missionary from Canada and I began serving the Lord at the age of 17. I completed both my undergraduate studies in music and a Master of Divinity in Taiwan. After several years of ministry—including serving as Sunday School Superintendent for Elim and 101 church—I was ordained as a pastor in 2015.