As a high school junior, Mike began his ministry by serving as a student leader at Faith Evangelical Church (now called Church at Rocky Peak). While getting his bachelor’s degree at San Diego State University, he served as a Youth Pastor at Crest Community Church. In the summer of 1990, he and his wife, Alison, joined Athletes in Action (AIA), the sports ministry of Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ). They served in many roles in their time on staff, beginning with starting and directing the ministry at the University of Hawaii from 1991-2003. During this time Mike also taught Discipleship at ICGS, hosted a radio show on KAIM called “Christian Sports Talk Hawaii”, was ordained by the ECA, and received his MAR degree from ICGS. In 2004, they moved back to California where Mike was the Regional Director over the 10 western states and then Campus Director at UCLA. Finally, he transitioned to the Global ministries - International Chaplaincy Acceleration Team, Global Events Team, Global Insport Strategy Team - and is currently Affiliate Staff with AIA. Mike also wrote a book called More Than That, Biblical Principles for Dealing with Athletic injuries ; published in 2016. He and Alison have been a team in ministry together since they were dating. They were married in 1989 and have three God-given treasures: Christopher, Emily, and Johnny. They are so grateful for this new journey of ministry with the MCC Ohana which officially began on May 1, 2026.
Mike Buchanan
Following his graduation from high school, Paul left Hawaii in 1969 and spent the next twenty years on the U.S. mainland, where he received training in clinical psychology and worked as a therapist and administrator in mental health centers in Indiana, Idaho and Oregon. While in Roseburg, Oregon, Paul and his wife, Carol not only served in various church ministries, but also had the opportunity to host a number of missionaries, pastors, and Christian college professors who would occasionally fill the pulpit while their pastor was away. God used these contacts, in addition to the mentorship provided by his pastor, to lead him in a new direction. In the fall of 1981, Paul, Carol and their one-year-old son moved to Tacoma, Washington in order to begin the course of training at Northwest Baptist Seminary. Following his graduation, Paul and Carol spent the next four years ministering in churches throughout five western states as they raised their prayer and financial support to return to Hawaii as missionaries. Upon returning to Hawaii, Paul served as a pastor in a church planting and development ministry for ten years. Paul has been with Mililani Community Church since 2011. In addition to fulfilling his responsibilities as an elder, he also teaches the Sunday morning adult Bible class. He draws extensively from his background in mental health as he provides counsel, direction and encouragement to various ones in the church family. Paul and Carol recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. They have three sons, a daughter-in-law, and one very precious granddaughter.
Paul Domen
Rachelle, While attending UH-Manoa, she was involved in Athletes in Action and Campus Crusade for Christ which is now called CRU. This is where she also met her husband, Pastor Jayson. For the past 22 years, she has been a homemaker and homeschool teacher to her four kids. A little over a year ago, she began working very part-time at Mililani Community Church Preschool as a Teacher’s Aide, and recently God providentially transitioned her to work in the church office. She enjoys hanging out with her family and likes to go walking for exercise when time allows.
Rachelle Saito
Justin, Inspired by a live band at the EFCA Youth Challenge Conference in 2002, Justin began leading worship in Sunday school. His interest in leading worship grew as opportunities presented themselves. He went on to study at Biola University in California and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music in Worship in 2007. Following graduation, he continued to lead and participate on worship teams at various churches, camps and events. In June 2016, he became the worship director at Mililani Community Church. Justin loves being with his MCC family, and has a passion for leading others in worship of the One and only true God through music.
Justin Knapp
Sayaka loves working with preschool aged children; has over 20 years experience in teaching and 10 years as a preschool director. Born in Japan but has lived most of her life in Hawaii. She completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a graduate degree from the International College and Graduate school. She speaks fluent Japanese and has also taught English and attended Seminary in Japan. "Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and your child."
Sayaka Nakano
After serving as the Minister of Christian Education and Youth at Mililani Community Church (MCC) beginning in 1995, Jayson moved to Maui in August 1999 to pioneer a church plant with his family and a small team. In April 2001, he was ordained through the Evangelical Free Church of America. Then in July 2004, with the blessing of his congregation and the Hawaii District of the EFCA, he began a twelve-year ministry at Kahului Union Church. Finally, in God’s providence, after seventeen years away, God has brought him full circle to shepherd the people of MCC in the footsteps of his mentor and former Senior Pastor, Dr. Rick Bartosik. His desire is to spread a passion for the greatness and worth of Jesus so that people will find their greatest joy and treasure in Him. Pastor Jayson has been married since 1997 to his beautiful wife, Rachelle. They are blessed with four children, Christian, Jon, Aaron, and Hope.
Jayson Saito Senior Pastor