About KUC
Pastoral Staff

Dexter Teruya, Senior Pastor
Originally from Oahu, Pastor Dexter started his ministry career with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) in 1974 and remained in youth ministry until 1980. After attending several Urbana Mission Conferences with IVCF, he and his wife Gail felt called to go to Chuuk, Micronesia, where Pastor Dexter served as Vice-Principal, Teacher, Dorm Father, and Maintenance Supervisor at Pacific Islands Bible College. After completing several terms which lasted over a period of 13 years, 1982 - 1995, Pastor Dexter and his family returned to Oahu and within a few months received a call to serve as Associate Pastor of Kahului Union Church in May 1995. The congregation voted Pastor Dexter as the Senior Pastor in October 2003. He was officially installed by the Tri-Isle Conference of the United Church of Christ in April 2004.

Pastor Dexter did his undergraduate work at the University of Hawaii and earned a Master of Divinity degree with a cross-cultural emphasis from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California in 1988. While at school Micah, their son, was born.

Pastor Dexter may be reached at the Church office (808-871-4422), or via his cell phone (808-268-1964).


Jayson Saito, Associate Pastor
Receiving Christ in 1989 ignited a hunger in Pastor Jayson to know the Bible, contend earnestly for the faith, and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. During the course of being discipled for many years, God opened the door for Pastor Jayson to preach his first message at the age of twenty-one. Since that time, God has continued to solidify his passion and gifting to preach God's Word and burden his heart and guide him in the area of pastoral ministry.

After graduating in May 1995 from International College and Graduate School he served for four years as the Minister of Christian Education and Youth at Mililani Community Church on Oahu. Then in August 1999, he launched out as a pioneering church planter to Maui with his family and a small team and planted Maui Community Church. In April 2001, Pastor Jayson was officially ordained through The Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA). Finally, in July 2004, through a series of providential circumstances, Pastor Jayson and his congregation, with the blessings of the Hawaii District of the EFCA, joined the team at Kahului Union Church with the desire to more effectively spread God's fame throughout Maui.

Pastor Jayson has been married since 1997 to his lovely wife, Rachelle. They have been blessed with three energetic boys - Christian, Jonathan, and Aaron; and one precious daughter - Hope. Rachelle is a professional homemaker as well as home school teacher of their children.

Pastor Jayson may be reached at the Church office (808-871-4422), or via his cell phone (808-268-3195).


Ken Tanaka, Associate Pastor
Pastor Ken is our first home-grown Pastor to serve at KUC. He became a Christian with the influence of the youth ministry and Sunday School programs of Kahului Union Church. Since becoming a Chrisian in high school, Pastor Ken has always felt a call into the ministry.

God provided many opportunities for Pastor Ken to serve in various ministries and committees at KUC. He was hired on staff as a part-time youth worker and worship leader for several years before entering Biblical studies at International College and Graduate School. After earning a Masters of Divinity degree from International College, Pastor Ken returned to KUC as a part-time Associate Pastor overseeing the areas of Ministry and Missions. He became ordained through the UCC in early 2006 and began service full time in September of 2006.

Pastor Ken has been married since 1997 to his awesome wife Annette, who ministers to the youth at KUC on a voluntary basis. Annette is a registered nurse with Kaiser Permanente in Wailuku.

Pastor Ken may be reached at the Church office (808-871-4422), or via his cell phone (808-281-6021).

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Pastoral Staff