About Us

JIBC started with one family on top of Sylvan Hill in 1978. We moved to Tigard in 1995 and have since grown to what we are now: a multi-generational, bilingual (Japanese & English) church with people from different cultures and walks of life. We'd love to meet you!

A place where all are welcome

About Mitch

Mitch graduated in 2004 from Gateway Seminary (M.Div), but spent the next 14 years in the business world. He lived in Japan for nine years on a business assignment, and left in 2018 to become a pastor at JIBC. Mitch is married to Ako and has 3 daughters. He values peace and harmony, enjoys all sports, the outdoors, traveling, cooking, and cleaning shoes.

Mitch Yokoi
PASTOR

About Kenji

A graduate of Gateway Seminary (M.Div), Kenji has been pastoring at JIBC since 2002. His energy, passion and friendliness is contagious! He is married to Christina and they have 5 children. He is highly skilled at working with his hands, whether it be building an entire building or creating custom vehicles from scratch. He also loves the outdoors and the Portland Timbers.

Kenji Yokoi
PASTOR

About Mutsuko

Mutsuko first came to JIBC in the early 80's as a wild party animal! Since then, she has devoted her life to Jesus and just loves to talk about Him to anyone who will listen. After working in the accounting division of a local freight company for 25 years, she retired in 2000 and joined the JIBC staff as a volunteer minister. Her vibrant smile brightens the lives of everyone she meets.

Mutsuko Wepsala
MINISTER

Leader Board

"Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,"

Matthew 20:26

Our "Leader Board" partners with the pastoral staff to provide godly counsel and make decisions regarding the direction of the church. Their job is to represent, support, and care for our church members. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, these are the people you can turn to:

Atsuko, Ben, Desirea, Haji, Hiromi, Judd, Kurtis, Peter, Stephen, Takako, Takuya