Our Staff
Welcome Pastor Christian Johnson!
Pastor Christian Johnson grew up in various locations on the West Coast of the USA. He sensed a call to ministry while serving as a volunteer outreach ministry leader, which led him to attend Whitworth University. After graduating, he joined Young Life staff. Later, he earned a Master of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary, graduating in 2001 with a concentration in Christian formation and discipleship.
Following seminary, Christian spent ten years as a high school Bible teacher and chaplain. For thirteen years, he has served in multiple congregations, including urban, suburban, and rural settings (MI, IL, WV, NJ & AZ). He was called as the Pastor and Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church January 2024. He is excited about the opportunity to serve Gilbert Presbyterian Church in this new shared-staff arrangement. Additionally, he is the president of Hebron, USA, a faith-based humanitarian nonprofit organization that partners with the indigenous people of Chiapas, Mexico, serving them both physically and spiritually. Christian is passionate about helping a growing circle of followers of Jesus to deepen their faith and practice sacrificial, one-another love. He focuses on fostering catalysts that enable the church family to be strong internally while remaining externally focused in real and tangible ways. People often say he is "solar-powered," referring to his love for the outdoors and photography. Christian met his wife, Kristen, while on a missions trip to Mexicali, Mexico. They have two children, Taidan (23) and Ella (20). If you would like to meet with Pastor Christian, please contact the church office to book an appointment.
Pastor Christian Johnson grew up in various locations on the West Coast of the USA. He sensed a call to ministry while serving as a volunteer outreach ministry leader, which led him to attend Whitworth University. After graduating, he joined Young Life staff. Later, he earned a Master of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary, graduating in 2001 with a concentration in Christian formation and discipleship.
Following seminary, Christian spent ten years as a high school Bible teacher and chaplain. For thirteen years, he has served in multiple congregations, including urban, suburban, and rural settings (MI, IL, WV, NJ & AZ). He was called as the Pastor and Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church January 2024. He is excited about the opportunity to serve Gilbert Presbyterian Church in this new shared-staff arrangement. Additionally, he is the president of Hebron, USA, a faith-based humanitarian nonprofit organization that partners with the indigenous people of Chiapas, Mexico, serving them both physically and spiritually. Christian is passionate about helping a growing circle of followers of Jesus to deepen their faith and practice sacrificial, one-another love. He focuses on fostering catalysts that enable the church family to be strong internally while remaining externally focused in real and tangible ways. People often say he is "solar-powered," referring to his love for the outdoors and photography. Christian met his wife, Kristen, while on a missions trip to Mexicali, Mexico. They have two children, Taidan (23) and Ella (20). If you would like to meet with Pastor Christian, please contact the church office to book an appointment.
Liz Nelson, Administrative Assistant
Liz joined GPC in the spring of 2019. She is originally from Massachusetts.
She brings a great deal of experience having served churches for over 33 years in AZ and MA.
She currently serves at one other church in the valley. She lives in Chandler with her three fur babies.
Her adult son, Andrew lives in Tempe.
Liz joined GPC in the spring of 2019. She is originally from Massachusetts.
She brings a great deal of experience having served churches for over 33 years in AZ and MA.
She currently serves at one other church in the valley. She lives in Chandler with her three fur babies.
Her adult son, Andrew lives in Tempe.
Music Ministry Team
Susan Martinez, Pianist/Organist
Susan has served as the pianist/organist at Gilbert Presbyterian Church since December 1989. She also enjoys being a freelance pianist in the Valley and has a piano studio of over 50 students. She lives in Chandler with her husband David and her adult children Scott and Sammi.
Susan has served as the pianist/organist at Gilbert Presbyterian Church since December 1989. She also enjoys being a freelance pianist in the Valley and has a piano studio of over 50 students. She lives in Chandler with her husband David and her adult children Scott and Sammi.
Britney Blackburn, Nursery Caregiver
Britney has grown up in GPC and has served as the nursery caregiver since 2020. She lives for kids and is also a paraprofessional specialist in the Gilbert Public School District, a respite provider in the East Valley, and babysits for about 10 different families as her schedule allows. Britney has also served in many positions for Little People of America: both AZ & District 10 Kid/Tween/Teen Coordinator,
National Young Adult Ambassador, District 10 Secretary, and District 10 Assistant Director.
Britney has grown up in GPC and has served as the nursery caregiver since 2020. She lives for kids and is also a paraprofessional specialist in the Gilbert Public School District, a respite provider in the East Valley, and babysits for about 10 different families as her schedule allows. Britney has also served in many positions for Little People of America: both AZ & District 10 Kid/Tween/Teen Coordinator,
National Young Adult Ambassador, District 10 Secretary, and District 10 Assistant Director.