Meet Our Lead Pastor
James Panza
Pastor James has served at Grace Chapel since 2010 and is ordained with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He also serves on the Metro District Executive Committee, supporting more than 120 Alliance churches throughout New Jersey and the greater New York City area.
Throughout his career, God has given him opportunities to serve in the corporate world, own a business, and serve in various church ministry roles. These experiences have helped shape his calling and prepared him for ministry at Grace Chapel.
Pastor James is passionate about discipleship, spiritual maturity, and helping people grow in the strength and confidence of their faith. He considers it a tremendous privilege to influence the lives of others and is committed to helping people live out their faith boldly and faithfully as they participate in God's mission.
He and his wife, Cindy, have been married since 1991 and are blessed with four children, a son-in-law, two daughters-in-law, and seven grandchildren. Their family is their greatest joy and blessing, and they are grateful to see their children serving Jesus and living God-centered lives. Outside of ministry, Pastor James enjoys golf, cars, the outdoors, and sports.
His prayer for Grace Chapel is that every person's encounter with Jesus would be meaningful, joyful, challenging, and deeply transformative—that the Spirit of God would fill them, the love of Jesus would transform them, and the power of God would equip them to live lives of joy, strength, and fulfillment.
Throughout his career, God has given him opportunities to serve in the corporate world, own a business, and serve in various church ministry roles. These experiences have helped shape his calling and prepared him for ministry at Grace Chapel.
Pastor James is passionate about discipleship, spiritual maturity, and helping people grow in the strength and confidence of their faith. He considers it a tremendous privilege to influence the lives of others and is committed to helping people live out their faith boldly and faithfully as they participate in God's mission.
He and his wife, Cindy, have been married since 1991 and are blessed with four children, a son-in-law, two daughters-in-law, and seven grandchildren. Their family is their greatest joy and blessing, and they are grateful to see their children serving Jesus and living God-centered lives. Outside of ministry, Pastor James enjoys golf, cars, the outdoors, and sports.
His prayer for Grace Chapel is that every person's encounter with Jesus would be meaningful, joyful, challenging, and deeply transformative—that the Spirit of God would fill them, the love of Jesus would transform them, and the power of God would equip them to live lives of joy, strength, and fulfillment.
Meet Our Associate Pastor
Dave Jannssen
Since 1980, Dave has served in a variety of ministry roles with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, including Lead Pastor, Youth Pastor, College Campus Pastor, church planter, and international worker.
He has also served in regional and national leadership roles supporting Alliance churches. He holds degrees from Pennsylvania State University, Asbury Theological Seminary, and Alliance Theological Seminary.
A native of the New York–New Jersey area, Dave came to faith in Christ at age 19 while working a summer job on the Asbury Park boardwalk. He and his wife, Jeannine, have been married since 1977 and have two daughters.
He has also served in regional and national leadership roles supporting Alliance churches. He holds degrees from Pennsylvania State University, Asbury Theological Seminary, and Alliance Theological Seminary.
A native of the New York–New Jersey area, Dave came to faith in Christ at age 19 while working a summer job on the Asbury Park boardwalk. He and his wife, Jeannine, have been married since 1977 and have two daughters.
Meet Our Church Ministries Pastor
Jason Gibson
Jason joined the pastoral staff at Grace Chapel in September 2025 after spending 11 years in the corporate world as a Software Quality Engineer. Raised in a Christian home, his faith was shaped by godly parents and grandparents, including a grandfather who served as a pastor. This foundation helped cultivate his love for the Lord, His Word, and the local church.
He is passionate about studying and teaching Scripture, discipling believers, and helping others grow in their faith. With a heart for missions and sharing the gospel, he has served on and led mission trips both domestically and internationally. His desire is to help people grow in their relationship with Jesus and live out their faith in everyday life.
He and his wife, Elissa, were married in December 2025 and enjoy traveling, exploring new places, spending time with family and friends, and serving the Lord together. In his free time, he enjoys swimming, sports, and staying active.
He is passionate about studying and teaching Scripture, discipling believers, and helping others grow in their faith. With a heart for missions and sharing the gospel, he has served on and led mission trips both domestically and internationally. His desire is to help people grow in their relationship with Jesus and live out their faith in everyday life.
He and his wife, Elissa, were married in December 2025 and enjoy traveling, exploring new places, spending time with family and friends, and serving the Lord together. In his free time, he enjoys swimming, sports, and staying active.