With more than 20 years experience in vocational ministry, missions and education, Jonathan and Katherine are veterans who have a first-hand knowledge of Third Culture Kids (TCKs) as well as the challenges and opportunities in reaching the emerging generation with the gospel. The son of an American diplomat, Jonathan spent his earliest years in Nairobi, Kenya, as a TCK himself. He and Katherine both completed their secondary schooling in South Carolina and, having earned bachelors degrees in education, taught in that state’s public schools before being married in 1985. In 1988 they moved to St. Louis to attend Covenant Seminary where Jonathan earned a master of divinity degree in 1992. Before joining Mission to the World in 2004, Jonathan served as missions and outreach pastor at Kirk of the Hills (PCA) in St. Louis. He has served on the board of two small missions agencies and has organized countless evangelistic and leadership training projects during the past 16 years. Katherine has taught at various levels from kindergarten to upper middle school. In Bulgaria she taught and became an impassioned advocate for TCKs at Sofia Christian Academy. Having grown up since their early adolescent years in Bulgaria, the Taylor children, Katie and Owen, are now college students in South Carolina.

The Taylors bring to GYFM a love for TCKs, organizational experience internationally with evangelistic and leadership training projects, and a passion and vision for reaching the emerging generation. Together they have a special role in TCK care and Jonathan is developing and leading the mentored internship ministry of GYFI (Global Youth & Family Institute).