Leadership Team

Get to know the people who equip and lead others to make Mariners the vibrant place it is. Please pray for them and offer to serve on the teams they lead so that Mariners can help more people on the coastside become committed follower of Jesus Christ.

our staff

Paul Richardson, Lead Pastor

I’m Paul, one of the pastors here at Mariners Church. I kinda’ oversee the whole deal here, but I have great people working alongside me both as volunteers as well as staff. Since 1988, I have been pastor of Mariners (you do the math). I came here because of the challenge of seeing God put together a church in an area where very few know Jesus in a personal way. It’s been a great ride. I grew up in Southern California and was in South Florida for three years before I came to Half Moon Bay. For those that pay attention to this stuff—I have a bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly, a master’s from Talbot Seminary (Biola) and a doctorate from Fuller Seminary. I have an incredible wife and family of whom I can’t get enough. When I have free time I enjoy riding my road bike, running miles along the bluffs, and working around the house. Other things I like are fly fishing, In N Out, and backpacking (when I can get away). I hate coffee. And tuna casserole. It’s always been my desire to be part of an authentic community of committed followers of Jesus Christ. I truly get excited when we see “Christ fully developed” in people (Galatians 4:19). Through the years, God has done an incredible work of building a group of people at Mariners who truly love God and seek to serve Him in a real way.

Mark Heath, Worship Pastor

Mark is a long-time resident of Half Moon Bay is also known as Dr. Mark, one of the town’s local chiropractors. His heart for worship and love for people is very apparent. He has been volunteering as a worship leader at Mariners for over 20 years. Mark, and his wife Kathy, are committed to our community by being involved in many activities. When not leading Mariners in worship, he goes to see and root for the SF Giants, runs and cycles.

Tracy Hummel, Financial Analyst

Emma Lodge, Office Manager

Originally from the UK, my husband and I arrived on the coast just over 8 years ago with our 2 dogs. I started working at Mariners back in March 2017, originally as Children & Youth Administrator, but now as Office Manager. Mariners Church made us feel so welcome right from the start and, let me tell you, when you move somewhere and you don’t know a soul, having a church family makes all the difference. The Lord provided for us every step of the way. We can testify to His faithfulness, His loving care and His provision. We love the ocean, hiking and nice coffee (not necessarily in that order!)

Ivette Moctezuma, Outreach Director

I am Ivette Carrasco-Moctezuma I grew up on the Coast and graduated from Half Moon Bay High School. After working for a non-profit providing support and life skills to children and families with developmental disabilities, I left my position as a health educator to transition our daughter Laura Teresa in to junior high. It was during this time I decided to go back to school to earn a degree in biblical studies through Liberty University’s online program in Lynchburg, Virginia. When I’m is not busy taking a class, supporting my children with their various activities, or having coffee at Sam’s with my husband, Jorge, I am dedicating time to my extended family. My favorite verse from the Bible is Isaiah 40:31, “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

Hannah Norton, Children's Ministry Administrator

Hi! I am a wife to a loving husband, Tom, and a mother to two precious boys: Levi and Harvey. I was born and raised on the East Coast (Florida and Pennsylvania), met my husband in Michigan, and we moved to the Bay Area in 2019. I am mostly a stay-at-home mom and in my free time I have the honor of helping run the administrative side of the Children’s Ministry at Mariners Church! When I have the opportunity, I enjoy reading, running, playing soccer, and gardening. My favorite scripture changes often as God speaks to me through it in different seasons of life, but I have always found strength in 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God did not give us a spirit of fear and anxiety, but one of power, love, and a sound mind.”

Brenna Davis, Director of Ministries

Grace Bahena, Youth Ministries Intern

I’m Grace, I was born and raised in Southern California. I moved to Santa Cruz to attend UCSC where I received my bachelor’s in Ecology and Evolution. I moved around for a year after graduating, working different field jobs, before joining the Mariners team. I love working with students and helping them build their relationship with Christ. You can find me on Sundays helping in Kid Min or during the week at our different high school & middle school activities! My favorite verse is 1 John 4:16 ‘And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.’