Leadership Team

Jared Kirkwood

Jared Kirkwood is the Executive Pastor of Ministries and Irvine Lead Pastor. He has been at Mariners Church for 20 years and has served as the Junior High and High School Pastor, Lead Pastor for the Rooted Network, and as a Teaching Pastor. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Vanguard University and a master’s degree in global leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. Jared is married to his wife Kim, and they have two ridiculously awesome kids, Asher and Ellie. Jared enjoys a round of golf with friends where he spends more time in the sand than he does at the beach.

Ryan Hsu

Ryan is the Lead Pastor of Mariners Huntington Beach. He graduated from Talbot School of Theology and has served in full-time ministry for 16 years in several churches and nonprofits throughout California. Ryan lives in the beautiful city of Huntington Beach and is happily married to Rebecca with whom he shares three amazing children: Ezra, Hazel, and Zoe. In his free time, Ryan enjoys reading, time at the beach, and climbing at the local gym.

Erin Kerr

Erin is the Lead Pastor of Mariners Mission Viejo. Erin has served for the last 20 years in small and large church contexts, launching and leading ministries and church startups to reach more people for Christ. Erin graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in graphic design and later completed his master’s degree in Theological Studies from North Park Theological Seminary. Erin is married to Joy and has three girls, Autumn, Eden, and Phoebe. Erin enjoys date nights with Joy, getting schooled by his girls in Mario Kart, reading, coffee, praying a little too hard for his Dallas Cowboys, and squeezing in a Crossfit WOD.

Steve Bang Lee

Van Ibasan

Van is the Lead Pastor of Mariners Oceanside. Born in the Philippines and raised in Miami, FL, Van has followed Jesus since his high school years. He is a Southeastern University graduate and holds a bachelor’s degree in Church Ministries. Before joining the Mariners team, Van served as a Campus Pastor in Miami, FL, and a Creative Pastor in Cape Coral, FL. An avid reader, Van also enjoys shooting hoops and spending time with his wife Jenny and their two children, Luke and Leia, and trying out new restaurants with friends. 

Guillermo Gonzalez

Guillermo is the Lead Pastor of Mariners Santa Ana. He received a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Westwood College and worked in the technology industry before he began serving in different churches as a Youth Pastor and Executive Pastor. Guillermo is married to Nidia and has three children: Samuel, Nia, and Nora. In his free time, Guillermo likes spending time with family, reading, and training in Jiu-Jitsu

Jorge Molina

Jorge is the Lead Pastor at OC Rescue Mission. He is passionate about helping believers take steps of obedience as they follow Jesus and seeing the church and the city thrive. Jorge was born and raised in El Salvador—a country that remains dear to his heart. He graduated from Liberty University and has been a pastor in the local church for the past 20 years. Jorge lives in the great city of Tustin with his wonderful wife Jessica and their four children: Gabriela, Nadia, Selah, and Elias. Since moving to Orange County from Miami, FL, the Molina kids have mostly enjoyed the cold ocean water while Jorge and Jessica have enjoyed their weekly dates as they eat around the county.

Stephen Paulsen

Stephen Paulsen is the Lead Pastor of Mariners Trabuco Canyon. He is an experienced pastor and military veteran who is a shepherd at heart. Stephen is an Orange County native who enjoys the ocean, restaurants, and playing hockey. He has attend both Hope International University and Moody Theological Seminary. Stephen is married to his wife Julia and loves spending time with his four wonderful kids: Grayson, Asher, Kerrick, and River.

Munyoki Mulwa

Munyoki Mulwa is the Lead Pastor at Mariners Anaheim. He has served as a pastor in Southern California for the last 8 years, including helping establish our Oceanside congregation as a Discipleship Pastor. He is driven to help others discover their identity in Jesus and be purposeful in transforming their cities through their gifts. Munyoki lives in Anaheim with his wife Charnel and daughter, Hallei. He enjoys graphic design, cheering on Liverpool and the Steelers, and trying out new restaurants or coffee shops.

Eric Geiger

Eric is married to Kaye, and they have two daughters: Eden and Evie. Eric is the Senior Pastor of Mariners Church. He is still in awe of God’s grace and grateful to get to teach God’s Word and serve Mariners Church. Eric received his doctorate in leadership and church ministry from Southern Seminary and has also authored or co-authored several books, including the best-selling church leadership book, Simple Church, and a kids’ book with his favorite co-author—his youngest daughter Evie. During his free time, Eric enjoys leading his high school guys’ Life Group, exploring new places to eat in Southern California with Kaye, taking his daughters to the beach, mountain biking, and playing basketball.

Kenton Beshore

Kenton Beshore is the Pastor Emeritus of Mariners Church. He loves the privilege of being a pastor and his greatest joy is being with people at defining moments of their lives. He received his master’s degree from Talbot Seminary and the Institute of London where he studied with Dr. John Stott. Kenton lives in Corona del Mar, California with his wife, Laurie. Together they have four sons, four daughters-in-law, and eleven grandchildren.

Christine Caine

Christine Caine is the Women’s Leadership Pastor and also serves as a Teaching Pastor at Mariners Church. She’s an Australian born, Greek blooded, lover of Jesus, and a sought-after international speaker, author, and activist. Known for her ability to effectively communicate a message of hope, Christine has a heart for reaching the lost, strengthening leadership, and championing the cause of justice. Together with her husband, Nick, she founded the anti-human trafficking organization, The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women, an organization designed to celebrate every woman’s passion, purpose, and potential. Christine and Nick enjoy spending time with their daughters, Catherine and Sophia, drinking coffee, and hiking.

Doug Fields

Doug Fields is a Marriage, Family & Youth Pastor at Mariners Church. His primary roles in life are husband, dad, and grandfather… as his family is everything to him! Vocationally, Doug has committed his life to helping people through his speaking and writing (author of 50+ books) and has been a youth pastor for 30+ years as well as the co-Founder of DownloadYouthMinistry.com. He has his Masters of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. Doug loves spending time with his wife Cathy, his three grown kids, and his three grandchildren.

Ines Franklin

Ines is a Teaching Pastor at Mariners Church. She received her masters of divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary and is passionate about helping others understand the Bible and how to apply it to their lives. Ines and her husband Jim have been married for more than 17 years and enjoy spending time with their blended family of five married children, nine grandchildren, and their black lab, Noelle.

Steve Bang Lee

Ed Stetzer

Ed Stetzer is the Dean of Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, and he serves as the Scholar in Residence and one of the Teaching Pastors at Mariners Church. Ed holds two master’s degrees, two doctorates, and has written hundreds of articles and a dozen books. He has dedicated much of his adult life to serving the local church and has planted, revitalized, and pastored churches as well as trained pastors and church planters on six continents. Ed, his wife Donna, and their three daughters relocated to Southern California from Illinois to join the Mariners team in 2023.