Pastoral Leadership

Rev. Allison Mark

Senior Pastor

Rev. Allison Kanani Mark serves as Senior Pastor of Faith United Methodist Church, where she believes church should feel like home—a place where everyone is welcomed, loved, and encouraged to grow in faith together.

For more than 20 years, Pastor Allison has dedicated her ministry to sharing God's love, advocating for justice, and creating communities where all people belong. She currently serves as President of The United Methodist Church's General Board of Church and Society and has held numerous leadership roles locally, nationally, and globally. Her passion for inclusion has helped guide congregations toward becoming Reconciling Churches, affirming God's love for all.

A preacher, mentor, community organizer, and self-described "troublemaker for Jesus," Pastor Allison believes faith is more than something we profess—it's something we live. Whether preaching on Sunday, standing alongside those on the margins, or sharing a meal with friends, she leads with compassion, conviction, and a healthy dose of humor.

Beyond ministry, Allison enjoys traveling, good food, meaningful conversations, and spending time with her husband, Andy, and their daughters, Kaira and Amara.

At the heart of her ministry is a simple belief: following Jesus means showing up—for God, for one another, and for a world in need of love.

At Faith UMC, Pastor Allison invites you to come as you are, find your place, and discover a community where faith grows and everyone belongs.

Pastor Becky Hirata

Japanese Language Pastor

Born and raised in Japan, Pastor Becky Hirata moved from Tokyo to Seattle during her ninth-grade year, beginning a journey that would eventually lead her into a life of faith and ministry. After sharing her musical gifts as a church organist for ten years, she found a calling to serve in Japanese-language (Nichigo) ministry. Today, she joyfully serves both Faith United Methodist Church and West Los Angeles United Methodist Church, helping create welcoming spaces where faith, culture, and community come together.

Pastor Becky holds degrees from the University of Washington, Talbot Seminary, and the University of Southern California, along with a teaching credential from CSU Dominguez Hills.

When she's not serving in ministry, Pastor Becky enjoys life with her husband, Yoshiyuki, finding joy in a clean and organized home, and treating herself to Japanese purin, her favorite dessert! Her favorite color is white, and she finds inspiration in Psalm 132:13–18.

Pastor Becky brings a gentle spirit, a love for worship, and a heart for connecting people through faith and fellowship.

Minister ‘Ainise Isama’u

Lay Person Assigned

Born into a family rooted in faith and ministry, Minister ’Ainise Isama’u brings a joyful spirit, a compassionate heart, and a passion for helping people experience God’s love in meaningful ways. A proud Tongan American, she believes the church should be a place where everyone feels seen, valued, welcomed, and loved.

’Ainise earned her Master of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology in 2021 and previously served as National President of United Methodist Women (now United Women in Faith), becoming the first Pacific Islander to hold the position. Her ministry has centered on empowering women, nurturing young people, bridging generations, and building communities grounded in faith, justice, and belonging.

As a Lay Person Assigned at Faith UMC, ’Ainise serves in an associate pastoral role, sharing her gifts through worship, preaching, pastoral care, and congregational life. Above all, she believes ministry is about walking alongside people through life's joys, challenges, and everything in between.

A devoted mother to her daughter, Polyana, ’Ainise also lovingly honors the memory of her late husband, Henry Webb Isama’u, whose love and legacy remain a cherished part of their family's story. Through life's seasons of joy, loss, and new beginnings, she continues to embrace faith, family, laughter, and community. Her hope is simple: that everyone who walks through the doors of Faith UMC discovers not just a church, but a place to call home.

Our Staff

  • Darrell Mark

    Youth Director

  • Ron Troester

    Music Director

  • Chad Uemura

    Audio | Visual Coordinator

  • Shari Nishihara

    Finance Secretary

  • Aja Wada

    Office Manager

  • Angela Gricar

    Accompanist