Lead Pastor

Zack Randles

Pastor Zack was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and calls Lubbock, Texas, his hometown. He attended Oklahoma State University, played a little lacrosse, worked at Red Lobster, and got a degree in sociology. After college, Zack moved back to Lubbock, met his wife Autumn (a Texas Tech grad), and the two married on January 15, 2005.

Zack and Autumn attended Southwestern Seminary together, and Zack is two classes shy of having his masters in divinity. Zack and Autumn served on staff at different churches for more than 10 years and in 2014 moved to DC to found Waterfront Church! The Randles are blessed with four amazing kids (2 boys and two girls) and four precocious cats.

Zack and Autumn also have a deeply personal passion for church planting, the ministry of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the special needs community.

Worship Pastor

Denver Duncan

Denver Duncan is a warm-hearted musician and metal detector enthusiast who, along with his wife Heather, a dedicated kindergarten teacher and talented artist, has been married for nearly two decades. They’ve raised their three children in DC after moving from their home state of Oklahoma.

Their eldest, Daxx, is an inquisitive aspiring musician, while Zadie, their only daughter, is known for her exceptional friendship skills and love for singing. The youngest, Dutch, is a vibrant soccer player bursting with energy. Denver’s innate superpower lies in making everyone feel comfortable and welcome wherever he goes.

Minister to Families and Individuals with Special Needs

Lauren Pagett

Lauren believes in inclusion for all people. She believes in their wisdom, humor, ability to learn, and faith. Lauren, a former special education classroom educator, strives to create environments where individuals with special needs are safe, comfortable, and able to discover the Gospel in the way they learn best.

Originally from Oklahoma City and a graduate of Oklahoma State University and Trinity Washington University, Lauren, her husband Riley, have two kids, their son Ford and daughter Blakely. Lauren and Riley have called DC home since 2013. They enjoy traveling, spending Saturdays at the park, and creating special memories with friends and family.

Discipleship Pastor

Ed Downing

Having spent more than 20 years of his life in Connecticut, Ed is a Yankee through and through (though he may from time to time tell you he’s from Kentucky). Ed has served in vocational ministry since 2011, has a Master’s in Biblical Studies, and is passionate about the study of God and knowing him deeply. He is married to the love of his life, Holly, and together, they have two wonderful children, Catherine and Elliot. 

College and Missions Minister

Garrett Tanner

Garrett and his wife Jamie are from Texas. Garrett grew up in Stephenville, and Jamie in Corpus Christi. They met while attending Tarleton State University. They both love exploring new places and cultures! Both spent time serving as missionaries overseas, Garrett in Slovakia and Jamie in Honduras.

They enjoy traveling, spending time with friends, and exploring the monuments and museums of D.C. Garrett loves the mountains and Jamie is a beach girl! They have two cats, Ranier and Yosemite. They are passionate about investing in the lives of college students and training them to make disciples on their campus! They are expecting their first baby in May 2024!

Pastor of Pastoral Care

Wayne Griffith

Wayne and Joanne moved to Washington DC in 2019 from New Jersey. They are proud parents and grandparents. Wayne is a gifted bible teacher and has planted churches in central New Jersey over the past 30 years.

Wayne has done graduate work at Dallas Theological Seminary and has conducted church workshops in the areas of Leadership and Financial Stewardship. Wayne is a certified Docent at the Library of Congress and a certified Washington DC tour guide. Wayne has worked and provides tours at the Museum of The Bible.

Capitol Hill and Community Group Minister

Hannah Lankford

Hannah is from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Prior to working full-time at Waterfront, she worked on Capitol Hill for several years. She is passionate about helping people get more connected with community at Waterfront Church and live out the Great Commission. 

Hannah and her labradoodle Liberty Belle live in Arlington, VA. They enjoy hiking, going on walks, and hanging out with friends. 

Middle School Minister

Carter Castillo

Children's Minister

Colleen Thompson

Student Minister

Jeff Watts

Jeff & Hannah have served students and their families for the better part of the last decade. They have been supporters of and believers in Waterfront Church for most of that time as well, but never imagined that the Lord was preparing a way for them to serve here in DC with the Waterfront Team. While in Texas, Jeff completed most of his M.Div at Baylor’s Truett Seminary, and intends to finish the 5 remaining courses in the near future. They are passionate about encouraging students in their formation in the Way of Jesus, and helping parents equip their teens with the tools needed to navigate todays world. Jeff & Hannah believe in discipleship, as it has played a key role in their spiritual growth over the years; and in the lives of many of their former students. The Watts’ have one daughter, Micah, and a second baby on the way! As a family, they love exploring the DMV, playing and listening to music, and spending time with their community.

Church Intern

Luke Bernal

Minister to Military Families

Christian Garcia