Chaplain Mike Richards

El Paso Locomotive FC

SINCE 2023

Biography

Mike was born in El Paso, Texas to a family steeped in Christian ministry across Latin America. A third generation pastor, he is, currently, Executive Pastor at Vino Nuevo a non-denominational church in El Paso, Texas. He has also served as campus pastor and communications director at the church prior to his current role. He lived and worked as a creative director and communications director in Helsinki, Finland — his wife’s native homeland — for a number of years before feeling the strong call of God to move back to El Paso and re-engage in ministry local to the city.

Mike has served in several different ministry leadership roles including Director of TBTI in Tanna, Vanuatu; a youth pastor at UNO, a non-profit organization which helps middle and high school students; and serving as Executive Director for Visión Juevnil, a cross-border ministry to college and university students serving El Paso and Ciudad Juárez.

Mike and his wife have two daughters. He enjoys spending time training for Ironman triathlons, watching movies, eating good food and spending time with the family.

Mike serves as volunteer chaplain to El Paso Locomotives FC a position he has held since 2023. He is the second chaplain to serve the Locomotives.

Education

AA, Practical Ministry Theology, Christ for the Nations (2004)

MDiv, Pastoral Theology, Western Theological Seminary (2021-present)

Additional Certifications and Training

Fluent in English and Spanish