STAFF

ALLEN THOMAS
LEAD PASTOR

  • Allen was born in India and immigrated to the United States at the age of 8. He sensed a call to ministry during a trip to Ethiopia in 2007 and went on to earn an M.A in Theology and Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary.

    He has served in diverse contexts and was part of a church planting network in New York City before moving to San Antonio in 2017.

    Outside of his time at OWCC, Allen is part of the Telos Mosaic Program, a learning community for Christian leaders committed to peacemaking and justice. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network.

    Allen and his wife, Crystal, live in Alamo Ranch with their three children, Madeline, Penelope, and Ezra, who has Down syndrome. Together, they are advocates for individuals with special needs and their families.

    In his free time, you’ll find him watching documentaries, playing golf or basketball, and chasing his kids around the house.

BLESSIE HILGERS
COMMUNITY LIFE COORDINATOR

  • Blessie Hilgers serves as the Ministry Coordinator at OWCC, where she finds great joy in helping others grow in their faith and fostering a sense of belonging within the church community.

    Originally born in India, Blessie has called San Antonio, Texas her home for the past 23 years. She lives in Helotes with her husband, Eric, their daughter, Ariah, and their two beloved dogs.

    Holding a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University, Blessie brings over a decade of experience in counseling and various ministry roles.

    In her free time, Blessie loves being creative—whether through reading, writing, drawing, crocheting, or interior design.

    She is honored to serve at OWCC and is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming environment where everyone feels at home.

ERIN EDWARDS
STUDENT DIRECTOR

  • Erin Edwards serves as the Student Director at Outer West Community Church. With an M.A. in Christian Education and 18 years in student ministry, she still can’t believe she gets to invest in students for almost two decades and counting. Her heart is to help students truly know Jesus and understand who they are in Him. She loves equipping them as they step into places our feet may never go—schools, teams, friendships, and everyday spaces where the gospel can shine. Whether she’s coming alongside students or supporting families, she believes discipleship grows through everyday, genuine connection.

    A Texas girl through and through, Erin has also lived in Tennessee and spent a short season in Thessaloniki, Greece—experiences that deepened her love for the global church. She is close to her family and counts it a gift to have been raised by people who genuinely lived out their love for Jesus. Psalm 71:17–18 shapes her ministry and calling to declare God’s power to the next generation.

    Outside of ministry, you’ll find Erin exploring new coffee shops, reading a good book, catching a sunrise, paddleboarding, or hanging with her mini schnauzer, Gilbert. She’d love to meet you—so let’s grab coffee soon.

HEATHER SHEESE
SPECIAL NEEDS DIRECTOR

  • Heather serves as the Special Needs Director. She is passionate about creating spaces of belonging for individuals with disabilities of all ages as well as their families and caregivers.

    Heather believes the church is at its best when individuals with disabilities are fully present, participating, and serving within the community. A mother to a child with a disability, Heather brings both personal insight and extensive ministry experience from the local church where she has spent years helping families with special needs feel welcomed and supported.

    Before entering ministry she worked in higher education—both in the U.S. and abroad—as an instructor of English as a Second Language. Heather is the proud mom of three children—Elias Ximena and Joaquin. In her free time she enjoys gardening, kayaking, hiking, and trying new foods.

JONATHAN SNAVELY
COMMUNITY LIFE PASTOR

  • Jonathan serves as the Community Life Pastor at Outer West Community Church. He and his wife, Renée, have been married for 18 years and are proud parents to two daughters. As a prior military family, they spent years moving around the country before settling in San Antonio in 2021.

    Jonathan’s relationship with Jesus deepened in high school during a mission trip to Mexico, which became a key moment in his faith journey. He graduated from Oral Roberts University with a B.A. in Integrated Biblical Studies and a Master’s of Christian Ministry.

    Jonathan is passionate about growing roots in his community and serving through the local church. He enjoys spicy food, competitive games, building projects, reading, learning, and spending quality time with friends and family.

MICAH NELTHROPP
YOUNG ADULT COORDINATOR

  • Micah serves as the Young Adults Coordinator at Outer West Community Church. Originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands, he served eight years in the United States Marine Corps before settling in San Antonio.

    Micah is passionate about helping young adults grow in faith, community, and purpose through authentic relationship with Jesus. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry and Leadership with a concentration in Local Pastor at Oral Roberts University.

    When he’s not leading or studying, Micah enjoys spending time with his dog, hanging out with friends, watching movies and shows, reading, and relaxing at the beach. He also loves exploring new foods and finding great local spots to eat.

RENÉE SNAVELY
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

  • Renee Snavely serves as the Director of Operations at Outer West Community Church, where she helps lead with strategic planning, team development, and operational support. With a background in both ministry and the corporate world, Renee is passionate about building systems that help others thrive in their calling.

    She served in the U.S. Air Force for 14 years before transitioning into program management, where she led teams and projects focused on leadership development and operational excellence.

    Renee holds a Master’s in Christian Ministry and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity from Oral Roberts University. She also holds a B.S. in Environmental Science Management, an A.S. in Instructional Technology, and several other associate degrees earned during her military career.

    She and her husband, Jon, have been married 18 years and have two daughters. Renee enjoys cooking, writing, and time with family, and she is passionate about spiritual formation and discipleship.

TREY WRAPP
WORSHIP ARTS PASTOR

  • Trey serves as the Worship Arts Pastor at Outer West Community Church. He has been married to his amazing wife, Chelsea, for 10 years and loves leading worship with her. They have four incredible kids - River, Brooks, Haven, and Sunny - who keep them on their toes.

    The son and grandson of pastors, Trey has been around the local church all of his life. He began serving in worship ministry in college and that path has taken him from West Texas to Nashville, Tennessee, and is now grateful to be serving here in San Antonio. Trey has a real passion to help people encounter and worship God with their whole lives.

    Trey loves spending time with his family, pour over coffee, live music, smoked meats, and the mountains.

careers at outer west

Are you interested in learning more about working at Outer West? Check out our Careers page.

CAREERS AT OWCC

elder board

Allen Thomas

Clarence Case

Gabriel Cary

CONTACT ELDER BOARD

Mark Carter


care team

Ann Waldron

Charlie Davidson

Darrell Taylor

Gail Dutcher

Janice Slemmons

Johnny Russell

Shane Baker

CARE RESOURCES
CARE REQUEST