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.

NELLY OCAMPO
CREATIVE ARTS DIRECTOR

Nelly serves as the Creative Arts Director at Outer West Community Church. Originally from Houston, she leads and oversees creative storytelling across visual design, photography, and digital media, using creativity as a way to communicate the heart of the church and help people connect with Jesus.

Passionate about all things creative, Nelly enjoys bringing ideas to life and creating meaningful experiences that reflect excellence and authenticity. She loves traveling to national parks, capturing moments through photography, and staying active through running.
Outside of work, Nelly enjoys spending time with her cats, exploring new places, and occasionally treating herself to a good matcha or chai.

RENÉE SNAVELY
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS