Our Leadership
Steve Sanchez
Lead Pastor
After being called by the Lord to plant a church in the Texas Hill Country in 2013, Steve and his family relocated from California to the Texas.
In 2015 Steve’s journey brought him to Community Church of the Hills where he serves as Lead Pastor.
Steve began his ministry at Hope Chapel in Hermosa Beach, California, in 1997. During his 15 years as an Associate Pastor, he preached, instructed and led numerous ministries including Evangelism, Small Groups and Singles.
Steve has studied at Pacific International University, Hope Chapel Ministries Institute, and the School of Biblical Evangelism. He has also served as a team leader at The Ambassadors’ Academy, the training arm of Way of the Master/Living Waters, instructing students from around the world in biblical evangelism.
As a pastor, teacher, preacher and evangelist, Steve’s desire is to see all people turn to Jesus by faith and repentance after understanding the good news of Jesus Christ, so they too may share their faith with others.
Steve is also a devoted father to his two daughters Danielle and Laurel, both of whom are attending Universities in Texas.
Kasey Smith
Director of Women's Ministry
Kasey is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has dedicated her professional career to working with children and families. She is a gifted and inspired teacher who uses her outgoing personality and creativity to share the Word of God. Kasey serves part time as Women's Minister at Community Church of the Hills, which includes one on one discipleship, group studies, as well as children's programming and community outreach. Kasey and her husband Sam, and their children Branson and Sadie, call Johnson City home, and Community Church of the Hills their church.
Joe Stewart
Elder
Joe is one of the founding members of Community Church of the Hills and has served as elder ever since. He is the owner and broker of Town Creek Realty in Johnson City. He and his wife, Peggy, reside in Johnson City.
Tom McEntire
Elder
Tom and his wife, Becky, relocated from Cypress, TX to the hill country just east of Johnson City. Their two grown children, Kendall and Mason, continue to live in the Houston area. Tom and Becky met at Southwest Texas State University and were married in 1982. After a 22-year career as Chief Financial Officer at Geospace Technologies Corporation, Tom retired in 2019. Tom and Becky were among the founding members of The Church at Cross Lake in Cypress where Tom served as an elder and member of the finance committee. Prior to 2006, Tom served as an elder at Windwood Presbyterian Church and member of the finance committee.
Ryan Morlino
Elder
Steve was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA where he served as associate pastor at Hope Chapel in Hermosa Beach for over 15 years.
He studied at Pacific International University and served as a team leader for the Way of the Master's Ambassadors' Academy between 2008 - 2011.
Ryan, along with his wife, Molly and their two children, Logan and Adeline, reside in Johnson City. Ryan and Molly married in 2005. Ryan graduated from UTSA's school of engineering in 2007 and began work at Pedernales Electric Coop immediately upon graduating. The Morlino family have been members of Community Church of the Hills since 2013.
Anais Castillo
Worship Leader
Steve was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA where he served as associate pastor at Hope Chapel in Hermosa Beach for over 15 years.
He studied at Pacific International University and served as a team leader for the Way of the Master's Ambassadors' Academy between 2008 - 2011.
Anais and her husband, Leo, along with their two children, Santiago and Diego, have been members of Community Church of the Hills since 2016. Anais serves as worship leader while Leo serves as sound engineer, Santiago as our drummer and Diego is currently apprenticing on our media team!