Our Leadership
Ernest Jones
Lead Pastor
Ernest, along with his wife of over 30 years, Jeanna, joined Community Church of the Hills in the lead pastor position in June 2024. Ernest has many years of experience in the lead pastor role! He received his BA in Philosophy at Baylor University and his Masters of Divinity with Biblical Languages at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Ernest and Jeanna have two children and just welcomed their first grand baby in June 2024!
Ernest says: "I surrendered to the call to vocational ministry as a freshman at Baylor University. From that day forward I have been pursuing and living in that calling. My passion is to spend the rest of my life focused on making disciples."
Jonathan Suarez
Youth Pastor
Jonathan was born and raised in Johnson City. He graduated from Johnson City High School in 2023. He serves as the first Student Staff Young Life Leader in Central Texas, reflecting his dedication to mentoring and guiding young people. Community Church of The Hills is his first Christian church, and he deeply cherishes the community here. Jonathan’s mission is to inspire students to grow closer to the Lord and actively engage in their journey.
Mark Hood
Elder
Mark was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He was raised in Dallas, Texas, graduated from UTA with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from SMU. While working in the Dallas area, he met Nancy, his wife of 42 years. They have 2 daughters, Rebekah and Bethany who are both married. Mark and Nancy were active in their home church, First Baptist Dallas, when Dr. W.A. Criswell was pastor. Mark served as a deacon. Mark also taught Biblical Counseling through the Dallas based ministry of People to People.
After moving to New Braunfels for a few years, and serving as Sunday School teacher in their church, Mark began working for the Texas Railroad Commission as Training Manager where he is currently employed. Nancy and Mark now make their home 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.
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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. Ryan and Molly also own Hye RV and Boat + Mini Storage and Scofield Townhomes. Needless to say, they are very involved in the community. 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.
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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 graduated from Christian Music Instituto CanZion in Houston with an associates degree in the arts in 2006. She 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!
Jules McCarthy
Administrative Assistant
Jules and her husband, Rick, and their two children have been members of Community Church of the Hills since 2020. Jules grew up in the Austin area and has had a long career with the city of Austin. The McCarthy family is active in the Johnson City community and owns McCarthy Farms.
Audrey Ryan
Kids Bible Club Leader
Audrey, her husband, David, and their two young children have been active members of Community Church of the Hills since relocating from Lakeway, TX in 2022. Audrey owns a content writing firm and is a frequent JCISD volunteer. She powers Johnson City’s Awana club and CCH’s children outreach efforts, with Spanish as her second language. Audrey held previous marketing and communications positions in diverse industries spanning from NFL football to software and hospitality.