A Body Centered on the Good News on Wurzbach Road
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church sits on Wurzbach Road in San Antonio's Medical Center area, a neighborhood dense with hospitals, retirement communities, and assisted living centers. The congregation's stated purpose is "Leading people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus." Visitors walking through the doors are met with a simple invitation: "You're invited to join us for worship, as we joyfully gather to grow in faith and praise God for His goodness to us." The church also offers a variety of Bible studies, interest groups, and special events to meet the needs of the congregation, the community, and all whom the Lord sends its way.
The church belongs to the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, part of the Texas District of that body. The name "Lutheran" traces back to Martin Luther's teaching in the 1500s that people are saved by grace through faith. "Synod," from a Greek word meaning "walking together," describes how the churches in the LCMS share a common belief about the Triune God and His Word, the Bible. Shepherd of the Hills is one of many Christian church bodies, all worshiping the same Savior.
Three Weekend Services and a Sunday Discipleship Hour
Shepherd of the Hills gathers for worship three times a weekend, each with its own character. The Saturday 6 PM service is contemporary. The Sunday 9 AM service is the Classic Hymn tradition, and the Sunday 11 AM service is the Modern Hymn tradition. Between the two Sunday services, at 10 AM, the church holds a Discipleship Hour with classes for all ages.
The traditional service emphasizes "God's transcendent majesty." Pastors and Communion servers wear robes, and the music is led by organ, piano, and often brass and woodwinds. A choir and soloists complement congregational singing. The order of service is projected onto the front wall and side TV screens, and hymnals are also available in the pews. Holy Communion is celebrated at traditional services on the first, third, and fifth Sundays of the month.
The contemporary services present "the timeless truths of God's Word in a modern way." Music is led by guitars, drums, keyboard, and vocalists, drawing from worship songs familiar to Christian radio listeners. The order of service is projected onto screens, and Holy Communion is celebrated every weekend at these services. Most people dress in casual clothing.
Services are livestreamed on the church's YouTube channel, and recordings of recent services are posted there for those who cannot attend in person.
Shepherd's Kids, Discipleship Hour, and VBS
Children are welcome at every weekend service and at dedicated programming during the week. At all weekend services, children have the opportunity to learn about the Bible through an interactive lesson designed just for them. Children in PreK through 2nd grade are dismissed during the sermon for a special learning time called Shepherd's Kids.
During the 10 to 11 AM Discipleship Hour on Sunday mornings, children gather in the Worship Center and then are dismissed by class. From August through May, three-year-olds through kindergarten meet in Room 2 downstairs, 1st and 2nd graders meet in Room 3 downstairs, and 3rd through 5th graders meet in the upstairs Kid's Ministry Room. During the summer, all children meet upstairs in the Kid's Ministry Room. Each weekend, every child can fill out an offering envelope and place it in the offering plate during worship.
Vacation Bible School is run by Director of Christian Education Lauren White, who calls it "the best kind of organized chaos." White also leads youth trips to camp and teaches Catechism class. Her signature ministry with children extends from the lobby on Sunday mornings into the classroom during the week.
Youth Nights and a Two-Year Confirmation Program
The youth ministry at Shepherd is built around monthly gatherings and a structured confirmation program. Youth Group meets on the first Sunday of every month from 5 to 6:30 PM, a time to hang out, play games, and dig deeper into learning about God.
Confirmation is a two-part program for students who want to learn the basics of the Christian faith. First Communion Class, for sixth graders and older, prepares students to take Holy Communion. Classes take place during two Sunday evenings in Lent and include dinner and instruction as parents and children eat together. The Rite of First Communion takes place on Palm Sunday.
Catechism Class, for seventh graders and older, runs for two years with twelve class sessions each year. Students work through Martin Luther's Small Catechism, covering the six main teachings of the Lutheran Church, including the Grand Narrative of Scripture, the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, and worship. The program includes field trips, a retreat, and a Confirmation Sunday ceremony. Participation in Confirmation does not require church membership.
Bible Studies for Every Season of Life
Shepherd of the Hills runs a robust slate of adult Bible studies throughout the week, in homes and on the church campus in the Family Life Center's Sky Rooms. The groups reflect the congregation's diversity of seasons and interests:
- Women's Bible Study meets Mondays 6 to 8 PM in a host's home, led by Nancy Overland-Marshall.
- Joy in the Morning, led by Karen Stein, meets Tuesdays 9:30 to 11 AM in Sky Room 2 of the Family Life Center.
- Seasoned Sisters, a group of retired women who care for one another through Bible study and prayer, meets Tuesdays 10 to 11:30 AM in Sky Room 1. All Bible backgrounds are welcome. Led by Alice Klement.
- Connected Men's Study Group meets Tuesdays 6:30 to 8 PM in the Church Youth Room, led by Craig Cannon and Jeff Vogtlin.
- Thursday Bible Study, led by Pastor Jack Goldberger, digs deep verse by verse through books of the Bible. Thursdays 10 to 11:30 AM in Sky Room 3.
- Saturday Bible Study, led by Rick Pfaff, studies selected books of the Bible verse by verse, with 8 to 16 participants weekly. Saturdays 4:45 to 5:30 PM in Sky Room 1.
- LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League) meets twice a month on Wednesdays 9:30 to 11:30 AM in the Church Youth Room, led by Linda Kittleson.
Anyone interested in joining a small group can email Pastor Andy at PastorAndy@shepherdlutheran.com.
Outreach Across San Antonio and the World
Shepherd of the Hills describes its outreach work as a response to the Great Commission, taking the love and Gospel message of Jesus into the wider community. The church runs or partners with more than a dozen ministries:
- Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM) provides food, clothing, financial assistance, showers, and spiritual help to people in crisis, including those experiencing homelessness.
- Compassion International is a child sponsorship program. Sponsors connect with one or more children through letter-writing and prayer for $43 per month per child.
- Child Beyond International leads short-term mission trips to Guatemala.
- DivorceCare is a faith-based curriculum offering a safe, confidential environment for those navigating the painful emotions of divorce.
- GriefShare offers three programs: the 13-week series, Surviving the Holidays, and Loss of a Spouse.
- Meals on Wheels partners the church with a national effort that delivers meals to those unable to prepare their own. Shepherd notes that San Antonio currently has a shortage of volunteer drivers.
- Military Ministry supports the South Texas VA Hospital Fisher House, sends care packages and cards to deployed servicemembers, and runs the Poinsettias for Patriots delivery each December.
- Nursing Home Ministry sends one-on-one visitors into the many retirement communities near the church for prayer, Scripture, and conversation. Visits currently take place Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 PM.
- San Antonio Pregnancy Care Center receives Shepherd's support during the Sanctity of Human Life Weekend each January. The PCC provides free clinical services, referrals, material aid, and sonograms.
- Refugee Ministry helps refugees settle in the neighborhood through ESL teaching, transportation, hospitality, mentoring, and donations. Volunteers include prayer teams, helps teams, drivers, teachers, and record-keepers.
- Texas Ramp Project builds mobility ramps for lower-income individuals so they can more easily leave their homes for medical appointments and errands. Volunteers build four to six months each year on Saturday mornings.
- Vault Fostering Community equips and provides resources to local foster and kinship families with essential items for the children in their care. Volunteers sort donations, "shop" with foster parents, and supervise KidZone Play Days.
Sacraments, Weddings, and Becoming a Member
Shepherd of the Hills teaches that baptism is a sacrament, "something that God does for us." Those who receive baptism are cleansed from sin through the washing of water with the Word, buried with Jesus in His death and raised to new life through His resurrection. Parents and adult sponsors interested in baptism can contact the church office at 210-614-3742.
Weddings at Shepherd of the Hills are all-inclusive, with fees covering the Worship Center for the ceremony and rehearsal, premarital counseling with one of the pastors, and music selection with the Minister of Music. An organ and grand piano are available. Members pay $500 plus $250; friends of the congregation or school families pay $750 plus $350; non-members pay $1,500 plus $500. Saturday weddings must begin no later than 3 PM so the Worship Center can be prepared for the Saturday evening service.
Becoming a member is a two-step process: filling out a membership application and attending the next Rooted class, which has been reimagined as a relaxed one-on-one meeting with Pastor Chris to learn about Shepherd, its Lutheran faith, and what it means to be part of the church family. Email laura@shepherdlutheran.com to schedule a Rooted meeting.
A School Next Door and a Place to Rent
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran School and Child Care shares the Wurzbach Road campus with the church, offering Christ-centered education and childcare to the surrounding community. Older students continue their Lutheran education at the affiliated Lutheran High School of San Antonio.
The campus also serves as a venue for events. The Family Life Center Sky Rooms, three rooms separated by a partition that can be rented individually or together, work well for baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties, business meetings, and anniversaries. The Family Life Center Gym and the School Building Gym are available for basketball and volleyball practices and games. Inquiries go to Director of Operations Melody Smith at Melody@shepherdlutheran.com.
Pastors and Ministry Directors
Pastor Chris Kennedy has served at Shepherd of the Hills since 2008 and as senior pastor since 2014. A native of Arlington, Texas, he counts the Texas Rangers' 2023 World Series win among his happiest days. He is married to Ashley and has four children.
Pastor Andy Johnson has served as associate pastor since July 2021. He feels particularly called to preach and teach the Word of God and is always up for conversation over coffee. He is married to Kara, and they have three children.
Roger Howard has directed the worship and music life at Shepherd of the Hills since 2022, bringing 40 years of experience in Lutheran music and youth ministry. He serves as primary organist and keyboardist and leads adult choir, student chapel song leaders, handbells, and contemporary praise teams. He is married to Jeanmarie and has two grown sons.
Lauren White, Director of Christian Education, has served at Shepherd since June 2019. She is everywhere on weekends: greeting in the lobby, leading Shepherd's Kids, teaching Catechism class, and helping behind the scenes. Originally from Illinois, she has fully embraced Texas sunshine with her husband Dylan and their three children.
Dale Jones joined Shepherd of the Hills in 2026 as Director of Christian Education for middle school and high school. A graduate of Concordia University Austin in religious education, he and his wife Jewel married in 2023 and enjoy traveling.
The church office can be reached at 210-614-3742. Prayer requests can be emailed to prayer@shepherdlutheran.com or submitted online. Giving is available online through the church's giving form.