At 777 West San Antonio Street in New Braunfels, Texas, St. Paul Lutheran Church is a family-friendly Lutheran congregation known for two Sunday worship gatherings, small groups for children, youth and adults, and a sustained emphasis on helping parents raise children as disciples of Jesus. The church calls itself “FAMILY. FRIENDLY.” and describes its people as a family of believers saved by God’s grace, seeking to follow Jesus together.
Two Sunday Services and a Place for Every Age
Sunday has a clear rhythm: worship at 8:00 a.m., small groups at 9:15 a.m., and worship again at 10:30 a.m. All are held at 777 West San Antonio Street. The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon. For those who cannot be in the room, the latest worship service can be watched on YouTube.
The 9:15 hour is divided by age. Children from three years old through fifth grade connect, read Bible stories, learn and pray together. Middle and high school students study the Bible, examine the life of Jesus and consider how faith can shape daily discipleship. Adults meet in groups that study Sunday’s readings, discuss books of the Bible, share meals, fellowship and pray. A staffed nursery is available from 9:00 to 11:45 a.m., including during the 10:30 worship service, for children not yet ready to join a small group.
Music is central to the congregation’s worship. The Music and Creative Arts ministry leads the singing of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, giving the two services a blended musical character. The teaching is grounded in the Bible and the church’s Lutheran practice of Word and sacrament, with forgiveness understood through Word, water, wine and wafer.
Financial gifts may be made as one-time or recurring contributions through secure online giving, or by placing an offering in the box in the lobby or narthex. Mail gifts are addressed to St. Paul Lutheran Church, c/o Finance Office, 777 West San Antonio St.
Faith Stepping Stones from the Cradle to Graduation
St. Paul’s family emphasis is most concrete in Faith Stepping Stones, a set of short courses built around eight crucial stages of parenting. The courses teach daily prayer and Bible study in the home, with parents as key teachers, and support families from the birth of a child through adulthood. The larger plan joins these courses to small groups for children, youth and adults on Sundays and Wednesday evenings.
- Raising a Healthy Baby serves expecting families through the first year, focusing on infants’ physical, emotional and spiritual development and preparing families for infant baptism.
- Raising a Healthy Toddler is a three-week course for parents of children ages two and three, emphasizing growth, play, age-appropriate faith and practical encouragement.
- Raising a Healthy Kinder supports children age five or entering kindergarten as families address new emotions, relationships, behaviors and identity in Christ.
- My Bible is a six-session third-grade course that gives children and parents a working knowledge of the Bible and a pattern for reading it together.
- Holy Communion is a fourth-grade course that introduces the sacraments and helps children and parents build a shared pattern of Scripture reading.
- Navigating Adolescence supports sixth graders entering middle school as they encounter changing emotions, relationships and opportunities to deepen their faith.
- Confirmation marks the ninth-grade milestone in a young person’s faith journey and places the church alongside the youth and family.
- Blessing a Graduate prepares seniors for the transition after high school, including questions of purpose, vocation and living out a Christian worldview.
Family faith is also a daily practice. St. Paul encourages families to establish habits of prayer and Bible reading, keep a Sunday worship rhythm, share conversation around the dinner table, and teach children to listen, ask questions and take responsibility for their actions.
Little Disciples and Students Following Jesus
Children’s Ministry has a straightforward goal: to help children become true disciples of Jesus Christ by building relationships with them, modeling faith and teaching God’s Word. Small groups for children ages three through fifth grade meet from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. on Sundays. On Wednesday evenings, EPIC, which stands for Experiencing Passion in Christ, gathers children from kindergarten through fifth grade from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Bible stories, music, games, crafts and science activities help children engage with biblical truths. Vacation Bible School and Community Bible Camp add summer opportunities for children and families.
Youth Ministry focuses on relationships with God, families and one another through Bible study, prayer, service and habits of discipleship that are intended to last beyond youth. Middle and high school students meet on Sunday mornings for Scripture study and discussion of Jesus’ example. St. Paul Youth meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. for Bible study, Acts of Random Kindness service events, fellowship, open gym and small-group time. Mission trips near and far, a summer Christian adventure camp, and state and national youth gatherings also form part of the youth pathway.
EPIC, SPY and Study on Wednesday Nights
Wednesday evenings give the congregation a shared rhythm across generations. EPIC runs from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. St. Paul Youth follows a two-part schedule, with Bible study from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and service or fellowship from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Middle and high school students can participate in Acts of Random Kindness service events, small groups and fellowship activities.
Adult Study meets from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. under the leadership of Pastors Paul Owens and Pastor Tim. They alternate planning five- to ten-week studies, including sessions on church and state, the next generation and apologetic questions. Women’s Study meets from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the fall and spring. Holy Divers, a group for young adults, meets from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. for Scripture, theology, Christian topics, outings and volunteer events.
Adult Groups for Study, Fellowship and Every Generation
St. Paul’s adult groups make room for different interests and household needs while keeping Scripture and fellowship at the center.
- Eat, Pray, Parent, led by Brittany and Brady Weaver, supports couples with young children.
- S.A.L.T. Serving and Learning Together, led by Joshua Sternberg, is a Bible study group for all ages.
- Librarians, led by Brian Taylor, is a men’s group that explores Christian manhood, studies the Book of Daniel and occasionally gathers for outdoor outings.
- Lectionary, led by Teeta Bahr, reads and studies the Gospel and other selections from Sunday’s worship without requiring preparation.
- Partners in Faith, led by Liz Doss, Paul Luckemeyer and Sheri Luckemeyer, uses stand-alone lessons based on the Sunday morning texts.
- Mary and Martha, led by Sharon Schroeder, combines Bible study, fellowship and video series for women.
- Men’s Bible Study, led by Tex Brown, studies a book of the Bible chapter by chapter through reading and discussion.
- ANA, led by Vicki Hollmig, welcomes women to discuss God’s Word, pray and encourage one another.
- Young Adults Living in the Lord, led by Chris Ewald and Melissa Ewald, centers on fellowship, the Gospel and Christian life together.
- Owens Small Group, led by Rev. Dr. Paul Owens and Sandi Owens, draws on the wisdom of four generations, welcomes children and shares prayer and Scripture study.
- Women’s Study, led by Colleen Hicks, offers seasonal Bible study and discussion.
- Tuesday Night Truth Studies, led by Emily Harborth, uses video and discussion for Tuesday night Bible study.
- German Bible Study, led by Bryan Baese, reads a chapter in English and discusses it in German on most Sunday evenings at 6:00 p.m.
Across these groups, the shared pattern is to relate to one another, read God’s Word, learn, pray and live the faith in ordinary relationships and daily decisions.
The Lutheran Heart of St. Paul
St. Paul identifies itself as Lutheran and teaches that the Bible is God speaking to humanity, with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit speaking through the Word. God’s Word is truth and the standard for faith, speaking both judgment and mercy. The church describes this teaching as Law and Gospel: the Law exposes sin, while the Gospel points to Jesus as Savior.
Another Lutheran teaching is that people are sinners and saints at the same time. Right relationship with God comes only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, a truth the church calls justification. Vocation is the corresponding call to live that relationship out among neighbors. St. Paul also believes in the priesthood of all believers, meaning that every believer has direct access to God and is called to be a bridge between God and people.
The congregation emphasizes Jesus rather than self-centeredness and describes the church as a congregation in living relationship with God and other people. Its priorities are a culture of family, home prayer and Bible study with parents as key teachers; greater outreach and mission presence beyond the church walls; and excellence in spiritual leadership.
St. Paul also teaches that marriage is between one man and one woman, sexual intimacy is intended only within such a marriage, biological sex is to be affirmed rather than altered, and life in the womb is protected by the Fifth Commandment. It holds these teachings for members, employees and volunteers, while also teaching that redemption and restoration are available through Jesus Christ to those who confess and forsake their sin.
Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs
Music ministry is substantial at St. Paul. Its musical groups include the Sanctuary Choir, Covenant Band, The St. Paul Messengers and handbells. Director of Music and Creative Arts Dr. Manuel Tabora leads the congregation in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with the aim of joyful, faithful and well-prepared praise.
Rev. Dr. Paul Owens has served as senior pastor since 2010, with primary responsibilities in preaching and worship, evangelism and stewardship, and leadership. Kasey Kieke directs F3 Children’s Ministry and coordinates children’s education, programs, activities and Faith Stepping Stones. Kimberly Wunderlich directs F3 Youth Ministry, coordinating youth activities and helping visitors connect with small groups and volunteer opportunities.
Mission Beyond the Church Walls
St. Paul’s mission is “Go and make disciples,” and its vision is to become a congregation that engages people to help families follow Jesus. Service is organized around the church, community, nation and world. Educational ministry includes people who teach or work with preschool children, elementary students, adults and Vacation Bible School.
Local service teams include Quilters, Hospital Ministry, Eucharistic Ministry, Kitchen Angels, Bereavement Ministry and Wednesday Night Dinners. Kitchen Angels deliver meals to people who have been in the hospital, Eucharistic ministers bring Communion to shut-ins and nursing-home residents, and the bereavement team helps with memorial receptions and food. St. Paul also supports local organizations including Brookdale Senior Living, Sundance Inn Health Center, SOS Food Bank and Options for Life through time, talent and financial contributions.
National ministry partners include SOLA Publishing, the Institute for Lutheran Theology and St. Paul Lutheran Seminary. International and mission partners include Gilead’s Hope, Feed My Starving Children, Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ, the Texas District, Texas District Mission, Mission Mexico International, Centurions of Mongolia and Love for the Least.
Baptism, Marriage and Times of Loss
Baptism is open to children and adults. St. Paul teaches that baptism is not merely water, but water used according to God’s command and connected with God’s Word and faith. It teaches that baptism brings forgiveness of sins, deliverance from death and the devil, and everlasting salvation for all who believe Christ’s promise.
Pastor Paul Owens and Pastor Tim prepare engaged couples for marriage and provide counseling to married couples. Their marriage work includes daily conversation practices, Bible study, retreats and resources for couples who have been through divorce. Weddings are among the church’s supported life events.
During the death of a loved one, St. Paul emphasizes the hope and promise of the resurrection and offers help with funeral or memorial services. Pastors and staff assist with scheduling, coordinating the pastor, selecting Scripture readings and music, and arranging the sanctuary and facilities. The church also maintains Hortontown Cemetery and receives facility rental inquiries.
St. Martin and Hortontown Cemetery
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Martin is the oldest Lutheran church building in Texas, built in 1850. German pastor Kleis formed the congregation to serve Hortontown and Neighborville, north of the Guadalupe River from New Braunfels. Its original location was on what is now Church Hill Drive on Comal ISD property, where a one-room school still stands. The Camino Real, also called King’s Highway, ran nearby and served travelers and cattle drivers before the river crossing near Faust Street Bridge.
In 1968, St. Martin was deeded to St. Paul Lutheran Church and moved to its location on Loop 337 on the property of Hortontown Cemetery, which was deeded to St. Paul as well. The cemetery remains part of the church’s ministry, with its office assisting with available plots, interment policies and general maintenance.
St. Paul’s identity is summed up in its three priorities: strengthen family life around God’s Word and prayer, extend mission beyond the church walls, and pursue excellence in spiritual leadership. At 777 West San Antonio Street, the church continues to gather as a family-friendly Lutheran congregation centered on Jesus, equipping families in faith from the nursery through graduation and sending them into service of the church, their neighbors and the wider world.