Our Story
Get to know more about what makes us different.
Southwest Christian Church has been serving the South Austin community since 1959, when it was established with a vision of creating a Christ-centered congregation devoted to biblical teaching, authentic worship, and Christian fellowship. From its beginning, the church has sought to help people encounter Jesus Christ, grow in their faith, and serve others through lives of discipleship and ministry.
Over more than six decades, Southwest has grown alongside the Austin community while remaining committed to the principles of the Restoration Movement, emphasizing the authority of Scripture, weekly communion, believer's baptism by immersion, and local church leadership through elders and deacons..
Over more than six decades, Southwest has grown alongside the Austin community while remaining committed to the principles of the Restoration Movement, emphasizing the authority of Scripture, weekly communion, believer's baptism by immersion, and local church leadership through elders and deacons..
The congregation has also developed a strong legacy of local outreach, global missions, children's and student ministries, and Spanish-language ministry, reflecting its desire to reach people from diverse backgrounds.
Today, Southwest Christian Church continues its mission of restoring people to a growing relationship with Jesus Christ through its three-fold focus of Restoring, Growing, and Sending. Located in South Austin, the church remains dedicated to being a place of healing, biblical teaching, authentic community, and service to both its neighbors and the world.
Today, Southwest Christian Church continues its mission of restoring people to a growing relationship with Jesus Christ through its three-fold focus of Restoring, Growing, and Sending. Located in South Austin, the church remains dedicated to being a place of healing, biblical teaching, authentic community, and service to both its neighbors and the world.
Meet Our Leadership
Staff Members
Paul Diaz, Jr.
Lead Pastor
Paul Diaz Jr. joined the SWCC staff in 2008 after returning to serve his home congregation. He holds degrees from Dallas Christian College, Austin Graduate School of Theology, and the Seminary of the Southwest, and is also a Licensed Professional Counselor. Paul is passionate about helping individuals and families grow closer to God and discover the purpose and joy found in Christ. He and his wife, Jill, have two sons and enjoy the Texas Longhorns, coffee, queso, disc golf, and serving the Austin community they love.
Clint Mosley
Spiritual Formation Pastor
Clint joined the SWCC staff in 2017 after earning a Bible degree from Baylor University and a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. His ministry experience includes community outreach, youth ministry, and equipping families to grow in their faith through God's promises. Clint and his wife, Jeni, enjoy the outdoors, sports, music, and the arts. He is passionate about building strong relationships and helping people follow Christ.
Ronald Wilson
Youth Pastor
Ronald Wilson is a native of Houston, Texas, who answered God's call to ministry at the age of fourteen. He studied Music Education at Southern University A&M and is currently pursuing a degree in Practical Theology at Christ For The Nations Institute. Ronald and his wife, Lauryn, have three daughters and are passionate about serving the church and helping others grow in their relationship with Christ. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, traveling, and watching sports.
Kathryne Lee
Children's Director
Kathryne joined the SWCC staff in 2025, bringing a lifelong passion for children's ministry and a degree in Child Development from Harding University. With years of experience teaching, leading Bible classes, coordinating VBS, and serving families, she is dedicated to helping children build a strong foundation of faith in Christ. She and her husband, Matt, have three sons, and she enjoys gardening, reading, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.
Chris Dobbs
Worship Minister
Chris Dobbs has served in ministry through worship, youth leadership, and church leadership for many years before joining SWCC. Drawing from a diverse background in music, media, and public service, he is passionate about creating meaningful worship experiences that point people to Christ. Chris and his wife, Allison, have three children, and he enjoys live music, hiking, and exploring Central Texas.
Elders
Fred Brown
Fred has been a member of Southwest Christian Church since 1997 and currently serves as Chairman of the Elders. After serving in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve, he built a career in technology and currently works in server and desktop support at Apple. Fred and his wife, Wendy, have three children and six grandchildren. He enjoys reading, singing, and spending time with his family.
Paul Carnes
Paul has called Central Texas home since 1984 and has been a member of Southwest Christian Church since 1998, serving on the elder board both past and present. Before retiring, he worked as a Certified Technical Trainer with Tokyo Electron America. Paul enjoys spending time with his son, grandchildren, and family, as well as working around the house and model railroading. He is passionate about encouraging others to grow in God's love and faithfulness.
Jim Leigh
Jim has called Austin home since 1972 and has been part of Southwest Christian Church for many years, serving in student ministry, as a deacon, and as a Sunday school teacher. He and his high school sweetheart, Tracy, married in 1977 and have three daughters and ten grandchildren. After 14 years working in the tech industry in Houston, Jim and Tracy returned to Austin in 2024 and to their home church, where Jim continues to serve and lead. Outside of church, he enjoys being “Poppy” to his grandchildren, volunteering as a Shriner, and collecting guns and coins.
Paul Diaz, Sr.
A lifelong Austin resident, Paul and his wife, Sarah, have been members of Southwest Christian Church since 1978. He has served as an elder for multiple terms, helped establish Southwest's bilingual congregation, and continues to serve on the church's praise band. Before retiring, Paul advised technology executives and served on the boards of Dallas Christian College and Mexican Border Christian Ministries. He enjoys traveling, music, and cheering on the Texas Longhorns.
Matt Lee
Matt and his wife, Kathryne, have served in a variety of ministries throughout their years together, including children's, youth, worship, technology, and financial discipleship. A software engineer by profession, Matt has lived in the Austin area for over 17 years and is passionate about strengthening families and helping others grow in their faith. He and Kathryne have five children and enjoy serving together in the life of Southwest Christian Church.
Ron Leigh
Ron has been a member of Southwest Christian Church since 1972 and previously served as a deacon before joining the elder team. He is a Certified Project Manager with HPE and has spent his career leading projects while faithfully serving his church. Ron and his wife, Lisa, have been married since 1977 and are blessed with three adult children and four granddaughters. In his free time, he enjoys softball, running, golf, and investing in relationships.
Deacons
Jose Cerda
A lifelong Austin resident, Jose grew up at Southwest Christian Church and was part of the family that helped launch the church's Hispanic ministry in the late 1970s. He and his wife, Karrie, have been together since high school and have three children and one grandson. Together they own JC Construction, specializing in custom homes and remodels, while Karrie leads Southwest's Women's Ministry. Jose is passionate about serving both his church and the community.
Greg Jenkins
Greg has been a member of Southwest Christian Church for over 25 years and has faithfully served in many areas of ministry, including youth, maintenance, worship support, Bible teaching, and deacon leadership. He works as a Commercial Construction Superintendent in the Austin area. Greg and his wife, Stacy, have five children, and Stacy serves on Southwest's worship team. Together, they are committed to serving Christ and investing in the life of the church.
Rueben Villegas
Ruben has been a member of Southwest Christian Church since 1985 and has faithfully served in numerous ministries over the years, including as a deacon, in worship support, and in the AV ministry. After more than 40 years with the United States Postal Service, he is now retired. Ruben and his wife, Mary Ruth, have been married for many years and are often among the first to welcome guests each Sunday. He is passionate about serving others with warmth, faithfulness, and hospitality.
Tony Longoria
Tony and Marissa joined Southwest in 2024 but have served the Kingdom in a variety of roles over the years. From helping infants to teaching children’s ministry and worship, to going on numerous camps and trips with the church youth, they have sought to be faithful servants wherever God has placed them. Currently, Tony serves as the lead of our security team, serves in youth worship, and as a greeter. Tony is passionate about discipling young men and walking alongside them as God shapes them into who He created them to be.