Who We Are

Before Southminster became the church that it is today, members began meeting in homes in 1982 to dream about how God was calling them to be a family of faith in Fort Bend County. After many years of meeting in homes, multiple schools and even shared spaces with other churches, Southminster was chartered on October 6, 1986 to help spread the good news of Jesus Christ to Fort Bend County. 150 people became the first family members of Southminster, with an additional 143 joining that first Sunday. Even though some family members have been called elsewhere and new family members have joined us, our commitment remains the same – to exemplify Christ’s love to children, the community and each other through education, service and outreach.

Our Leadership Team

The staff and leadership at Southminster is comprised of men and women who love and care for both our church family and our school family.  If you have any questions for our staff, feel free to reach out and email them or call the church office to speak with them. 


You can contact the church office at (281) 499-2310

  • Rev. William GESTAL  Interim Pastor

    I am Rev. Bill Gestal. I will be helping your church leaders and staff during this time before you hire your next called pastor.  I have been a pastor for 40 years in the PCUSA and then ECO. I retired in March 2024 after serving Living Hope Community Church in Greenwich, CT for 22 years.  My wife and I moved to Conroe, TX to be near our daughter, her family, and our three  grandchildren. We live about a mile away and we love being able to see them multiple times a week! Wednesday is our day with our 4-year-old grandson, Friday night our grandchildren sleepover (my wife Susan and I don’t get a lot of sleep that night ), and Sunday evening we enjoy a family meal together with my daughter’s family. We love being grandparents and living close to our family!!!

    During my 40 years of ministry, I have served solo pastorate churches as well as staffed churches alongside an associate pastor and other program staff. For eleven summers I taught preaching at Jos ECWA Theological Seminary in Jos, Nigeria. Since transferring to ECO, I have served my presbytery as Moderator. As I prepared for retirement, I took ECO’s Transitional Pastor training classes and hope to use those skills during my time with you.

    I am serving Southminster on a part-time basis and will travel down to the church two weekdays each week plus Sundays. Generally, I will come down on Tuesday and Thursday later mornings and stay till early evening (avoiding Houston rush traffic). If you would like to talk, please contact Heidi in the office; she will know my schedule and set up a time for you to come in.

    I love God’s church and I long to see each congregation flourish. I am honored to serve you during this time of transition.

    Grace and Peace,

    Bill Gestal


  • GabriELE Hodges Chancel and Handbell choir director

    Hello, my name is Gabriele Hodges.

    I joined Southminster Church in 1992. Since then, I have conducted choirs of all ages at this church as well as taught elementary music at Southminster’s Private School. Currently, I direct the church’s adult choir, its handbell choir and the Southminster Singers, a women’s ensemble dedicated to bring music to retirement homes and civic events.

    I was born and raised in Germany, am married, have three children and six grandchildren, and on the side, teach private piano.


    EMAIL GABRIeLE 

  • HEidi Havens  Church Secretary

    Heidi joins Southminster with an extensive background in church ministry and a deep passion for early childhood development. A Houston native with a degree in Business Administration, she brings a unique blend of organizational skill and heartfelt care to her role, bridging the work of the church with the heart of ministry.

    Heidi is married to Jim, and together they share a blended family of five children and (almost!) seven grandchildren.

    In her free time, Heidi enjoys the art of Zentangle and cherishes time spent with her family.


    Email Heidi

  • Jeff Hodges  Communications & IT Lead

    Retired after 40 years in industry, Jeff brings some broad business and technology skills to his current role at Southminster. With degrees in Business Administration, he has experience in business process improvement, IT systems, marketing, strategic planning, and change management. Jeff first attended Southminster in the early 90s, and has been engaged in a number of roles over the years including Leader of our former Youth Band, a member of our GraceNotes Band (playing keyboards and guitar), and revitalizing our AV capabilities and processes. Jeff says he is ever growing in his faith through Bible study, questioning, praying, and sharing. 

    When he has time, he enjoys doing everything creative: cooking, music, wood working, technology, and anything about design.

    EMAIL JEFF 

  • Kevin Funderburk Facilities Manager

     I have been a member of Southminster Church for over 27 years and married to my wonderful wife, Doris, for 32 years.  We have four children (three boys and a girl).  They range in age from 19 to 25. 

    I worked for 34 years in the claims department at Farmers Insurance.  Part of my career was spent in handling property claims, where I learned construction methods and property repairs.  I was also an operations manager for several years, where I was responsible for the facility upkeep and maintenance of a large claims facility.  

    In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, woodworking and fishing.

  • Mary Farley  Business Manager

    Mary joined the Southminster family in July of 2020 and is happy to be a part of our leadership team. She comes to us with an extensive accounting and business background, specializing in churches and schools. One of the things Mary enjoys the most about her position is how she can serve the people of the church. In her free time, Mary loves spending time with her children, hiking, and baking.


    EMAIL MARY 



  • Rey Paulino, Gracenotes Worship leader

    Rey is an accomplished musician of many instruments. Prior to coming to Southminster, he led Worship for over 15 years for various churches in the Houston area, including volunteering for the Texas State Prison System. 

    Rey has been married to his wife, Melanie, for 34 years. They have one adult son who currently lives in Chicago. In his spare time, Rey enjoys riding his motorcycle, traveling and working on DIY projects around his home.

  • Sarah Stewart   Director of DISCIPLESHIP

    Sarah grew up at Southminster, and after pursuing other ministry opportunities, she returned with extensive church experience and a deep love for this community. She has a heart for worship and for creating meaningful spaces of discipleship, especially for families.

    As a mother of five and with the support of her husband—whom she married at Southminster—Sarah is passionate about building relationships, fostering community, and helping others grow into their God-given calling as part of our church's mission.

    Sarah is also part of ECO’s Commissioned Lay Pastor (CLP) program and looks forward to being installed in May 2026.

    In her free time, she enjoys reading, music, all things Disney, and spending time with her family.


    Email Sarah

  • Emile Robinson  Piano/Organist

    Charles-Emile Robinson is the piano/organist at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Missouri City, Texas. A versatile composer and pianist with roots in both Classical and contemporary genres, he has trained and performed internationally, bringing a wide-ranging musical voice to worship and church life.

  • Dr. Wendy Lewis  KIng's academy Head of School

    Dr. Lewis, brings deep faith in God, a heart for Christian education, and a joyful spirit to her role as Head of School at King’s Academy. With a doctorate in Educational Leadership and 28 years of experience in education and ministry, she leads King’s Academy with expertise and loves partnering with parents and the Church to educate and shape young hearts and minds. Wendy and her husband Lynn delight in their three adult children – Krista, Mark, and Scotty – and Krista’s three grandchildren, Bella, Hattie, and Max. She enjoys singing, painting, learning new things, and laughing with friends!


    EMAIL DR. LEWIS