Our Team

We may be biased, but we believe we have the most incredible group of people leading United City Church, a church rich in history and deeply rooted in advancing the mission of God’s kingdom. United City Church is led by Dr. Chris Kouba and supported by a talented team of gifted, creative, innovative, and Jesus-loving people, all united around a common goal: to cross every divide to live united in Christ.

Chris Kouba

Lead Pastor

Chris Kouba has served as the lead pastor of United City Church for the past 4 years, providing biblical teaching, leadership, and direction to both the staff and the church body. In his brief tenure at this historic church, founded in 1906, he has successfully led the church through a name change and a building renovation focused on a fresh vision to unify the community through the simple yet powerful message of the Gospel. As a result, United City has experienced record baptisms and significant growth in the areas of attendance, membership, and servant leaders. Active in the community, we attribute much of the growth and success to the unwavering commitment to equip the saints – you – for the work of ministry, and believe it begins with everyone, every day, taking that next step. What does this look like? Spend any amount of time in or outside of United City Church and you will find a passion to reach those who are not yet here, a key part of UC’s mission to cross every divide.

Along with a unique ability to bring God’s timeless Word to real, everyday life, Pastor Chris brings more than two decades of ministry and dynamic leadership experience to effectively reach the least, the last, and the lost to a redemptive relationship with Jesus Christ. Chris is known for his passion, directness, and uncanny ability to ‘coach’ people into action. He enthusiastically equips the church to live on mission outside of the Sunday experience, taking their next step to becoming disciple-making disciples who are ambassadors for Jesus Christ.

A native to Houston, Chris graduated from Baylor University. He received his Master’s of Divinity from Dallas Theological Seminary and his doctorate from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Chris met his wife, Hillary, while attending Baylor, and they have now been married for over 20 years. They have four children: Katelyn, Mackenzie, Hudson, and Griffin. Their combined commitment to strengthening families to raise the next generation of Christian leaders begins in their home and moves outward as they champion other families in the community to do the same.

Before serving at United City Church, Chris began his ministry and leadership at Prestonwood Baptist Church, where he served for over 17 years. In addition to his role as lead pastor at United City Church, Chris currently serves as a board member for Houston Christian University and as an adjunct professor for Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Chris enjoys a fast-paced and active lifestyle. When he’s not at United City, you can find him playing a game of golf or tennis, smoking meat, coaching his kid’s sports, or actively seeking anything competitive in nature.