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 since 2019, leading with a clear vision to unite people around the hope of the Gospel. Under his leadership, United City has experienced multiple years of record baptisms, remarkable growth, and a renewed passion for reaching people across Houston and beyond.
Having served in ministry and leadership roles since 2000, Chris combines deep experience with a fresh passion for helping people live out their faith. He’s known for his energetic, practical teaching style and his ability to connect biblical truth to everyday life in ways that challenge and inspire. Chris is also the founder and host of The Step Up Podcast, a show designed to help men grow in their life, leadership, and family by calling them to rise to the challenges of faith and character in today’s world.
Whether he’s preaching on Sunday, coaching leaders, or hosting a conversation behind the mic, Chris brings clarity, authenticity, and a coach’s heart—helping people take their next step toward becoming disciple-making disciples and ambassadors for Jesus Christ.
Pastoral and Ministry Staff
Jennifer Fanning
Kids Minister
Montaega Harrison
Lead Student Pastor
Zeke Abella
High School Pastor
AJ Tabor
Middle School Pastor
Garrett Richards
Young Adults Pastor
Josh Thomas
Worship Pastor
Zach Lineback
Associate Groups Pastor
Savannia Wade
Youth Girls Minister
Lane Stewart
Missions & Evangelism Associate
Kody Cooper
Kids Associate
Lily Thomas
Kids Associate
Andrew Cross
Abilities Coordinator
Yorkis Lainez
Preschool Coordinator
Brianne Gladney
Preschool Coordinator
Lisa Payne
CLC Director
Mason Sisneros
Creative Director
Patrick Nichols
Technical Director
Michan Green
Production Director
Residents, Apprentices & Interns
Tristen Glazebrook
Kids Apprentice
Aaron Ochoa
Worship Apprentice
Dezaray Dawson
Kids Apprentice
Jesse Hernandez Disotuar
Espanol Resident
John Redford
Groups Resident
Karys Abshire-Redford
Youth Resident
Mason Marciniak
Youth Resident
Behind the Scenes
the team that keeps United City Church going
Dena Gilman
Accounts Payable Specialist
Tiffany Emmerich
Administrative Assistant to Executive Pastor
Andrea Romero
Executive Assistant to Programming Director
Shelby Emerson
Adults Ministry Coordinator
Becky Sandoval
First Impressions Coordinator
Jordan Darsow
Student Ministry Coordinator
Tara Hill
Children’s Ministry Assistant
Lee Ann Dover
Ministry Assistant
