Scripture is clear that the elders of the local church are entrusted with protecting, leading, equipping, serving and caring for the church. We have committed to the concept of team leadership - or an elder led church. Our elders work together to steward the church body in all areas. All of our elders are readily accessible to the church body for guidance, support, and prayer. (1 Peter 5:1-4) Below are short bios of our pastors and elder team listed in alphabetical order:
Austin Evers: Austin serves the Church at East as co-pastor. He enjoys teaching and his role as an elder. The Evers family is passionate about creating community with their co-workers and neighbors, showing the beauty of the kingdom through dinners and loud laughing. Austin also works as the construction director at Austin Habitat for Humanity. Lilibeth, Austin’s wife, is an Occupational Therapist with the Austin Independent School District where she serves kids all over the city. They have two sons, Asher and Toven.
Drew Schutz: Drew serves Church at East as an elder. He has volunteered with the children’s ministry, as a greeter and with finances. He works for a mortgage company. His wife, Lauren, is the Children’s Pastor at Church at East. They have two children, Noah and Riley, and a spirited Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix, Rudy. Drew enjoys the fellowship at East on Sundays, at Dudes and Brews, Restore Group and in the organic one on one conversations. He and Lauren are drawn to God’s promise of peace within us and those around us.
Holly Phillips: Holly serves the Church at East as co-pastor, administrator, and elder. She loves keeping things organized and helping others find a place to serve and belong. In addition to her work with the church she works as a Spiritual Director, walking alongside others as a holy listener. Her partner Brian works in music production and together they are raising three children, Whitman, Gillian and Hollis. They are committed to living simply and purposefully.
Jen Lewis: Jen serves Church at East as an elder & volunteer with the Children’s Ministry. She enjoys her work and calling as the founder of an ethical fashion handbag brand, thoughtfully and fairly employing global artisans. When she’s not designing purses, you can find her and her husband Jonathan running around the backyard with their two daughters Grey and Paige.
Jon Boleware: Jon serves Church at East as an elder. He loves to volunteer with the children's ministry and as a greeter. He works as a bridge engineer for TxDOT. His wife, Alison, works as policy director for a mental health non-profit. They have two cats who are polar opposites. Jon enjoys exploring Austin with family and friends and rock climbing when he can. Jon is passionate about serving God in an honest way by loving those around him.
Lauren Schutz: Lauren serves Church at East as the Children’s Pastor. She was a Kindergarten teacher for 5 years before becoming a mom and had the opportunity to be at home with her son, Noah and daughter, Riley. Her husband Drew works as the Product Development Manager for a mortgage company. Lauren has a curiosity to know people’s stories and a desire to walk in intentional community with others.