The Story of Stonewater Fellowship
From a Small Core Team to a Church Serving New Braunfels
How Stonewater Fellowship Began
Stonewater Fellowship began with prayer, a small core team, and a desire to equip people to live on the mission of Jesus.
What followed was a story of two church communities coming together, a permanent home on FM306, and an ongoing commitment to engaging people to become multiplying followers of Jesus.
2015–2016: A Vision Begins
In 2015, Scott and Brandi Richerson moved with their family to Bulverde while Scott was working as a corporate executive in the automotive industry. He had also served in bi-vocational ministry since 2010.
While the family was in fellowship with Braunfels Bible Church, a conversation between Scott and the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District supervisor began a two-month church-planting assessment process in late 2016. That process affirmed Scott to serve as a church-planting lead pastor.
Early 2017: The Core Team Forms
After a season of prayer and fasting, Scott and Brandi began taking steps toward planting Stonewater Fellowship.
By March 2017, ten adults had committed to the core team. They shared a vision for a church that would equip and deploy followers of Jesus to live His mission: engaging all people to become multiplying followers of Jesus.
April 2017: Finding a Place to Gather
As the core team grew, its members began looking for a place where people could gather, grow, worship, and serve the community.
In April 2017, while driving on FM306 between New Braunfels and Canyon Lake, Scott noticed a church building and reached out to its leaders. The initial purpose was simply to learn more about the community and its spiritual landscape.
February 2018: Weekly Worship Launches
After Scott participated in a Wednesday Bible study and developed relationships with the elders of Comal Country Church, Stonewater Fellowship was offered the opportunity to use the building.
A three-year agreement allowed Stonewater to begin weekly worship gatherings in February 2018. On February 10, 2018, Stonewater Fellowship launched with 27 adults.
Spring 2018: Two Congregations Pray Together
Stonewater initially gathered on Saturday evenings while Comal Country Church continued meeting on Sunday mornings.
After the lead pastor of Comal Country Church resigned, Scott was invited to preach on Sunday mornings for 90 days. During that period, leaders from both churches met weekly for prayer and conversations about what God might have planned for the two congregations.
June 2018: One Church Community
In late May 2018, the elders of Comal Country Church concluded that its ministries should close and the congregation should be invited to join Stonewater Fellowship.
On June 3, approximately 70 adults and children gathered for singing, prayer, communion, fellowship, and a shared meal as one church community.
On June 10, 2018, Stonewater Fellowship held its first Sunday worship service in what would become its permanent gathering place.
January 2022: The Property Transfer Is Completed
Comal Country Church had also committed to donating its property to Stonewater after Stonewater developed from a church plant into an autonomous church.
The transfer of approximately 15 acres and the 8,500-square-foot church building was completed in January 2022.
Continuing the Mission Today
Stonewater Fellowship continues its mission through Sunday worship, Christian community, house churches, church-planting partnerships, and missional work with ministry partners in New Braunfels and the surrounding area.
The church remains committed to equipping followers of Jesus and helping them participate in His mission locally and beyond.
Ready To Participate In God's Story?
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Stonewater Fellowship begin?
Stonewater Fellowship began taking shape in early 2017. By March 2017, ten adults had committed to the church’s original core team.
When did Stonewater Fellowship begin weekly worship services?
Stonewater Fellowship launched weekly worship gatherings on February 10, 2018, with 27 adults.
How did Stonewater Fellowship receive its current property?
The leaders of Comal Country Church decided to close its ministries, invite the congregation to join Stonewater Fellowship, and later donate the property. The transfer was completed in January 2022.
Where does Stonewater Fellowship meet?
Stonewater Fellowship meets at 9380 FM306 in New Braunfels, Texas.
How can I become part of Stonewater Fellowship’s story?
You can attend Sunday worship, explore the Next Steps page, join a small group, participate in a ministry, or serve through one of the church’s volunteer teams.