Ours Pastors
BIOGRAPHY—M. Kent Warner Pastor Kent comes to San Marcos having recently completed his PhD studies at the University of St Andrews. At age seven, he trusted Christ, and at 42, he answered God’s call to leave his secular career and serve the Church. Since this encounter in 2007, Kent has earned his MDiv and ThM at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and in October 2021 earned his PhD at the University of St Andrews. He also holds degrees in business, a BBA from Roanoke College and a MBA from William & Mary. Kent married Jane in 1990, and they have five adult sons. Three of their sons are married and they are expecting their first grandchild in April 2022.
Kent and Jane were called to San Marcos in June 2021. Their ministry burden is to foster the church’s kingdom outlook so people may not only experience Christ’s atoning love but also grow into the fullness of God’s established salvation. Kent believes exegetical teaching and durable face-to-face relationships are the principle means to manifest and build Christ’s body. While studying, Kent served by lecturing, preaching, and teaching in a variety of church and academic settings.
PHILOSOPHY & PASSION Kent wants Christians to appreciate that Christ has established their relational identity and that God knows them in their wholeness. As such, he aims to help people recognize and develop their gifting as Christ’s ambassadors so each one can impact the world for God’s glory.
Our Pastor Emeritus
Rev. Sam Mateer came to San Marcos with twenty-seven years of pastoral experience, twenty-six of those in overseas ministry. Sam Mateer married Lois Peyton, they have four grown children, three married with four grandchildren living in the US. The youngest is married to a Chilean, all are involved in Christian ministries in their respective churches.
He has served churches in Birmingham, Alabama; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Quito, Ecuador, and now Santiago. Sam has degrees from Northwestern University and Fuller, Princeton, and Westminster Seminaries. As the founding pastor of this church, Sam brought a strong pulpit ministry and deep interest in people to San Marcos.
Sam is interested in developing people along the lines of their gifting, and as such seeks to disciple and mature God’s people for the ministry of Jesus Christ. Sam’s delight is in preaching the eternal word of God on a practical level, spending time in a deep relationship with his Father, and seeking to live Christ in all of life. As a pastor, Sam has been involved in starting a number of churches and has been in leadership in his denominations, mission, university and seminaries. He began his ministry in the United Presbyterian Church in the United States in 1966, becoming a member of the Presbyterian Church in America in 1976. As of December 31, 2014, Sam has retired from San Marcos.