It began with a vision in 1961, of some day organizing a new Lutheran congregation in the small community of West Lake Hills. For that purpose a piece of property located on Bee Cave Road was purchased by the Board of American Missions of the United Lutheran Church in America. By 1976 the increasing population growth in the West Lake Hills area indicated to church leaders that the time was right for the establishment of a new congregation. That year, Pastor Stephen Youngdahl began work as Pastor/Developer of the new LCA congregation. Within six months, worship services were being held, and within a year, Shepherd of the Hills became an official congregation of the Lutheran Church in America.

Even before formal organization, two decisions were made that would guide the church’s development.  Benevolence would be a high commitment, starting at 10% of income and increasing each year. Rotation of leadership would be encouraged by limiting the terms of committee chairs and the time Council members must wait before they can serve again. These principals still guide Shepherd of the Hills today.

Property purchased at Bee Cave and Camp Craft for future Lutheran congregation.

Eanes School District purchases original site; present property purchased for $22,000.

Rev. Stephen Youngdahl begins work as Pastor/Developer.

First worship service held in the Eanes School cafeteria, with 72 people in attendance.

Charter Sunday, with 55 people signing the charter.

Organization Day as Shepherd of the Hills becomes an official congregation of the LCA with 106 baptized members.

Congregation becomes self-supporting with initial budget of $32,450.

Mothers’ Morning Out program (predecessor of Butterfly Christian Preschool) begins utilizing the facilities of Westlake Methodist Church.

Groundbreaking for the first building program.

Service of Dedication for the first building.

Expansion to two worship services.

Position of half-time Youth Director established.

Rev. Merle Franke called as Associate Pastor.

Groundbreaking for the second building program.

Service of Dedication for the sanctuary, offices, and classrooms.

Youth Director position became full-time

Rev. Beth Marie Halvorsen called as Associate Pastor.

Dedication of 32 stop Allen custom electronic organ.

Position of Director of Christian Education established.

Position of Financial Officer established.

Groundbreaking for the third building program.

Service of Dedication for the sanctuary, office, nursery expansions, the multi-purpose room, and kitchen.

Service of Dedication for the first unit, renovation, chancel furnishings, and triptych.

Education and youth staff reorganized into a team of Director of Christian Growth, Director of Youth & Family Ministry, and Director of Child & Family Ministry

Congregational membership is 1192 members from 425 households, with an average Sunday worship attendance of 409.