About

Service Times

Sundays: 8:30am and 11:00am

Service Times

Sundays: 8:30am and 11:00am

Our Story

In 1964, a group of Christians from the Belcaro Evangelical Free Church began a Bible study in their homes in Lakewood as a base for planting a new church. When they opened their first building in the Southern Gables subdivision, what was then known as the Lakewood Evangelical Free Church became Southern Gables Church. In 1994, the church moved into its current home in Littleton and, in 2021, Southern Gables changed its name to Southwest Community Church.

God has been faithful to Southwest Community Church and, through the years, He has raised up preachers, teachers, and believers who have made an impact for His kingdom here in Colorado and throughout the world. Our story is God’s story!

Our Vision Statement

We are a God–Centered, Christ–Exalting, Spirit–Led body of believers who exist to Love God Deeply, Love People Genuinely, and Make Disciples Continuously

About Pastor Arnie

Arnie Guin is a Pastor, Counselor, Leader, and Communicator. He has served in ministry for more than 30 years. Pastor Arnie came to Southwest in 2022 from the University of Alabama men’s basketball program where he was the Director of Player Development and Athletics Culture. He loves people and works hard to empower others to become all they can be for Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. Prior to joining the University of Alabama staff, Arnie was the Lead Pastor at Cornerstone Church in New York.

Arnie discovered at a young age that he loved the church and loved to serve within the church. He began serving full-time in ministry in 1989 as an area director with Young Life. He was with Young Life for 4 years and then was a youth pastor for 7 years in Marysville, Washington. Since 2000, Arnie has served as a church planter and Lead Pastor in Colorado, North Dakota, Minnesota and most recently in Buffalo, New York.

Arnie earned his Doctorate of Ministry from Newburgh Theological Seminary. He also holds a Masters of Divinity from Western Seminary and a bachelor’s from Puget Sound Christian College. He is a certified Prepare/Enrich counselor, has a counseling background, and is a strong supporter of Biblical Counseling. His work at the University of Alabama has proven that he has a heart for the next generation as he has given many years to teaching and mentorship of collegiate athletes. He takes an active role in mentorship and empowering others along their spiritual journey.

Arnie has been married to Hope since 1985. They love to serve in ministry together and when they have some free time, they like to walk the dog, hike, ride bikes, ski, and eat Mexican food. Arnie and Hope have 2 adult children: Seth and Mya.

Meet the Staff

We are rooted in the two “greats” of scripture, The Great Commission and The Great Commandment – both of which were clearly outlined by Jesus during His earthly ministry.

The Great Commission

The Great Commission is a call to go and tell the world what Jesus has done for us, displaying His love by being His hands and feet, and helping others discover a relationship with the God who created them.

The Great Commandment

The Great Commandment calls us to love God with everything we have, and then to turn likewise and love our neighbor as if we were in his/her shoes.

More About Our Beliefs

Sometimes churches can get lost in majoring in the things which are not major.

We are committed to the priorities God has called us to - and trust that the rest will follow suit as we seek wisdom from His word.

So it’s a simple 1, 2, 3 if you’re following along:

Love God Deeply

We grow in our love for God as we focus on:

Biblical Authority
Relational Intimacy
Our Excellence for His Glory

Love People Genuinely

We display the love of God as we focus on:

Authentic Community
Relational Evangelism
Practical Compassion

Make Disciples Continuously

We make disciples of the world by focusing on:

Intentional Apprenticeship
Gifted Service
Multiplication

Core Values

To support the vision Jesus has called us to, we are committed to prioritizing five areas in the life of our church:

Unapologetic Preaching

We will boldly proclaim the whole truth of God’s word with courage and conviction. 2 Timothy 4:2

Persistent Prayer

We approach God confidently in prayer, knowing that everything is in His sovereign control. Matthew 7:7

Global Witness

We commit to preaching the good news of Jesus Christ in our community and globally. Acts 1:8

Uncommon Community

We devote ourselves to one another in service and love, and in so doing show Christ’s love. Acts 2:42

God-Centered Worship

God-centered worship, is worship which glorifies God and engages the heart, mind and emotions in worship. This kind of worship must be the hallmark of our public worship, and with that in mind, we are committed to meeting the worship needs of various generations. Fully devoted disciples are characterized by a spirit of joy expressed in worship (Isaiah 12:5; Psalm 100 & 150; Ephesians 3:20-21).

More About Our Beliefs