Ismael Abelardo Castillo, Ph.D., began serving as president of the Texas Conference of Seventh‑day Adventists on May 28, 2026. Prior to this, he briefly served as vice president of Multicultural Ministries for the Southwestern Union Conference, where he provided leadership and support in diverse ministry contexts.
Before assuming these administrative roles, Castillo served as vice president of Hispanic Ministries and Spanish Evangelism for the Texas Conference, guiding statewide initiatives in discipleship, evangelism, and digital ministry.
Born and raised in México, Castillo earned his bachelor’s degree in theology, followed by a master’s degree in education administration and a doctorate in curricular management, all from Montemorelos University.
After completing his undergraduate studies, he served as a pastor in the central state of Guanajuato, México, before returning to Montemorelos University to teach at both the high school and college levels. In 2000, he accepted a call from the Texas Conference to serve as youth pastor for the Keene Spanish Seventh‑day Adventist Church, where he ministered for eight years. He later pastored the Houston Spanish Spring Branch Seventh‑day Adventist Church for nine years, also supporting several additional Spanish‑language congregations throughout the Houston area.
In 2017, Castillo joined the Texas Conference administration as associate director for Hispanic Ministries & Spanish Evangelism, then in 2021 he became vice president for the department. His election to union leadership in 2026 and the subsequent call to serve as president of the Texas Conference reflect his long‑standing commitment to mission, multicultural ministry, and pastoral development. His greatest joy in ministry is teaching God’s love through Scripture and serving alongside teams dedicated to advancing the mission of the Seventh‑day Adventist Church.
Castillo is joyfully married to his best friend and ministry companion, Lizeth Castillo. Together they have two children, Ismael and Ana. Ana and her husband welcomed their first child this year, a blessing that has brought great joy to the new parents and grandparents.