Growing Together is delighted to have passionate speakers across the North American Division. In addition to their experience in youth/young adult ministry and passion for next generations, they have an in-depth understanding of the latest research articulated in Growing Young: 6 Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church. We’re glad to introduce our certified speakers to you:
Pastor Raúl Álvarez
Raúl Álvarez serves as a dedicated pastor in the Texico Conference at the Lubbock Seventh-day Adventist Church. He is a proud graduate of Southwestern Adventist University, holding degrees in both Theology and Business Administration. He also earned his MBA from New Mexico State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Andrews University. Pastor Raul is happily married to the love of his life, Giovanna Lizarzaburo, a compassionate nurse. Together, they are passionate about ministry and committed to preparing God’s people for the soon return of Jesus Christ.
Raúl Álvarez sirve con dedicación como pastor en la Conferencia de Texico, en la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día de Lubbock. Es graduado de la Universidad Adventista del Suroeste, donde obtuvo títulos en Teología y Administración de Empresas. Además, tiene una maestría en Administración de Empresas (MBA) de la Universidad Estatal de Nuevo México y actualmente está cursando una Maestría en Divinidad en la Universidad de Andrews. El Pastor Raúl está felizmente casado con el amor de su vida, Giovanna Lizarzaburo, quien es enfermera. Juntos disfrutan haciendo ministerio con el propósito de preparar al pueblo de Dios para la pronta venida de Cristo.
Pastor Tony Anobile
Tony Anobile currently serves as the Vice President for Ministries for the Southwestern Union Conference. As a former Youth Director, and Young Adult Director, he is passionate about assisting Churches to grow together, involving all members, children, youth, young adults, adults, and seniors, to establish healthy communities where everyone feels a vital part of the family of God, in active ministry! He is also a certified trainer in Cultural Intelligence.
Tony Anobile actualmente se desempeña como Vicepresidente de Ministerios de la Unión del Suroeste. Como ex Director de Jóvenes y Director de Jóvenes Adultos, le apasiona ayudar a las Iglesias a crecer juntos, involucrando a todos los miembros, niños, jóvenes, jóvenes adultos, adultos y personas mayores, para establecer comunidades saludables donde todos se sientan parte vital de la familia de Dios, en ministerio activo! También es un entrenador certificado en Inteligencia Cultural.
Pastor John Arana
John Arana is a Pastor, Church Planter, and family man. He led the establishing of a young adult church in Austin and now leads the Tyler Spanish Adventist Church, focusing on engaging the next generation. He’s married to Sheroll, and together they’re raising their two children, Gigi and John Jr. John loves ministry, preaching, mentoring young people and spending time with his family.
John Arana es pastor, plantador de iglesias y padre de familia. Lideró el establecimiento de una iglesia de jóvenes adultos en Austin y ahora dirige la Iglesia Adventista Hispana de Tyler, enfocándose en conectar con la próxima generación. Está casado con Sheroll y juntos crían a sus dos hijos, Gigi y John Jr. A John le encanta el ministerio, la predicación, ser mentor de jóvenes y pasar tiempo con su familia.
Pastor Vanston Archbold, Jr.
Vanston Archbold Jr. was born into a Missionary Pastoral family in Colombia, South America, and spent his formative years in Jamaica, Colombia, and the United States, soaking in diverse cultures. With a deep-rooted passion for music and ministry, he channels his talents and convictions into serving as a servant leader, devoted equally to his faith in God and his cherished family.
Vanston Archbold Jr. nació en una familia pastoral misionera en Colombia, Sudamérica, y pasó sus años de formación en Jamaica, Colombia y Estados Unidos, empapándose de diversas culturas. Con una pasión profundamente arraigada por la música y el ministerio, canaliza sus talentos y convicciones para servir como un líder servidor, dedicado igualmente a su fe en Dios y su querida familia.
Pastor Félix Abdiel Barrera
Nací en Pinar del Río, Cuba, estuve involucrado con los jóvenes y adolescentes en mi Iglesia natal (San Luis), a los 20 años fui llamado a ser Dr. De Federación de Jóvenes en el oeste de Cuba. Con 22 años comencé a trabajar como obrero Bíblico, en el 2003 comencé a estudiar Teología en el SETAC, me gradué 2007 y trabajé de pastor en Cuba por 4 años, en el Occidente cubano. En el 2011 vine para EEUU y estuve en Florida predicando en varias Iglesias, hasta que en el 2012 me hicieron el llamado a trabajar en la SWRC, comenzamos en Austin TX (6 años y medio), después Dallas TX (7 años) y en El Paso TX desde Julio 2024 hasta hoy. Comencé mi maestría en 2017 en Ministerio Pastoral con Andrews University y me gradué 2021. Actualmente atendemos las Iglesias de El Paso East SDA, TX y La Gran Esperanza, NM. trabajando con nuestros talentosos Juveniles.
Pastor Leonardo Castillo
El Pastor Leonardo Castillo nació en Tampico Tamaulipas México, es el mayor de 4 hermanos, tiene la bendición de ser cuarta generación de adventistas, casado con Perla Castillo y bendecidos con 3 hijos y 4 nietos, obtuvo su Licenciatura en Teología de la Universidad de Montemorelos NL MX, y una Maestría en Vida Familiar, también tiene una Maestría en Ministerio Pastoral de la Universidad de Andrews. Ha servido a la Iglesia por 34 años en México y aquí en Estados Unidos, le apasiona el Ministerio Juvenil, Evangelismo y Vida Familiar, actualmente sirve para la Conferencia de Oklahoma en la Ciudad de Tulsa, preparándose y preparando a otros para el pronto retorno de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.
Pastor Cris Cazarine
Cris Cazarine is a trusted guide and strong advocate for young adult ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She serves as the Young Adult Director and Campus Ministries Coordinator for the Carolina Conference, where she equips churches across North and South Carolina to engage young adults with purpose and impact.
Cris leads training and mentorship on the Growing Together model, helping churches build strong intergenerational relationships and empower the next generation for leadership and discipleship. She also hosts Tea Talks, a raw and real conversation series where she listens to young adults share their experiences with faith, church, and life, building bridges between generations through empathy and truth.
A former atheist, Cris shares openly about her journey from skepticism to a life changed by Christ. Her story resonates with those who have doubts or have walked away from church. She speaks with authenticity and compassion, offering hope to those wrestling with faith.
Posso compartilhar apresentações do Growing Together em português.
Puedo compartir presentaciones de Growing Together en español.
Pastor Eric Chavez
Pastor Eric Chavez is the Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director for the Texico Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He received his first call to Youth Ministry while attending Southern Adventist University for his bachelor’s in theology in 2013. He served at the Apison Seventh-day Adventist Church as the Youth Pastor which sparked his passion to work with both youth and young adults. After pastoring in Upper Columbia Conference, he then received the call to Wisconsin Conference and Camp Wakonda as the Youth, Young Adult, and Camp Ministries Director where he served from 2016-2021. He and his wife, Shanna Chavez, have been happily married for 19 years and have been serving together in Youth and Young Adult Ministry since 2016. They have both found their niche in mentoring the next generation of leaders for Christ. Eric serves as a Growing Together point person for the Southwestern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventist which includes the territories of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico (except San Juan County), Oklahoma, and Texas.
Pastor Olga Falakiseni
Pastor Olga Falakiseni is associate director for Texas Conference Youth & Young Adult Ministries. A 2014 graduate of Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas, Falakiseni began her pastoral career as a part-time associate pastor in August 2014 at the Joshua Crossroads Fellowship Seventh-day Adventist Church in Joshua, Texas. There, she assisted with youth and young adult ministries, children’s church, family ministries, club ministries and Bible studies.
In 2019, she transitioned to the Killeen Seventh-day Adventist Church in Killeen, Texas, where she served as an associate pastor. In addition to her pastoral responsibilities, she was actively involved with the audio/visual team and youth and young adult ministries. She also volunteered as a choir instructor and sports coach at Killeen Adventist Junior Academy. Falakiseni was commissioned into the gospel ministry in October 2020.
Pastor Eliangel Fermin
Pastor Eliangel Fermin Carrizalez is a servant of Jesus Christ. In his young years he has developed good relationships with adults as well as with youth. He currently serves as the Senior Pastor at a five congregation district, two of those being youth churches. Eliangel loves to connect with youth and lead them to have a personal relationship with Jesus.
El Pr. Eliangel Fermín Carrizalez es un siervo de Jesucristo. En su juventud, ha desarrollado buenas relaciones tanto con adultos como con jóvenes. Actualmente se desempeña como pastor en un distrito de cinco congregaciones, dos de las cuales son iglesias juveniles. A Eliangel le encanta conectar con los jóvenes y guiarlos hacia una relación personal con Jesús.
Pastor Manuel Ibuado
I’m Manuel Ibuado, senior pastor of the Keene Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church. I studied theology at Antillean Adventist University and earned a master’s degree in Communications from Syracuse University. My passion is helping people grow in a real, relational experience with Jesus. Through ministry and media, I strive to connect hearts to Christ and make His love known in practical, life-changing ways.
Soy Manuel Ibuado, pastor principal de la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día de Keene. Estudié teología en la Universidad Adventista de las Antillas y obtuve una maestría en Comunicación en la Universidad de Syracuse. Mi pasión es ayudar a las personas a crecer en una experiencia real y relacional con Jesús. A través del ministerio y los medios de comunicación, me esfuerzo por conectar corazones con Cristo y dar a conocer Su amor de una manera práctica y transformadora.
Pastor Benjamin Lundquist
Benjamin Lundquist is one of the leading voices for young adult ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He currently serves as the Associate Ministerial Director for the Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists as well as coaching and mentoring ministry leadership across the nation and abroad. Ben leads innovative projects like the Growing Together Cohort for the North Pacific Union, and is instrumental to the North American Division’s Young Adult LIFE initiative. He is passionate about inspiring and equipping people – especially university students and young professionals – to become growing followers of Jesus and effective leaders for His cause.
Benjamin frequently speaks on faith and leadership and has worked with many colleges and universities, including the University of Colorado where he recently spoke to the coaches and players of their football program. He also hosts the Rise and Lead Podcast, which has been downloaded in 135 countries, providing world class content and conversation to help listeners grow to their next level and expand their impact.
Pastor Helvis Moody
Helvis C. Moody currently serves the Southwestern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists as the Young Adult/Youth Director and Prayer Coordinator. A graduate of Andrews University Theological Seminary, he holds a Masters of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry and is happily married to April Watkins Moody. His favorite Biblical passage is Philippians 4:13, which says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This text has been foundational to his ministerial career as he credits Christ’s strength in helping to grow each church he has pastored, either through baptisms or church facility growth.
He began his ministry as a pastor for the Baton Rouge and Slidell, La. district in 1999 through 2004. He then served as a pastor at the Fondren Seventh-day Adventist Church until 2012, when he was called to the Southwest Region Conference to serve as its Youth and Young Adult Director. He joined the Southwestern Union in 2014. He loves to see God do great and mighty things through all generations.
Dr. Kisha Norris
Kisha R. Norris, Ed.D., is the vice president for education and superintendent of schools for the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Alvarado, Texas. She has held this position since August 2019. Before her appointment, she spent several years in leadership in Seventh-day Adventist higher educational institutions, including Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas, Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California, and Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, working in the philanthropy departments as a director of development, senior director of development, assistant vice president and an executive director of Advancement. She has returned to education, her passion, which she pursued after completing her undergraduate degree. She is a former high school chemistry and Spanish teacher and an adjunct professor of education at Southwestern Adventist University.
Norris holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology with a Secondary Education and Music minor and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, both from Southwestern Adventist University. She also holds a doctoral degree in education from Capella University.
Pastor Oddie Olazaran
Oddie Olazaran currently serves as the High School pastor for the Arlington Seventh-Day Adventist Church. He received his MDiv from the Andrews Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary with a concentration in Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Throughout his ministry, Oddie has focused on working with and mentoring the next generation. He and his wife, Madeline, have two beautiful dogs and enjoy outdoor adventures such as rock climbing, backpacking, and hiking.
Pastor Christian Ponciano
Christian Ponciano is the director of youth and club ministries for the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Alvarado, Texas. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. He is married to Marileny Ponciano. They have two children: Eli and Laylah. His favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Christian Ponciano es el director de ministerios juveniles y de clubes de la Conferencia de los Adventistas del Séptimo Día de Texas en Alvarado, Texas. Tiene una Maestría en Divinidad de la Universidad Andrews en Berrien Springs, Michigan. Está casado con Marileny Ponciano. Tienen dos hijos: Eli y Laylah. Su versículo bíblico favorito es Filipenses 4:13: “Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece”.
Pastor Osvaldo Rigacci
Osvaldo ha sido pastor en diferentes iglesias y en cada distrito en el cual se desempeñó tuvo el gozo de plantar nuevas congregaciones. Disfruta desarrollando líderes y aconsejando creyentes en la experiencia del discipulado. A través de su ministerio dedicó tiempo a trabajar con jóvenes y empeñar su esfuerzo para ser mentor de quienes desean ser parte del cumplimiento de la misión de la iglesia. Ha dedicado estos últimos años también en tareas de liderazgo en la Conferencia de Texas y la Unión del Suroeste con un marcado esfuerzo en la capacitación, el equipamiento y el empoderamiento de nuestros líderes de iglesia. Por los últimos dos años está involucrado en la iniciativa de “Creciendo Juntos” para complementar a jóvenes y adultos en los ministerios de la iglesia y en el alcance a las comunidades donde se desenvuelven.
Chaplain April Snyder
Chaplain April most recently served as Pastor for Community Engagement at Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church, she has also served as Assistant Chaplain for Spiritual Life and Development at Southwestern Adventist University. She received her Masters in Public Health from Andrews University and is currently completing the Masters in Divinity/Chaplaincy with the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary.
Chaplain April is now a chaplain resident at Huguley Hospital. She is a Growing Together Certified Speaker with the Southwestern Union and offers ministry consultation across the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. She and her husband Blake live in Burleson, Texas.
Pastor Leslie Soupet
Leslie Soupet serves as the communications director for the Southwest Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. She also serves as the Assistant Pastor of the Ebenezer Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church, in Arlington, Texas.
Leslie Soupet se desempeña como directora de comunicaciones de la Conferencia de los Adventistas del Séptimo Día de la Región Suroeste. También se desempeña como pastora asistente de la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día en español Ebenezer, en Arlington, Texas.
Pastor David Yeagley
David Yeagley is the young adult and family ministry director of the Washington Conference. He has also served as the Executive Director of Sunset Lake Camp for the past 20 years. Throughout his 35 years of ministry he has been passionate about developing faith in emerging generations and mentoring young adults leaders.
Dr. A Allan Martin
A. Allan Martin, PhD, is the teaching pastor of Younger Generation Church [ygchurch.com], the vibrant young adult ministry of the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church in Texas [USA]. Dr. Martin serves the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists [NAD] as senior consultant for the Growing Together initiative in collaboration with Young Adult LIFE and the Fuller Youth Institute.
Martin also served the NAD, in partnership with the Barna Group, as the lead research facilitator for the Adventist Millennial Study. Dr. Martin continues as adjunct faculty for the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, specializing in discipleship and young adult ministry.
He and his wife, Deirdre, tour internationally, speaking about relationships as well as equipping new generations in Christian lifestyle and leadership. Their daughter, Alexandria, is a doctoral candidate with the Loma Linda University CRNA program, residing in Southern California with her husband Kevin Nye, PTA, while Allan and Deirdre continue to reside in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
Inviting a Growing Together Speaker
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