I’m Israel Mendez, a pastor and church planter at ACC Downtown and the Director of Biblical Studies at the Zbinden Center for Biblical Leadership. I love serving our church, investing in discipleship, and watching the gospel transform lives in our city. My ministry journey began as an associate pastor in local church settings and later as Director of Baptist Student Ministries at Texas A&M University–Kingsville and the University of Texas at San Antonio, where I had the privilege of mentoring and developing young leaders.

In addition to my pastoral and teaching roles, I serve with The Pastors Common, a network that supports Millennial and Gen Z ministers, and I’m part of the leadership team for the San Antonio Church Planting Network, helping resource and encourage church planters across our city. I studied at Texas A&M University–Kingsville, earned a master’s degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and I’m currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary.

San Antonio is home—I love its people, culture, the Spurs, and the sound of Tejano music. More than anything, I’m grateful for my wife, Sarah, and our son, Murphy Mesa Mendez. Being a dad has been one of the greatest joys of my life, and I’m embracing this season of life and ministry with excitement and gratitude.