Lay Elder Leads The Ark In Visalia Through Prayer and Community service

VISALIA, Calif. — Joseph Castillo never planned to lead a church. The physical therapist simply prayed, listened and said yes when God called.

Today, as elder and lay leader of Ark Church in Visalia, Castillo helps shepherd a congregation that has grown from about 25 members to roughly 100 regular attendees, without losing its focus on welcoming neighbors and serving the community.

“Our mission is to be a safe place to learn about God and be welcomed right where you are,” Castillo said. “We want people to see that we’re just like them — diverse, imperfect and loved by Jesus.”

Foundation of Faith

Castillo’s parents left a rough neighborhood in Southern California to raise their family in the Central Valley. Born into a Seventh-day Adventist home, he attended Dinuba Junior Academy and Fresno Adventist Academy before earning a physical therapy degree from Loma Linda University in 2000.

Despite his Adventist upbringing, Castillo wrestled with doubts as a young adult. At Campus Hill Church in Loma Linda, Pastor Hyveth Williams addressed his specific questions about faith in consecutive sermons.

“By the third or fourth question being answered, I told God, ‘OK, I get it. You’re there,’” he recalled. “I didn’t want an emotional decision without commitment, or commitment without heart. God gave me both.”

Building Ark Church

When a church-planting opportunity emerged in Visalia, Castillo joined the launch team with Pastors Chad Stewart and Ed Urbina. He served first as a deacon and later as an elder. When Stewart accepted a call elsewhere and another pastor faced serious health challenges, Castillo stepped into leadership.

“I asked everyone if they wanted to keep moving forward,” he said. “If they did, I’d lead — but I’d need everyone’s help.”

The congregation progressed from church plant to company status and organized as a full church in 2019 — months before COVID-19 disrupted worship everywhere. Despite pandemic challenges, members purchased a building in 2022, a milestone Castillo calls “a miracle.” Today membership stands around 115, with weekly attendance near 100.

Balancing Work and Ministry

Castillo serves full time as Director of the Physical Therapy Assistant program at College of the Sequoias while carrying pastoral responsibilities at The Ark. Evenings and weekends go to preaching, mentoring leaders, visiting members and planning outreach.

“I see myself as a warrior for God,” he said. “That means obeying whatever God asks and protecting the flock — shepherding, not posturing.”

He credits his wife, Belinda, for anchoring his faith in seasons of doubt. Their three daughters — Elena, Annie and Celina — grew up serving at The Ark and continue to encourage the church family while studying at Southern Adventist University. He is quick to praise his leadership team and volunteers. “None of this is possible without the Holy Spirit and a committed group of volunteers,” he said. “God uses teams.”

Community Connections

The Ark’s outreach reflects a steady, neighbor-first posture. The Pathfinder Club draws about 25% of its participants from the community. A recent free ice cream social welcomed about 70 guests in two hours. “Friendship Sabbath” encourages members to bring a guest for a gratitude-centered service — a day promoted with the slogan, “The Ark - Where Friends Become Family.” “All Nations Sabbath” celebrates the congregation’s cultural diversity. A family fun fair is planned as a follow-up touchpoint for neighbors who visit.

Several families now attend after Castillo led a weekend seminar on pain and suffering — why a good God allows hurt and how Scripture speaks to grief. The final session was open Q&A. “We didn’t try to ‘sell’ anything,” he said. “We tried to listen, answer honestly and point to Jesus.”

The church follows a simple rhythm: community events, relational Sabbaths designed for guests and clear next steps for discipleship. Pathfinders and family ministries serve as bridges, while sermons aim to be biblical, practical and easy to apply.

Looking Ahead

As The Ark expands its community presence, Castillo holds to the approach that shaped his journey: ask God hard questions, wait for His answers and do the next faithful thing.

For Castillo and The Ark, the focus is less on numbers and more on changed lives. “We’re just trying to be faithful in our corner of the valley,” he said. “If we listen and obey, God takes care of the rest.”

Written by Justin Kim