Welcome Pastor Julian Kastrati: From Europe to Hanford, Armona and Lemoore district

HANFORD, Calif. — The Central California Conference extends a warm welcome to Pastor Julian Kastrati, who began serving the Hanford, Armona and Lemoore district on Aug. 1, 2025. Pastor Kastrati brings more than three decades of ministry experience from across Europe to California's Central Valley.

Pastor Kastrati brings more than 30 years of pastoral and leadership experience to the Central California Conference. A charter member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Albania, he was one of the first two Albanian pastors ordained to the gospel ministry. His service has spanned several countries, including Albania, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Throughout his career, Kastrati has served as a pastor, church planter, and Associate Dean of Men at Newbold College. He also held leadership positions as executive secretary and departmental director, overseeing Communication, Youth, Sabbath School, and Literature Evangelism ministries. Most recently, he served in the North England Conference as a district pastor, Northwest area coordinator, and Ministerial Director.

Kastrati holds a bachelor’s degree in biblical and pastoral studies, a certificate in Christian counseling, and a master’s in theological studies from Newbold College. He also earned a master’s in leadership from Andrews University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in leadership.

Known for his authenticity, service, joy, and hope, Kastrati is recognized as a transformational leader who values team-based ministry and meaningful personal connections. He is passionate about outreach and making the everlasting gospel relevant in increasingly secular societies. Multilingual and multicultural, he speaks English, Albanian, German, and Italian.

Beyond ministry, Kastrati is a devoted Liverpool Football Club fan, still adjusting to calling the sport “soccer.” He is also a potluck enthusiast, rarely leaving without a smile—and a full plate.

Pastor Kastrati’s wife, Dr. Beatrice Kastrati, is a fifth-generation Seventh-day Adventist from Germany. A physician with a medical degree from Ulm University and a master’s in public health from Loma Linda University, she previously served as ADRA director in Albania and most recently led several departments in the North England Conference, including Health Ministries, Possibility Ministries, Community Services, and the Ministerial Spouses Association.

The couple’s nine-year-old daughter, Albulena, will begin fifth grade at Armona Union Academy this fall.

The Central California Conference family joins the Hanford-area churches in lifting the Kastrati family in prayer as they begin their new chapter of ministry.

Edited by Justin Kim