Rev. Aquilino "John" Perez 

I grew up in Giddings, Texas, in a tight-knit, hardworking family that instilled in me the values of compassion, responsibility, and showing up for the people you love. These lessons have become the foundation of my ministry and continue to guide how I lead, care, and serve within the church.

My journey into ministry has been shaped by years of spiritual formation, education, and deep listening. I began my studies at Divine Word College Seminary (DWC), earning a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition.

After graeduating, I took on the mantel of doing nonprofit and social service work and after a few years and some major decision making, I re-discerned God’s call into the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and completed my Master of Divinity at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.

Along the way, I also completed a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), serving  at Mt. Sinai Hospital- Chicago setting where I witnessed God’s presence amid both pain and healing. That experience opened my heart in unforgettable ways and continues to shape how I walk alongside others. As Jesus reminds us, “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8). The love I have received is something I now joyfully share.

For me, ministry is about following Christ’s example, caring for the poor, the sick, the hungry, and the imprisoned. It means being present where people are hurting and hopeful, and creating spaces where everyone is welcomed, seen, and valued. I find joy in the everyday connections that form the heart of a congregation: the laughter of children, the companionship of animals, and those deep conversations where people feel safe enough to be their full, honest selves. I am passionate about community outreach, meeting new people, and discovering the creative ways God is already at work in our community.

Outside of ministry, I enjoy baking (Food Network was my favorite show growing up), painting, and experimenting with mixed-media art. Creative expression helps me connect with God’s beauty and share that joy with others.