Israel Mendez serves as the Pastor and Church Planter at ACC Downtown, where he leads with a heart for discipleship and community transformation. His ministry journey began with roles as an Associate Pastor and Director of the Baptist Student Ministry at UTSA, where he mentored and developed young leaders. Currently, Israel also serves with The Pastors Common, a network focused on encouraging Millennial and Gen-Z ministers, and he teaches theology at the Zbinden Center for Biblical Leadership, equipping students without formal ministry backgrounds to serve effectively in the local church. A graduate of Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Israel combines his academic training with his deep connection to San Antonio—a city known for its rich culture, including the Spurs and Tejano music. He is married to his wonderful wife, Sarah, and is a proud new father to Murphy Mesa Mendez, embracing both family and ministry with passion.
