MEET THE LEADERS
PASTORS CARLOS & CYNTHIA CASTILLO
Pastors Carlos and Cynthia Castillo have dedicated their entire adult lives to the ministry. Married since 1997, they have lived out a legacy of faith and service. Their 2 sons, Carlos and David serve alongside them at Connection Church. With a rich history of service, they have filled nearly every role in the church- from assistant pastor, youth pastors, worship leaders and international missions. This breadth of experience paved the way in 2013, for their role as one of the founders of Connection Church. They have served as Senior Leaders since 2016. At the core of their ministry is a passion for discipleship. They believe in leading by example, teaching the congregation not just through words, but through active service to the community. Above all, they are true shepherds who desire to see every individual find their unique purpose in Christ.
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"When you don't know what you are called to do, you will chase anything. Find your calling, pursue it, then don't get caught up in the process, focus on the prize"
Pastor Carlos Castillo
WORSHIP LEADERS BEN & EMILY HORNE
Worship has been the heartbeat of Ben and Emily's lives for as long as they can remember. With a seasoned ministry spanning over 25 years, they joined the Connection Church family in 2016 to lead our congregation into the presence of the Lord. Their leadership is defined by a pursuit of Jesus that goes beyond the music; it is an invitation to encounter the Holy Spirit.
By blending their deep roots in prayer with sensitive understanding of the prophetic, Ben and Emily create a space where the Spirit can move freely and minister to every heart. Their dedication extends into the wider community as well, where they volunteer at the Orlando House of Prayer.
YOUTH LEADER ELLIMAY RODRIGUEZ
Ellimay has a true servant's heart and has been serving at Connection Church since 2024 with a passion to please the Lord, from greeting others, special events, to worshiping on the platform, her servant's heart shines through in everything she touches. Professionally, Ellimay is an educator with an undergraduate degree in Public History. Her daily work as a high school teacher and her role as an FCA sponsor uniquely prepared her for her greatest passion: Youth Ministry. Ellimay is trustworthy, dedicated, and deeply committed to helping young people navigate their faith. We are incredibly proud to have her leading our youth and modeling what it means to live for Christ.
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" My prayer is to plant seeds and to assist parents to "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it" Proverbs 22:6"
Youth Leader Ellimay Rodriguez