Pastor Yuliyan Filipov is a graduate of Bogenhofen Theological Seminary in Austria and Andrews University Seminary in Michigan. He has been the Lead Pastor of the Worthington SDA Church for the last eleven years. Together with his wife, Milenka Filipov, they are striving to create a church community, where people feel safe to laugh, to cry, and to be real. He is honored to teach and preach the Word of God and to equip God’s people to carry on the mission of Jesus.
Associate/Youth Pastor, Xavier Baca
Xavier Baca is the associate youth pastor of the youth and young adults at the Worthington Seventh-day Adventist Church. Xavier earned his bachelor's degree in theology from Southern Adventist University. He is continuing his education as he pursues his Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University. Xavier enjoys building community between all generations through social and spiritual activities as he helps the young people realize the depths of God's love for them through thoughtful and practical ways. Xavier's hobbies include outdoor recreation, traveling, soccer, history, and reading.
Carolyn Sowards has served as Minister of Music at the Worthington SDA Church for over 50 years. Music is one of her passions and it is quite evident whenever she provides organ and piano music during our worship services. Carolyn also serves as Head Elder.