Pastor Antonee Leo Aguilar is a third-generation Seventh-day Adventist pastor whose family’s legacy of ministry left a deep impression on him. He grew up watching his father, grandfather, and uncles dedicate their lives to serving the church—sacrifices that made him certain he would never follow the same path. For a time, both he and his brother, Pastor Charles Ed II, resolved not to enter pastoral ministry. But God had other plans.
When his mother became critically ill, Antonee made a heartfelt promise to God: if she recovered, he would become a pastor. God answered that prayer, and though Antonee initially ran from his vow, the call to ministry never left him. In the years that followed, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and served the church in various roles across the conference, schools, and hospital. His interest in healthcare led him to pursue a Nursing degree, where he worked faithfully for several years—but the pull toward ministry remained.
Eighteen years after making that vow, he surrendered fully to the call of ministry. Together with his wife, Girlie, he moved to Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, where he completed his Master of Divinity (MDiv) and is now pursuing a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) with a focus on Intergenerational Church.
Girlie, both an educator and a missionary at heart, has dedicated years to service that deepened her love for the gospel and strengthened her commitment to Christian education. She currently serves as an Associate Superintendent of Education in the Michigan Conference while completing her PhD dissertation at Andrews University. Together with Antonee, she is passionate about restoring God’s character, uplifting His image, and helping churches and schools become places where grace is encountered, lives are transformed, and God is glorified.
Reflecting on his journey, Pastor Antonee says:
“I once said I would never be a pastor. But here I am—not because I had no other choice, and not because I was forced—but because I made a covenant with God to serve, guide, and journey with His people until He comes again.”
Outside of ministry, Antonee and Girlie enjoy hiking, camping, cycling, road-tripping, and overlanding with their dog, Bella—finding renewal in God’s creation and joy in the journey together.
