Getting to Know You: Anthony and Victoria Santiago, Alicante Church
‘Getting to Know You’ introduces you to pastors and ministry leaders within the Fellowship of European International Church network. In this piece, we feature Anthony and Victoria Santiago, who are planting an international church in Alicante, Spain. With roots in both missionary and pastoral families, their journey has come full circle as they now serve together in Europe, responding to God’s call to reach a diverse and spiritually hungry city.
Share with us a little about your lives before you came to Spain—what you did, where you lived, how you met, etc.
Anthony grew up as a missionary kid in Spain; Victoria was a pastor’s kid from Florida. Our parents met at a BGMC banquet, where our moms took a photo together and had the idea to connect us. At the time, I (Anthony) was studying at Continental Theological Seminary in Belgium and Victoria was working in IT in Jacksonville, Florida. After a few conversations and a couple of visits, we were married on June 16, 2017.
How (and when) did God lead you to Spain, and what does your ministry entail?
In 2020, during our final months in Belgium, we sensed God preparing us to pastor in Europe. After seeking counsel from experienced leaders, Alicante consistently came up as a city with great need. Both AGWM personnel and leaders in the Spanish national church confirmed the vision: an international church was needed in Alicante—so we stepped out to plant one.
How is the church plant going?
Since our launch on January 19, 2025, we are averaging 148 people weekly, have baptized 41, and completed six discipleship courses, including Alpha. Every Sunday has welcomed at least one first-time guest. God is drawing people.
Describe Alicante’s spiritual needs, culture, and international diversity.
Alicante is a culturally rich, globally connected city—largely due to tourism. But with that also comes spiritual challenge, especially in the form of lust and identity confusion. It’s a city hungry for truth, hope, and freedom in Christ.
What have you learned about international church ministry while serving there?
I’ve learned how to embrace diversity while holding firmly to theological clarity and gospel-centered unity. The sacrament of holy communion holds our church together more than anything, which is why we partake of it every Sunday.
What do you find fulfilling about serving in international church ministry?
Watching community happen organically—when people gather, care for each other, and disciple one another outside official church events.
What do you enjoy about being part of the FEIC network?
The conferences have been life-giving. They give me space to step away, gain fresh perspective, and return to Alicante with vision and renewed strength.
How can fellow FEIC pastors pray for you?
Pray for confidence and clarity in leadership. As a first-time lead pastor, I’m learning to lead without falling into people-pleasing.
Anything else you’d like to share?
We’re deeply thankful for this network. Last year’s conference in Budapest refreshed my soul. One quote that stuck with me is from Dr. Aaron Cole:
“Leadership is a tension to be managed.”
That’s stayed with me ever since.
Anthony Santiago
Alicante Church – Alicante, Spain
E-mail: [email protected]
