Though Paul and Teresa have both studied in Bible Institutes, most of their training has been informal apprenticeship relationships under quality ministers. For two years Paul apprenticed under Pastor Gerald Zordel in Canon City, Colorado. He later apprenticed for two years under missionaries Robert and Marjorie Clingan in Torreón, Mexico, and two more years under Ray and Phyllis Bedwell in Monterrey, Mexico. He was an elder and missions director in his home church, Cornerstone Christian Church, in Spooner, Wisconsin, for several years between 1992 – 1997.
Paul and Teresa returned to southern Mexico in 1998, being sent by their home church, Cornerstone Christian Church, in Spooner, Wisconsin. They worked alongside alongside long-time missionary, Earl Kellum, until his death in 2004. In 2000 Paul became the coordinator of the US construction teams that goes annually to Mexico. Paul and Teresa currently pastor a church which they planted in the town of Tepecoacuilco.
In 2011 the Stilwell’s moved to Minnesota with a vision to raise up Hispanic ministries among immigrants. Paul and Teresa pastor Iglesia Cristiana Trinity, a ministry of Trinity Church in Lakeville, MN. They continue to oversee their work in Mexico, and to produce Spanish resources published on www.mexmission.com.