About Our Pastor

The Rev. Mike Eller began serving as Interim Minister at the Presbyterian Church in Leonia in May 2025, bringing nearly 25 years of varied ministry experience. Ordained as an American Baptist, Mike has served Baptist, Presbyterian, and Non-Denominational congregations in New York City, North Carolina, and Texas. Even in his ecumenism, he has been thrilled to immerse himself in all things PCUSA polity, liturgy, and sacraments. Prior to his current role, he spent over two decades in various ministry positions in the area of music, the arts, and spiritual formation, largely developing intergenerational music and arts programs, including the direction of choral and instrumental ensembles. The world of music making and arts engagement reflect Mike’s collaborative spirit toward partnership across denominational and religious borders and bridge-building within the wider community. He has fostered a love of teaching, preaching, and pastoral care throughout his years of serving congregations, many of which were going through seasons of major transition.

Mike is a lifelong learner who considers himself a co-conspirator in the subversive work of God’s kin-dom. Toward this end, he has most recently earned a Master of Sacred Theology degree (with an emphasis on theology and the philosophy of religion) from Union Theological Seminary in NYC (2024). Additionally, he holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Music (Church Music and Choral Conducting) from Baylor University and the Master of Divinity degree from Truett Theological Seminary.

These days, Mike finds his creative outlet as a hymn writer, graphic designer, and willing participant in his daughters’ art projects. He enjoys staying active by playing tennis, running, and taking his dog, Tilly, on long walks through the beautiful parks of the Upper West Side. Originally a native of Southeast Virginia, Mike, along with his wife, Katie, live with their twin girls in Harlem. He has been gifted a new joy in learning more about the towns of Leonia, Fort Lee, and the surrounding areas, including the unique diversity that makes up the NJ social landscape. Mike is beyond grateful to serve as Interim Minister at PCL in a season of discernment as it engages in a Mission Study process toward celebrating its formational stories and discovering its future ministry.