Meet Rev. Neil Ellingson! 👋

ASSOCIATE MINISTER SEARCH COMMITTEE

We’re excited to welcome Neil to the St. Paul’s UCC community this fall as our Associate Minister.

Neil is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ who has also served congregations in the Disciples of Christ and American Baptist traditions, as well as serving as a chaplain at a Catholic university. A Minnesota native who grew up in Brooklyn Center and Minnetonka, Neil’s journey to ministry began after a life-changing experience of profound joy and peace that led him to discover a vibrant faith community in New York City. Later, he co-founded Root and Branch, a new church in Chicago created for people who never quite felt like they fit into traditional church spaces.

Neil is passionate about preaching, pastoral care, worship, and helping build communities where everyone knows they belong. He cares deeply about justice, especially economic and disability justice, and loves learning from children, listening to people’s stories, and discovering together the joy of following the way of Jesus.

He earned his B.A. from Harvard University and his Master of Divinity from the University of Chicago Divinity School.

When he’s not at church, you’ll likely find Neil riding his bike, exploring the woods, making or listening to music, collecting more books than he has time to read, dancing, or spending time with his wife, Allison, and their three children, Hans, Glory, and Moses.

One fun fact: Neil’s very first experience with public speaking happened right here in St. Paul (see photo)!

As Neil looks ahead to this new chapter, he shares this hope:

“I want to help grow the kind of community that seems too good to be true: a place where you feel a sense of deep, joyful belonging but also can’t wait to meet people who aren’t like you. Being at home, but also ready for adventure. I can’t wait to do that alongside you all at St. Paul’s.”

Please join us in giving Neil a warm St. Paul’s UCC welcome! ❤️