Pastor Eli came to Christ Community in 2012 as a Vicar (pastoral intern) After serving for a year under Pastor Orlie Trier, Eli was called to replace Orlie upon his retirement in 2013. Eli attended Northwest University graduating with a BA in Biblical Literature in 2006. He then graduated from Faith Evangelical Lutheran Seminary with a MDiv. in 2011. Eli grew up in Seattle, WA and is an ardent supporter of the Seattle Sounders. His secondary mission is to bring light to the greater community of Portland which is home to arch-enemy, the Portland Timbers. His wife, Jennifer, grew up in Ketchikan and graduated with her BA in Education from Northwest College. She teaches 4th grade at Kalama Elementary School. Eli and Jennifer have two children, Gabriel and Sophie.