Eric Stricklin

Pastor Eric Stricklin has been at St. Paul UCC for 5 years. He has a young daughter named Ella and a son named Levi due in the fall. Pastor Eric has been very active in the community of Chelsea in many ways, including serving as a member of the city's Human Rights Commission and as a founding member of Equality Chelsea, a new organization committed to LGBTQ equality and advocacy in Chelsea.

Pastor Eric received a bachelor's degree in Religious Studies and Christian Education from Defiance College and a Master of Divinity degree from Chicago Theological Seminary. He loves preaching and teaching and has a deep love of theology and the Bible. He sees himself as a serious theologian who doesn’t take himself seriously. He has a particular interest in intergenerational ministry and working to ensure that Christ followers of all ages feel they have an important role in the life and mission of the church. A key element of his ministry is to be out in the community, becoming a familiar and helpful face to all neighbors.

Pastor Eric is passionate about his work with young people. In his previous church, his ministry focused on youth and families. He is also a dedicated coach and has been the Defensive Coordinator for the Stockbridge High School football program for 5 years, where his wife teaches English. He sees coaching as an extension of his ministry, allowing him to build relationships. Growing up in Portage, MI, Pastor Eric is excited to return home to Michigan. He and his wife Rita, an educator, enjoy attending sports events, reading, and taking nature hikes with their rescue dog, Hank.