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Rev. Michael L. Eley, Jr., M.Div.Rev. Michael Eley, Jr., M.Div. is a pastor and community leader with a passion for helping people encounter Christ, grow in discipleship, and impact their communities through service.
Rev. Eley's faith journey began at the age of seven when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He preached his initial sermon and was licensed to the Gospel ministry in June 2015 at Mount Peace Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, under the leadership and mentorship of Rev. Dr. J. Vincent Terry, Sr. In June 2022, he was ordained into the Gospel ministry through the Wake Missionary Baptist Association, Inc. A 2018 Honors graduate of Hampton University, Rev. Eley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing, where he was actively involved in campus leadership and ministry. He later earned a Master of Divinity with a Certificate in Faith-Based Nonprofit Leadership from Wake Forest University School of Divinity in 2021, equipping him with a unique blend of theological insight and organizational leadership. |
Rev. Eley's ministry at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church began in October 2018 when he was called to serve as Youth and Young Adult Pastor. In April 2023, he was appointed Interim Pastor of First Baptist Church of Clinton, Inc., faithfully guiding the congregation through a season of transition. In August 2024, Friendship Chapel elected him as its ninth Senior Pastor, succeeding the beloved Rev. Dr. Enoch E. Holloway, Sr. He was officially installed in February 2025.
Under Rev. Eley's leadership, Friendship Chapel has experienced a season of significant growth and renewal, characterized by increased membership, expanded discipleship opportunities, strengthened community partnerships, and a renewed emphasis on excellence in ministry.
Beyond the local church, Rev. Eley is actively engaged in denominational and civic life. He is a proud Silver Life Member of the NAACP, a member of the Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, and a contributor to the Baptist Informer, the publication of the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Inc. Through these avenues, he advocates for justice, education, mental health awareness, and the holistic well-being of individuals and families.
Prior to entering full-time pastoral ministry, Rev. Eley dedicated five years to education as a Career and Technical Education teacher within the Wake County Public School System, where he invested in the academic, professional, and personal development of young people. Through preaching, teaching, and community engagement, he remains committed to helping people love Christ, live boldly, and change the world.
Under Rev. Eley's leadership, Friendship Chapel has experienced a season of significant growth and renewal, characterized by increased membership, expanded discipleship opportunities, strengthened community partnerships, and a renewed emphasis on excellence in ministry.
Beyond the local church, Rev. Eley is actively engaged in denominational and civic life. He is a proud Silver Life Member of the NAACP, a member of the Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, and a contributor to the Baptist Informer, the publication of the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Inc. Through these avenues, he advocates for justice, education, mental health awareness, and the holistic well-being of individuals and families.
Prior to entering full-time pastoral ministry, Rev. Eley dedicated five years to education as a Career and Technical Education teacher within the Wake County Public School System, where he invested in the academic, professional, and personal development of young people. Through preaching, teaching, and community engagement, he remains committed to helping people love Christ, live boldly, and change the world.
