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Rev. Michael L. Eley, Jr., M.Div.

Rev. Michael Eley, Jr., M.Div. is a distinguished minister, educator, and community leader whose journey of faith began at the tender age of seven when he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior.

In 2013, Michael was inducted into the Academy of Preachers, marking the beginning of his formal ministry. He delivered his initial sermon and was licensed into the Gospel ministry in June 2015 at Mount Peace Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, under the mentorship of Rev. Dr. J. Vincent Terry, Sr.

A 2018 honors graduate of Hampton University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing, Michael was actively involved in various campus organizations and served as a spiritual leader within the university community. Expanding his academic focus, he pursued theological studies and earned a Master of Divinity with a certificate in Faith-Based Nonprofit Leadership from Wake Forest University School of Divinity in 2021. In June 2022, he was ordained into the Gospel ministry through the Wake Missionary Baptist Association, Inc.

Michael began serving as Youth & Young Adult Pastor at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church in Wake Forest, NC, in October 2018. His leadership expanded when he was called to serve as Interim Pastor at First Baptist Church of Clinton, Inc. in April 2023. In August 2024, he was elected as the ninth Senior Pastor of Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, succeeding the esteemed Rev. Dr. Enoch E. Holloway, Sr., and was officially installed in February 2025.

Beyond his pastoral work, Michael is deeply 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 monthly contributor to the Baptist Informer publication of the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Inc. His contributions reflect his ongoing commitment to justice, equity, and community advocacy.

​In addition to his ministerial responsibilities, Michael serves as a respected career technical educator in the Wake County Public School System, where he invests in the academic and personal growth of students.