Structure of St. Paul's Church
Our church is "Congregational" in polity, meaning that the membership of the church is independent and autonomously runs its own affairs. We do fellowship with other congregations and work together in ministry. The church has a council of deacons that are nominated and elected by the membership and administrate over the church. The membership has also called a pastor that is responsible for the spiritual direction of the church.
Pastor- Chuck Nelson
He was called to St. Paul's in 2022. Before coming he served as the pastor of a congregation that met in our building as we've joined the congregations together in worship. He has been a pastor in downtown Erie since 2011. He served as Director of Ministries at a church in the suburbs of Erie and Director of Elementary Ministry at a church in Missouri. Chuck has a BA in Religion from Lindenwood University, a M.Div from Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary and is in the process of earning a D.Min in Missional Leadership from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He has done adjunct work at Mercyhurst University and Erie County Community College as well as other speaking at conferences usually in regards to urban ministry, poverty, addictions, and church planting. He has been married to Betsy since '07 and has two daughters, Lydia Grace and Sophia Faith. His favorite hobbies are reading, going to restaurants, watching baseball games, and wrestling. He is the President of the Board for the Upper Room. Chuck lives a few blocks from the church and is very involved in our city and neighborhood.
Church Admin.- Cheryl Pierce
Cheryl has been a lifelong member of St. Paul's and has now worked at the church for over 20 years. She serves in an administrative role as well as pianist. She has a BA in Communications from Edinboro University. She has been married to Charlie since '86 and they have three kids, Caitlyn, Ben, and Ted.
Pastoral Intern- Adam Boaks
Adam has been attending The Cross and now St. Paul's since his freshman year of college, and has been on staff with The Cross | Urban Missions each summer since 2018. He also leads worship, and has been involved in the production of original music with the church. Adam is a graduate of Penn State Behrend with a BS of Biology, and is currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Adam teaches in Erie City Schools. He has been married to Hannah since '22 and looks forward to the ministry ahead!
