The Rev. Dr. Eric Jackson, Pastor
About Our Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Eric Jackson was called as the Sixteenth Senior Minister of Eliot Church in Newton, Massachusetts on September 15, 2024 and began his service on November 24, 2025. Previously, he served as Pastor of the Plymouth Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Syracuse, New York. As a pastor who believes deeply in meeting people wherever they are on their spiritual journey, Eric has helped create spaces where both lifelong believers and spiritual seekers can explore faith authentically creating space to explore doubts and grow in their assurance.
During his tenure at Plymouth, he collaborated with church leadership to increase staffing, added two innovative worship experiences (“Jazz and Justice” and “Messy Church”), the stained glass restoration project moved forward, funds were raised and a state of the art livestreaming system was created for hybrid worship, a congregation congregational care team. His commitment to nurturing authentic spiritual leadership has resulted in two persons being prepared for ordained ministry during his tenure, with two more becoming members in discernment pursuing ordained ministry.
Throughout his 17-year ministry across New England and New York, Eric has consistently worked to help people deconstruct harmful religious ideologies while building life-giving spiritual practices. At Smith Memorial Congregational Church in Hillsborough, NH, he developed a year-round stewardship ministry, supported the effort to refurbish the handbells, and created the TeenServe program where youth and teens from the church and local community came together for faith formation, community service projects, and community building. At Brookside Congregational Church in Manchester, NH, where he served as Senior Pastor, he pioneered innovative worship services such “Broadway at the Brook,” advocated for the repair of the church’s front exterior, and expanded the church’s outreach and impact on social justice issues.
Eric brings both heart and mind to his spiritual leadership, holding a B.A. in Political Science from the City College of New York, a Master of Divinity from Drew University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Hartford Seminary. He’s currently pursuing a Ph.D. in African American preaching and sacred rhetoric at Christian Theological Seminary, with a deep interest in the biblical interpretation and rhetoric of the modern civil rights movement. He has taught Preaching, Introduction to New Testament, and United Church of Christ History and Polity.
His leadership extends throughout the denomination and community. Eric serves on the National Board of Directors of the United Church of Christ, where he sits on the Finance and Budget Committee and the General Synod Planning Committee. He has served in leadership roles within various Associations of the United Church of Christ for many years, including the Committee on Authorized Ministry, Vice-Moderator, and the Congregational Development and Standing Committee. He most recently served on the Committee on Authorized Ministry of the Oneida Association where he helped to support the development of the Association Wide Members in Discernment Team so Members in Discernment could be supported through their journey towards ordained ministry when circumstances could not permit or their local churches did not have the capacity to create local church discernment committees. His denominational service also includes serving as Secretary for the New Hampshire Conference Minister Search Committee of the UCC.
As Board President of the Alliance of Communities Transforming Syracuse (part of the Faith in Action Network), a multi-faith organization committed to social justice, Eric led the process to reimagine the organization’s vision and brought it to financial stability. His community leadership includes serving three terms as Branch President of local NAACP branches, and Vice-President of Interfaith Works of Central New York, where he chaired the Major Gifts committee during the organization’s transition from a $3M to $5M budget. He served as tri-chair for the New Hampshire Poor People’s Campaign under the direction of Rev. William Barber, furthering his commitment to justice and equity.
Eric is a member of the Academy of Homiletics and the Religious Communication Association, and has been a contributing writer in newspapers, academic journals, and books, focusing on the intersections of faith, progressive Christianity, and justice issues. His scholarly work and public writing reflect his dedication to bridging academic theology with accessible spiritual exploration.
When not accompanying others on their spiritual journeys, Eric finds his own sense of the sacred through connecting with friends and family, snowmobiling, nature, boating, meditation, antique shops, and exploring art galleries and other historical exhibits. He’s an avid reader whose favorite book is J.D. Salinger’s “Catcher in the Rye,” he proudly enjoys a good cigar, and believes in the importance of physical wellness through activities like golf and bodybuilding. His appreciation for life’s simple pleasures extends to his favorite desserts: white chocolate macadamia nut and chocolate chip cookies, and he maintains a childlike sense of wonder about life, counting “The Wizard of Oz” among his favorite films.
What excites Eric most about ministry is witnessing people discover and embrace their own unique spiritual paths – whether that means questioning traditional beliefs, finding new ways to connect with the divine, or building communities that support authentic faith expression. He believes that true spirituality is about the journey, not the destination, and that every person’s path to understanding is valid and worthy of respect.
Got questions about faith? Feedback about church? Or just need someone to talk to? Pastor Eric actually answers his phone, texts, and emails (yes, really). The good, the bad, the awkward – he’s here for all of it. And as your new pastor, he especially welcomes conversations that will help him learn about Eliot Church, its people, and the wider community.