For over 20 years, I've helped men become the spiritual leaders their families need. Through teaching, mentoring, writing, and ministry, my mission is simple: turn the hearts of fathers toward their children — and point every family to the hope of Christ.
39
Years of Ministry
Author
Father Love &
The Family Shepherd
2022
Sarah Landess Community Spirit Award
Founder
Urban Light Ministries
WHO IS PASTOR ELI?
TURNING FATHER'S HEARTS TOWARD THEIR CHILDREN
Thank you for stopping by. I'm a Christ-follower, husband, father, ordained minister, author, and nonprofit leader who has spent two decades leading an effort to build strong fathers and strong families.
In 2006, we changed the mission of Urban Light Ministries to address one of the most urgent crises of our time: father absence in the home and community.
What began as a calling has grown into a movement — multi-ethnic at its core, rooted in Scripture, and dedicated to equipping men to lead with courage and enduring faith.
I bring the hope of Christ to others through speaking, preaching, teaching, mentoring, writing, and foreign missions. Whether I'm leading a workshop, addressing a conference, or sitting across from one father who wants to do better, my heart is the same: to see men rise into the role God designed for them.
FEATURED BOOK
THE FAMILY SHEPHERD
"Every child needs a shepherd. Every father can become one."
In The Family Shepherd, I explore what it truly means to guide, serve, and protect your family with biblical conviction. It's the book behind the Family Shepherd Workshop — a practical, Scripture-rooted path that moves men from simply surviving to genuinely shepherding.
"I was convinced to pour into my eighteen-year-old son in a richer way. The men will be thoroughly enriched."— Pastor, Springfield, Ohio
WORKSHOP
The Family Shepherd Workshop
A 4-Hour Leadership Intensive
A 4-hour leadership intensive that equips Christian fathers to lead their homes with strength and faith. Hosted in local churches, led by experienced facilitators, and designed to turn conviction into action.
Whether your church is large or small, this workshop meets men where they are and calls them higher — into the fathers God created them to be.
What Participants Say
"I was convinced to pour into my eighteen-year-old son in a richer way. The men will be thoroughly enriched."
— Pastor, Springfield, Ohio
"Pastor Eli's Father Love class created a gentle, warm environment where men could be vulnerable about fatherhood. It humbled me while building my confidence."
— Workshop Attendee
ALSO AVAILABLE
Father Love
There is no love like a father's love.
Father Love explores the concept of love as described in the Word of God and considers its application for dads. The book encourages and inspires fathers to give their children what no one else on earth can — their best, fully-developed Father Love.
The companion Study Guide is formatted in 13 one-hour sessions, perfect for men's groups, churches, and community programs.
SPEAKING & TEACHING
I Speak to Strengthen Families & Communities
I speak to churches, conferences, men's groups, and community organizations. Every message is shaped by a lifelong commitment to building bridges between believers — across cultures, denominations, and backgrounds.
The Family Shepherd
Equipping men to lead, serve, and protect their families with courage and enduring faith.
Father Love
Exploring biblical love and what it means for men and dads in today's world.
Harmony & Peace
For more than three decades, Pastor Eli has been breaking down walls between Christians through genuine relationship — a thread woven through everything he does.