Wesley W. Ellis

Dr. Wesley W. Ellis is a theologian, pastor, and educator with a passion for spiritual formation, youth ministry, and practical theology. He is the Senior Pastor of First Congregational Church of Ramona in California (UCC) and a Visiting Instructor at Luther Seminary (ELCA) in St. Paul, Minnesota. Wes holds a Ph.D. in Practical Theology from the University of Aberdeen (UK), an M.Div. and an MA in Christian Education and Youth Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a BA in Theology and Biblical Studies from Azusa Pacific University. With 20 years of ministry experience in Presbyterian (PCUSA), United Methodist, United Church of Christ, and evangelical contexts, he brings a unique and ecumenical perspective to his work. While earning his Ph.D., he served as Associate Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Toms River in New Jersey. His writing explores themes of joy, youth ministry, and spirituality in a secular age. He is the author of *Youth Beyond the Developmental Lens: Being over Becoming* (Fortress, 2024) and *Abiding in Amen: Prayer in a Secular Age* (Fortress, 2025) and co-author of *Delighted: What Teenagers Are Teaching the Church About Joy* (Eerdmans, 2020). When he's not writing or teaching, Wes enjoys playing golf, watching Padres baseball, and spending time with his family.