Every year, Parkside welcomes a new class of residents who are seeking to clarify their calling to full-time ministry. Residents serve alongside various pastors and staff, learning about many facets of ministry at Parkside. 

Andrew Neal from Kentucky 

From Louisville, Andrew is a graduate of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with experience in youth ministry, worship, missions work, and his local church’s equipping classes. He's traveled to both France and Southeast Asia for ministry service opportunities. After finishing seminary, Andrew sought to shadow more experienced pastors and learn from them, being challenged to grow in his abilities. Through this residency, he hopes to learn more about pastoral care and counseling and refine his teaching and preaching.

Andrew has been married to Jessie for 10 years, and they have four children: Samuel (8), Nora (6), Eli (3), and Benjamin (6 months). Jessie works in women’s healthcare as a nurse. At the moment, they are staying in Strongsville with family until they find a more permanent home. When Andrew isn't at Parkside, he enjoys exercising, weightlifting, and hiking with his family and Bernedoodle, Oliver. He counts Utah and the unique landscape of Arches National Park as among his favorite places to hike. 

Fun Facts

Favorite Snack: Anything sweet with peanut butter and chocolate

Fictional World In Which He'd Like to Live: J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, either in the Shire or among the elves.

Currently Reading: Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age, by Samuel D. James. Andrew said that this book helps us think critically about the media we consume. 

How You Can Pray

• Pray as Andrew and his family transition to life in northeast Ohio in new places with new schools and jobs.
• Pray that God would provide community for their family.
• Ask that God would help them sell their home in Kentucky.