Neal, 34, is a Filipino American, Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) serving as pastor of Middlesex Presbyterian Church (Middlesex, NJ) since 2003, and on the adjunct faculty of Somerset Christian College (Zarephath, NJ) since 2005. Neal is a committed ecumenist, lending leadership through the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) and its predecessor, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC), serving on both executive committees, and serving as convenor of the Caribbean and North American Area Council since 2006. He has represented WARC at the WCC Faith and Order Plenary Commission and at the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity symposium on “Harvesting the Fruits.” Neal serves as a trustee of Princeton Theological Seminary,
chair of the General Assembly Special Committee on the Heidelberg Catechism, and formerly as vice chair of the General Assembly Mission Council. He has edited two books: That They May All Be One: Celebrating the World Communion of Reformed Churches:essays in honor of Clifton Kirkpatrick (Westminster John Knox Press, 2010) and Insights from the Underside: An Intergenerational Conversation of Ministers (Broadmind Press, 2008). He has past and forthcoming essays in Ecumenical Review, Homiletic, Homily Service, The Present Word, The Presbyterian Outlook, and Call To Worship. Professionally, he has memberships in Societas Liturgica, the North American Academy of Liturgy and the North American Academy of Ecumenists. He studied at Drew University (Ph.D, M.Phil. in liturgical studies/liturgical theology), Princeton Theological Seminary (Th.M. in pastoral theology), San Francisco Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Westminster Theological Seminary California (graduate theology/history courses), and the University of California, Davis (B.A. in political science summa cum laude and history cum laude). Neal and his wife have two sons; the Presas live in New Jersey. Neal enjoys hanging out with his family, traveling, fine wine and great food, working out, reading, and politics.
He can be contacted at:
ndpresa@yahoo.com
www.facebook.com/NealPresa
www.twitter.com/NealPresa
SL: Doktorvater Spiritor