Ed McLeod

Ed McLeod is a preacher’s kid whose life and calling have been shaped by Presbyterian congregations. He began his ministry in 1985 as Associate Pastor at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina, and later served congregations at First Presbyterian Church in Greer, SC; First Presbyterian Church in Sumter, SC; and First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, NC, where he retired in 2023 after 19 years of service.

A graduate of the College of William & Mary and Union Theological Seminary (now Union Presbyterian Seminary), Ed’s ministry has been marked by revitalization and encouragement—helping congregations cultivate hopefulness and joy while strengthening their commitment to mission. During his pastorates, churches under his leadership experienced growth, deepened missional engagement, and pursued significant capital projects designed to fortify ministry for the future.

Ed has served as moderator of two presbyteries and for multiple terms on the Committee on Ministry. Certified in Peter Steinke’s Healthy Congregations approach to conflict resolution, he has invested considerable energy in helping congregations that feel stuck, fragmented, or fatigued rediscover health and shared purpose.

For nearly two decades, Ed has also served as a mentor and instructor with the Trent Symposium, a formation program for emerging pastors based at Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke, Virginia. He helped shape the program’s vision and has led seminars on preaching, conflict resolution, staff leadership, and stewardship—encouraging young leaders to pursue long-term ministry health through strong peer relationships, mentors, and accountability.

Now enjoying the freedom of retirement, Ed welcomes opportunities to serve the church through consulting and coaching, drawing on a broad range of pastoral and presbytery experience and trusting in the God who continues to work in and through local congregations to bring healing and hope to the world.

Email Ed