Pastor Eric Wilder

Originally from Vermont, Eric Wilder moved to Massachusetts in 1981 to study at Gordon College. As a student, he got his first taste of Gordon's outdoor education program (La Vida) by leading 12-day-long expeditions in the Adirondack mountains of New York. After graduating from Gordon, he pursued his Master of Divinity degree at Fuller Theological Seminary while simultaneously working as a youth pastor for YoungLife. Then in 1991, he returned to Gordon to work as the Assistant Director of La Vida, and a few years later, he was promoted to Director. His Gordon connections are extensive and still continue to this day.

Prior to Second Congregational, he spent 18 years working full-time as an Associate Pastor. His ordination was through the CCCC. He's handled a variety of pastoral duties for people of all ages-- preaching, mentoring, premarital counseling, Bible studies, weddings, funerals, and baby dedications, to name a few. His favorite topic to preach about is how Jesus affects the entire community and not just the individual.

Ever the outdoorsman, Eric enjoys fishing, basketball, and soccer in his free time. He also likes reading and learning new things. And he's got a knack for media technology (cameras, computers, microphones, video production, etc.).

Eric's wife, Eileen, is a middle school English/Language Arts teacher. They've been married for over 30 years and are currently living in Lancaster, MA. They have two daughters, both of whom live in the area: one is a teacher in Hamilton, MA, and the other is studying at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Depending on God's plan, Eric and Eileen are hoping to move back to the North Shore in the near future.

We’re so excited to have the Wilders at Second Congregational!