We installed Jeriel Ontoy as Associate Pastor on May 8.
Jeriel had the privilege of being born and raised in a Christian home in Houston, TX where he was first exposed to music and most importantly the gospel. Because his family was so involved in their local church and Christian school, Jeriel was often roped into accompanying for special music and congregational singing, conducting choirs, and organizing rehearsals. Jeriel looks back on these early years with fondness and views them as the foundation for his future ministry.
Jeriel earned his undergraduate degree in communication and minors in business and music. While in school, Jeriel further developed his piano and conducting skills, directed a music ministry team, participated in collegiate-level choirs, gained leadership experience, and developed the Rooted music ministry at Morningside. Most recently, he mentored under Mac Lynch and led the choir and congregational singing at Catawba Springs Christian Church (Apex, NC) where his father-in-law pastors.
Jeriel has an MA in Biblical Studies. When he’s not making music, Jeriel enjoys traveling to new places with his wife.
Jeriel and his wife Carmel were married in 2020.