During an Upper Columbia Conference executive committee meeting, held Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, Eric Sayler was appointed ministerial director.
Sayler is well acquainted with the inland northwest, with more than 15 years of ministry in UCC. Sayler most recently served as Walla Walla Eastgate Adventist Church lead pastor in Walla Walla, Washington.
“Sayler is a very spiritual and capable young man who is wise beyond his years,” said David Jamieson, UCC president. “We are delighted that he has accepted the role of being a pastor to the pastors.”
In 2006, Sayler graduated with a major in theology from Walla Walla College along with a minor in history. After graduating, he spent a year as a Bible worker at Walla Walla Eastgate Church from June 2006 to July 2007 and continued as a Bible worker at Pendleton Adventist Church the next year. As a Bible worker, he gained valuable experience mentoring and discipling others through Bible study, planned and co-taught several evangelistic series, and organized regular youth group activities.
In 2008, Sayler received his certificate in pastoral coaching from North American Division Evangelism Institute. He furthered his studies at Andrews University Theological Seminary, graduating with a master’s degree in divinity in 2010.
Sayler began serving as lead pastor in 2010 for Pendleton Church and Pilot Rock Church in Oregon. There, Sayler developed a vibrant family ministries team, worked in tandem with the local Adventist school and oversaw significant church growth over the course of four years.
In 2014, Sayler accepted a position as Walla Walla Eastgate Church lead pastor, where he has served for 11 years. There, he had the opportunity to mentor theology students from Walla Walla University yearly and lead several evangelistic series. He has taken on numerous challenges during his pastoral leadership, including recovery following a fire in the church’s kitchen/fellowship hall and raising $260,000 in funds for physical plant renovations.
Walla Walla Eastgate Church has flourished during Sayler’s pastorship, with average attendance increasing from 165 to more than 265 people. In response to church growth, Sayler oversaw the addition of a second worship service to accommodate kingdom growth and facilitated the formation of community engagement teams and the ongoing development of small group ministries.
Recently, Sayler became a certified pastoral field mentor through Center for Community Change at Andrews University. “What an honor to join this talented team at the conference office and beyond,” said Sayler. “I’m looking forward to working alongside and supporting our UCC pastors and church leaders.”
Sayler started his new role on Nov. 1, 2025. Sayler, his wife, Stacie; son, Joshua; and daughter, Jillian, all enjoy a rural, country lifestyle. They ride horses and raise golden retrievers, dairy and pack goats. In addition to ministry and farming, Sayler spends time hiking with his goats in the mountains, fishing and reading.
