A man of many hats

REVEREND DR Clive E Neil graduated from Iona High School in 1978. He was class president and led on-campus groups such as the Key Club.

Reverend Neil is currently the senior pastor of BedfordCentral Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn, NY, which he has led since 1988. He is also the author of three books, scholar, a global ambassador for the World Vision mission, a community activist, a licensed psychotherapist, and a lecturer.

He attended Eastern University in St David, Pennsylvania, where he graduated with honours and was awarded a Princeton University Fellowship. He later graduated with a master’s in divinity.

In 1991, Dr Neil received his doctorate in counselling from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. The subject of his dissertation was ‘Developing healthy interpersonal relationships.’

He ordained as Presbyterian minister and his journey led him to the pastoring Tremont Presbyterian Church, Bronx, New York, from 1985-1988.

In 1988, God joined together the ministry of the congregation of Bedford-Central Presbyterian Church and the ministering gifts of Dr Neil to create a dynamic, Christ-centered, Bible-believing, peoplebuilding, community-reaching church.

An accomplished author, Dr Neil has written three books: Dancing with Danger - Turning Obstacles into Opportunities, Breaking Through, and Unleashing the Truth.

As a licensed psychotherapist, he has taught and lectured at many of NYC’s premier colleges.

Dr Neil is a former professor of psychology at the Metropolitan College of New York and New York Theological at Auburn Theological Seminaries; he continues to lecture and preach in various academic settings around the country.

Dr Neil has traveled extensively throughout the world. Since 1986, his travels have taken him to the Caribbean, South America, Africa, Europe, Haiti, Cuba, and the Orient. In 2008, he had the privilege to study at Oxford University in England as a Georgetown Scholar. He is currently enrolled as one of the Leadership Network scholars and is on the advisory board for the New York Leadership.

Dr Neil is the proud father of children Aisha and Darius. He is currently a member of the Board of Friends of Iona (FIO).