Mike D'Eliso
Co-Lead Pastor

Mike loves people. Serving CitySalt since 2016, Mike has worked in the roles of Assistant Pastor, Senior Pastor, and now as of March 2025 Co-Lead Pastor alongside Pastor Aaron. Mike’s role helps people connect to CitySalt and within CitySalt. He provides support to various ministry teams and finds creative ways to bless and serve our local community. He holds a deep conviction for the importance of the local gathered church and that as a congregation we encourage one another in working out how to authentically follow Jesus in our daily lives. 

Both co-pastors are part-time. Mike is also endorsed as a Foursquare Chaplain where two days a week he serves as a Clinical Pastoral Education student at a local hospital. Beyond this, you can find Mike tending to his backyard garden, fishing in Oregon’s waterways, attempting a new hobby, or taking someone out for donuts and coffee.

Email Pastor Mike at mike@citysalt.org.

Aaron Friesen
Co-Lead Pastor

Joining CitySalt in 2022, Aaron and his wife Heather have four kids together. Their heart investment in CitySalt over the years has grown from overseeing the CS Kids Ministry to Aaron accepting the role of Co-Lead Pastor in March 2025. In this area, Aaron’s advanced theological education and heart for the local church overlap as he guides strategic leadership over our Mission, Vision, and Core Values as well as our sermon series/teaching development.

As both co-pastors are part-time, Aaron also serves as an adjunct professor at Life Pacific Univ., Bushnell Univ., New Hope Christian College, and mentor to doctoral students at Portland Seminary. Beyond that you’ll find Aaron at the driving range, recovering from a long bike ride, sipping a cappuccino, or having a pint at a local brewery.

Email Pastor Aaron at aaron@citysalt.org.

Abby Wilday
Creative Worship Ministry Pastor

Passionate about seeing people of all ages equipped to increase their awareness of God. Abby helps to create times and spaces for the congregation of CitySalt to express themselves in exaltation and worship to Jesus. This may look like diving deep into personal devotional-discipleship connections and conversations, or leading worship during regular Sunday gatherings. Abby is a licensed Foursquare Pastor and an Endorsed Chaplain serving at Hosea Youth Services in downtown Eugene.

Email Pastor Abby at abby@citysalt.org.

Heather Friesen
Kid’s Ministry Director 

Joining CitySalt in 2022, Heather, Aaron and their four kids quickly clicked with the heart of the church. Heather is a local 3rd-grade public school teacher and is currently pursuing her Foursquare Ministry License. She brings many years of educational experience and trauma-informed practices to serve the kids and families of CitySalt and the Eugene community. As part of their service at CitySalt and the larger church community, Heather and Aaron have developed a new kids’ ministry curriculum called Storyline Kids. www.storylinekids.org/. 

Email Heather at kids@citysalt.org to learn more about the kids' ministry or the steps to become a volunteer.

JoVone Kettwig
Care Ministries Coordinator

JoVone enjoys helping people feel included and connected, whether in her home, in your home, or as part of our church gatherings. Among other things, she coordinates our monthly 15th Night meal donations, our Sunday hospitality team, and efforts to connect with those in the church who could use a little extra care. 

Email JoVone at jvkettwig@comcast.net to find out how to get involved in serving our church and community.

Darla Beardsley
Digital Media
& Communications Director

Darla loves the people of CitySalt and is a communicator by nature. She makes it her mission to keep the church informed and connected by creating engaging invitations to the many events and gatherings while keeping the regular communication flowing on our website, newsletter, social media, and signage. Furthermore, she creates content for the Sunday service visual support presentation for worship and teaching to help the congregation engage and worship. Darla is a vital hub connecting the church body with the happenings of church activities.

Email Darla at darla@citysalt.org.