Celeste Wallace

Born in the Bronx and raised in upstate New York and Western Massachusetts, Celeste returned to the city to complete her studies, earning a BA in Sociology from Hunter College. But the Bronx never left her heart. “I have always had a deep love for the BX and its people,” she says, a love that continues to shape her life and leadership.

As a founding member of Elements Church, Celeste served as treasurer, teacher, and minister, holding down the unseen, sacred work of ministry. That season became holy ground, where obedience was practiced in silence, trust was forged in tension, and spiritual formation was deepened through devotion.

Now, as Lead Pastor, she leads with wisdom, warmth, and the heart of a pastor. She is wholly committed to authenticity, healing, and Spirit-led community. Celeste believes that the Spirit gives each person something for the good of all, and she treasures every act of service as sacred. “When we are all moving in our God-given purpose, we embody the love of Christ on Earth for all people.”

Celeste is a people person who not only speaks about love, justice, or faith, but also lives it. Her leadership is rooted in grace and grounded in truth. She knows that God never called us to perfection, but rather to purposefully accomplish His plan.

Her vision? A church that “keeps it real as we grow together into the force for change God wants us to be in the world.” She leans intentionally into the fullness of what God offers with humility, grit, and grace.