About Our Pastor

The Rev. Dr. Melissa Lynn Allison was called to serve as our pastor in 2019. Previously, she served congregations in Rochester, New York and Caro, Michigan.

Melissa is a proud Alma College graduate (Go Scots!). She earned her Masters of Divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary with awards in the “Interpretation of Scripture and Life.” She attended Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School for her Doctorate in Ministry with an emphasis on interfaith dialogue and prophetic preaching. Melissa is co- author of the book, “Girlfriends’ Clergy Companion: Surviving and Thriving in Ministry.”

Melissa has led congregations through significant governance and staff restructuring; cultivated collaborative relationships with neighboring congregations, interfaith communities and nonprofit organization; deepened the long-term mission partnerships of the church with congregations and non-profit organizations in Jamaica and Guatemala; and initiated intergenerational worship experiences. Most importantly, Melissa has had the honor of building relationships with the congregation during times of change, grief and celebration.

Melissa also loves spending time with her daughters, cooking, trail running while listening to great music or an audiobook, cross country skiing, reading, and starting (but rarely finishing) creative projects.