Pastor Melissa began her pastorate at Franconia UMC on June 28, 2017. She enjoys serving with the members of Franconia UMC as we reach out in the Franconia/Kingstowne area to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
A native of Virginia Beach, Virginia and an ordained elder in the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church, Pastor Melissa’s appointments prior to FUMC include St. Stephen’s UMC in Burke (Associate Pastor, 2007-2013), and Redland UMC in the Winchester District (2013-2017).
Before ordination, she served for five years as a young adult missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries, and served in Tucson, Philadelphia, Ireland, and Baltimore (US-2 Program, Mission Intern Program). Her husband, Robert Miller is a native of Northern Ireland. They are the proud parents of son Shea and daughter Siobhán.
Pastor Melissa received her degrees at Wesley Theological Seminary (M. Div., Urban Ministry Program) and The College of William & Mary (B.A., Government & Psychology). She has a passion for mission, worship, evangelism, and for meeting people where they are and helping them to take the next faithful steps in their walk with God. She also enjoys helping people discover how they can make a difference for Christ in the community and the world. It is important for all of us, but for especially for our children and youth, to know God’s love for them. To that end she particularly enjoys creating opportunities for children, youth, and adults to discover God’s deep love through worship. She strongly believes that the church is called not only to proclaim the gospel, but to truly embody the gospel, shaping the community of faith in light of Christ.