The Rev. Dr. Melissa Lynn Allison (she/her) is a pastor, teacher, conflict mediator, and peace and
justice practitioner. Melissa grew up in Midland, Michigan, earned her undergraduate degree
from Alma College (Go Scots!), and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies. She
went on to Louisville Theological Seminary where she received her Master of Divinity degree
with awards in the “Interpretation of Scripture and Life.” She completed her Doctorate in
Ministry at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, with emphases on peacemaking, 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 organizations; deepened the long-term mission partnerships of the church with
congregations and non-profit organizations in Jamaica and Guatemala. She has been carrying
out her ordination vows through service in presbyteries as Moderator and Chair of the
Committee on Ministry, and is previous member of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
Melissa currently lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan with her wife Robin. With one child launched and
two in high school and well on their way, they love adventuring to big water and listening to live
music. The tiny dogs know the cat is the boss of the house. And Melissa does her best not to let
rarely finished artistic endeavors and dead plants take over their home.