Melissa Johnson
Melissa Johnson, Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry, is a quintessential Lutheran:
- Born to a farming family in Minnesota
- Is of Swedish heritage (she likes lutefisk with cream sauce)
- Worked summers at Luther Point Bible Camp in Wisconsin
- Attended Gustavus Adolphus College, a Lutheran college.
Although Melissa has been surrounded by Lutherans and Lutheranism for most of her life, she didn't set out to work in Youth and Family Ministry. Her double major in college was Peace Studies and Psychology, which she hoped would lead to work in the political and human rights arena with the United Nations. After college, Melissa joinedLutheran Volunteer Corps(it's similar to AmeriCorps) to work within the community to embrace peace and justice. When her time with Lutheran Volunteer Corps ended, Melissa spent some time as a nomad in Europe, then returned to Minnesota and the circle of her family.
Minnesota doesn't have many mountain tops, so God called Melissa through her encompassing family. Her sister, a Youth Minister at a large congregation in St. Paul, invited her into working with the youth at that congregation. Melissa heard God's call to connect youth with God and enfold them in God's love. This led to attendingLuther Seminaryand working with the youth in that congregation for seven years.
In early 2007, Melissa learned that Grace was seeking a Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry, talked to Pastor Matt and the search committee, and then accepted the call to Grace. She didn't come for the weather (although she does like the sun), but to continue working to connect youth and families to God and wrap them in the peace, love, and justice of the community on a daily basis. She's excited to know the people and children of Grace as part of the wide circle of her family.
