As Director of Younger Children’s Ministries at the General Board of Discipleship, I am responsible for resourcing the United Methodist Church in ministries with children under age six, including weekday ministries, daycare, preschool, and parents’ day out programs.  I specialize in faith formation of young children, and direct Focus, the United Methodist national conference for those engaged in ministry for children.

I hold a bachelor of arts in elementary education from Clemson University and a master of church ministries degree with an emphasis on spiritual formation from Duke Divinity School, and I am a member of the South Carolina Annual Conference.  While a resident of South Carolina, I taught in the School District of Greenville County.  I have interned with the Methodist Home for Children in North Carolina, worked with the homeless population through Metropolitan Community UMC in New York City, and traveled extensively to observe best practices in early childhood development.    

I love that my ministry allows me to connect congregations and conferences with the resources that will support them as they share with children our Christian tradition through developmentally appropriate and enriching experiences!

peace,
melanie gordon