In Dr. Tackett's words:

"This is Melissa. She is sitting third from the left, next to Doug. Melissa is one of the most joyful and uplifting people I have ever known. Being around her is like going to a recharge station. I think of 2 Corinthians 2:4-6 and the fragrance of the knowledge of Him that we are supposed to manifest in our walk. Melissa is the ideal of that passage. She has gone through some really hard times, but the Lord has not only sustained her. He has also caused her to flourish despite all. It is a deep privilege to have her as a friend."

Tour 7  Student Cameo, Melissa

Melissa says her interest in worldviews began at age 12, driven by a desire to understand why Christianity is distinct and to be able to explain it to others. She describes The Truth Project as dense and information-rich, while The Engagement Project felt more like the “heart” of the Lord—moving from framework to love in action. As a mom of three kids age four and under, she appreciates that this approach doesn’t require more checklists or measurable productivity, but instead invites an “unlearning” of self-imposed expectations and performance. She admits that rules and boxes can feel safer than the open-ended call to love well, yet she’s experiencing freedom in learning to love neighbors authentically and relationally. Her favorite part was the post-session discussions and connections, and she sees this model as especially doable for young families—simply welcoming neighbors into their everyday life so her kids grow up seeing love and hospitality as normal.