The Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization team (MESA)

Within the United Church of Christ, the Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization team (MESA) supports the critical implementation of denominational polity for authorized ministry, especially equipping the Committees on Ministry that determine authorization of those persons who hold or are pursuing ministerial standing.

In other words (to make metaphorical use of “mesa”), we serve as host at the table that is ministry in the United Church of Christ. Gathered at the table are authorized ministers, calling bodies, Associations, Conferences, and Committees on Ministry, to which the MESA team offers support and resources for faithful and effective ministry. Additionally, MESA’s role as host includes the encouragement of ongoing conversation regarding issues of ministry in the 21st century.

Minister and Team Leader the Rev. Elizabeth Dilley
Antoinette Brown Society, 2024 Gathering

Our Team

Elizabeth Dilley
Minister and Team Leader
dilleye@ucc.org, 216-736-3841

Tara Barber
Minister for Ministerial Support & Accountability
barbert@ucc.org, 216-736-3840

Stephen Boyd
Ecclesiastical Endorser for Government Chaplaincy
boyds@ucc.org, 562-301-1622

Anissa Glaser-Bacon
Minister for Ministers in Specialized Settings and Professional Endorsement Coordinator
glaser-bacona@ucc.org, 216-736-3886

Renee Jackson
Minister for Ministerial Formation
jacksonr@ucc.org, 216-736-3842

Darrell Ludwig
Profile & Ministry Opportunities Administrator
ludwigd@ucc.org, 216-736-3847

Jeffrey (Jeff) Nelson
Minister for Ministerial Calls and Transitions
nelsonj@ucc.org, 216-736-3838

Melanie Oommen
Minister for Committee on Ministry Development and Leadership
oommenm@ucc.org, 216-736-3846

Tanika Wainwright
Program Assistant
wainwrightt@ucc.org, 216-736-3720


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General Synod 35 – July 2025 Featured COMma Article

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Questions?

For questions, please reach out the Program Assistant, Tanika Wainwright at wainwrightt@ucc.org.