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.



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