Profile: Melanie Wilkins
What do you see as priorities in your new job?
The priority in the job is to coordinate and oversee Children’s Ministry in such a way that our children know who Jesus is. The teachers and volunteers are the ones God works through to carry this out. So, my job is to serve and support them in any and every way possible from team building to curriculum selection to washing sippy cups! Sharing the Gospel with our children should never be “a chore” but a high calling that we all embrace in making disciples of the younger generation.
What inspired you to take on this responsibility?
God has given me a passion for children; that’s just who I am. From the time my sixth grade Sunday School teacher introduced me to Jesus for the first time, I wanted to share that Good News with children in particular. During high school and college, I had plans to go into missions and was halfway down that road when God had something else in mind. In all my years of teaching, in both public and Christian schools, in both regular and special education, I’ve realized it’s not all about the lessons or creative ideas. I’m called to love. And that’s ultimately what inspired me to take on this responsibility.
What is about it that gets your blood flowing?
Psalm 78 both inspires me and instructs me to “tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done… and they in turn will tell their children.” I can’t think of anything more exciting than to work alongside parents, teachers, and volunteers to “tell the next generation.”
What person has had the most influence on your life?
It may sound “sappy,” but my husband and best friend, Rob.
Who are your heroes?
Jesus, who loves me and holds me tight, always, completely, no matter where or how I am in life.
What are your favorite movies?
Shakespeare in Love, Parenthood, Amadeus, Father of the Bride, Finding Nemo
What cartoon character do you most relate to?
Littlefoot from The Land Before Time series. He’s the little dinosaur that won’t let disappointment and obstacles stop him. He loves his friends and is constantly bringing them together to make it through good and bad times.
What do you do to unwind and de-stress?
For most of my life it was to sit at the piano and lose myself in music. During this season of my life, and since the piano now sits in the middle of the house, I best unwind putting my youngest to bed. After stories are read and lights are out, just lying there with her and “snuggling.”
How did you find your way to Grace?
I actually found Grace on the web while living in Ohio. We were traveling an hour for church and wanted to live in the mountains, so I started looking for a church in western NC. Once I found Grace’s site, we came down and visited 4-5 times and knew that when we moved, Grace would be our church home.
updated:
3/28/07
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