Melissa Tripod

Children's Minister

Melissa Tripod began her work in ministry as a sophomore at Arkansas Tech University, in 1991, at the Wesley Foundation. She began working with the Age to Age program, where she eventually became a Director and stayed for 20 years. She worked with Age to Age and directed Circuit Riders and the A.C.T.S theatre group. In 2011 Melissa accepted the Youth Ministry position at Russellville First United Church, staying for seven years. She then spent four years at Clarksville First United Methodist Church as the Director of Ministry before joining the staff here at First Church. Melissa has always felt a call to ministry, and helping youth and children grow is her passion. She is married to Jon, a physical therapist, and together they have six children and two grandchildren. She enjoys hanging out with her family, all things food, curling up with a good book, and outdoor adventures.