This is session three of the three part series “LGBTQ+ Conversations with Rick Power.”

Rick Power enjoyed a rich and rewarding career as a pastor (Texas, Hawaii, Kansas), missionary in China, and district superintendent in Hawaii. In 2024, he resigned his ordination credential after his views on human sexuality were called into question. He is currently pursuing ministerial standing in a new denomination.

Our Guest Panelist for this session is Rev. Melissa A. Martin, a Presbyterian Church (USA) pastor in Hawaii. Melissa believes that faith communities can be powerful catalysts for change, particularly in how we treat our land and steward church buildings. In her work with the Community Church of Honolulu, she actively facilitates partnerships between churches and non-profits, helping them leverage their physical resources for greater impact. Her understanding of church as a catalyst for change doesn't stop there, Melissa also recently received a Louisville Institute grant to develop a theology of divorce, and she's dedicated to exploring the way our faith empowers us to build communities inclusive of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and relationship statuses.

Melissa brings a wealth of experience to her ministry. She's a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, has worked in higher education, served as a head pastor, and holds a certificate in executive leadership. Outside of her pastoral work, you'll find Melissa as a certified yoga instructor, a novice freediver, and an infrequent painter.

This conversation will explore the process of how to carefully and prayerfully change our minds on ethical issues.

This conversation will be moderated by Bill Sunberg.