Author

Melissa Florer-Bixler

Pastor, Raleigh Mennonite Church

Melissa Florer-Bixler is pastor of Raleigh Mennonite Church. Prior to that, she served as minister of nurture at Duke Memorial United Methodist Church in Durham, North Carolina. She has an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and an M.A. in religion from Duke University. Florer-Bixler is licensed for ministry in the Virginia Mennonite Conference and is active in a group working to found a L’Arche community in Durham. Florer-Bixler is the author of "Fire By Night: Finding God in the Pages of the Old Testament" (Herald Press, Spring 2019)

Tim Soerens

Applications now open for Reflective Leadership Grants

“This was a game-changer for us. The chance to climb up from the ‘dance floor’ of our everyday activity and discern a clarified organization future from the ‘balcony’ was the gift we needed even more than we understood at the time.

If possible, please pursue this extraordinary opportunity.”

— Tim Soerens, Parish Collective

Christian leaders from a variety of roles are welcome to apply. The grants provide “balcony time” to reflect on accomplishments, broaden perspectives and discern next steps. The application deadline is May 2, 2025.

Learn more