When recording artist, Melissa Greene released her latest solo project “Next Step” I am sure she had no idea just how true-to-life those words would become. Released in March 2009, “Next Step” is a culmination of songs and lyrics that were birthed throughout a season of much heartache and praise, grieving and growing, as Greene and her family lost her 32-year-old brother-in-law to cancer. The album beautifully depicts every life emotion imaginable and is founded upon the central idea that no matter what life brings-whether planned or not, prayed for or not, desired or not-God will be faithful to keep His promises if we will do our part in continuing to walk out our faith. Little did this artist know, God was about to take her on a journey that would challenge her to again step through some challenging doors, not knowing the incredible journey that was about to take place on the other side. Melissa Greene has a deeply rooted history with music, singing, and performing. After singing soprano with the gospel music group Truth, Greene was invited to become a part of the critically acclaimed, Grammy nominated Christian group, Avalon. She spent seven years impressing audiences belting out the words to songs like “Everything to Me”, which won a Dove Award for Inspirational Record Song of the year in 2004. Throughout her music career with Avalon, and both of her solo projects (her first release, Then and There, and her current, Next Step) Greene has appeared on the 700 Club, TBN, and Life Today with James and Betty Robinson. She has traveled the world ministering and singing in places like China, Africa, Hong Kong, Scotland, the Philippines, and Nicaragua. With a host of accomplishments already to her name, in the spring of 2009, God began to take Greene’s heart and passions into a new mission field, and one that resided close to home. After much praying and listening, Greene felt that God was leading her to resign from her position in Avalon, not knowing what the future would hold, but trusting in God’s continued providence for her and her family. Just a short time later God presented an opportunity and Greene prayerfully, and excitedly accepted a new position as the Pastor of Worship and Arts at Gracepointe Church in Franklin, TN. (gracepointe/ ) Greene joins Pastor Stan Mitchell, and an entire staff of committed pastors and friends, in leading and ministering to the congregation of Gracepointe. She is a vital piece of the planning process for the church’s two services every Sunday morning, as she prepares and leads the church’s time of worship through music. Coordinating schedules for rehearsals with the band and vocals, choosing theme and scripturally based songs and lyrics, and planning special music-enriched services are just a few of her musical responsibilities each week. In addition, Greene also spends time meeting with congregation members outside of church to listen, mentor, guide, and pray with them in a supportive, and encouraging pastoral role. Recording artist, wife, mom, sister, friend, and now, pastor. That’s a lot of hats for any one woman to wear. But inquire about any one of those roles, and you will be met with a joyful smile and an honest answer from Greene: “Right now my life is busier than ever, but my life is also more full than it’s ever been. I have two children, a husband, family, friends, ministry, and now a home church to walk with, pastor, and grow from. I’ve realized the more you open your life to God, the more He’ll fill it. I am experiencing this beautiful circle of being full, fully pouring myself out, and then being filled back up. I am satisfied, grateful, and overwhelmed by the goodness of God in my life and the lives of those around me.” Ask anyone in her congregation the one thing you notice about Greene when she sings and you will most likely get the same answer: her smile. Her love for God is undeniable in the joy on her face. She leads her church with a passion and heart for worship, and a desire to serve and minister to others. Greene has indeed taken the next step God had planned for her. As she once said of a lesson learned from one of her pastors: “The test of discipleship was not about understanding God. It was not about understanding His ways. It was not about understanding why He does what He does. It was about following Him. Jesus didn’t say to his disciples, “Understand me.” He simply said, “Follow me.” Gracefully, and with a heart of humility, Greene is doing just that.