Fall in Love with Jesus & Go Where He Takes You (Even if it's Scary)

An interview with Melody, by Matt Schneider.

"Friday Bible study with Dede in my kitchen." Pictured: Dede (left), Melody (right)

I connected with Melody through my friends John and Devin Marshall in New Hampshire. I was struck by Melody's love for Jesus and her journey of following His lead, even when it didn't align with the expectations of those around her. Originally from Tennessee, Melody's path has taken her from traditional church settings to simple gatherings, from New Hampshire to back home in the South, all while raising six children on her own after the death of her husband in 2017. What follows is a conversation about faith, family, and finding a new way to be the church in a world that often prioritizes institutions over relationships.

Matt: Could you tell me a little about yourself? You're originally from Tennessee but lived in New Hampshire for a while and have now moved back. What's that journey been like?

Melody: Sure, it all started in 2017 when my husband passed away. We were attending a church then, but after about a year, we left. Then COVID hit, and we didn't have anywhere to go spiritually. I was ready to move back to Tennessee. I started packing and selling things, but I prayed and asked God to give us a home church and a family where we were. I promised I'd stay if He provided that.

That week, I met John and Devin, and we connected with them for about two and a half years. During that time, I went through what I call "detoxing" from my previous church experience. Watching John and Devin navigate their own calling helped me process a lot of my own spiritual journey. But then, in 2023, my rent in New Hampshire increased, and I started losing work. It felt like God was shaking the nest.

Around that time, a friend told me she'd been praying about me and believed God wanted me to go home to Tennessee. I knew it was true—I had been fighting it, but God was leading me back. By the end of August 2023, we were moved in. John and Devin even helped drive the U-Haul and settle us here in Corryton, TN.

Matt: How did you find your place in Corryton?

Melody: It's funny—I'd never even heard of Corryton, but when I looked at maps and listings in the Knoxville area, my attention kept getting drawn to it. Then my brother-in-law, who works for a construction company, told me a rental was available there. I just knew it was the right place. We rented it while we were still in New Hampshire, and when we moved in, it felt like everything I had prayed for was being provided.

Matt: It sounds like finding a family was a big part of your longing. Can you talk more about that?

Melody: Yes, after my husband passed, I wasn't just looking for a church—I needed a family. I felt alone and knew my children needed a community to help raise them. That was my prayer: not just to be in a church but to be part of a family where we could share our lives.

Matt: What do you think stands in the way of that in traditional churches?

Melody: There's a lot of pressure to maintain a facade, to pretend everything is fine even when it's not. You can't admit you're struggling without being judged or misunderstood. In more legalistic churches, if you don't agree with everything, you're seen as rebellious. It's hard to be honest. Another issue is not letting people operate in their God-given gifts. Churches often put everything on the pastor instead of allowing the whole body to function together, as the Bible teaches.

Matt: What guidance did John and Devin give you that helped you during this season?

Melody: They taught me how to study the Bible for myself, not just rely on someone else to tell me what it says. That was huge for me. They also showed me how to forgive and work through conflicts within the body of Christ. It wasn't perfect, but it was real, and I grew a lot during that time.

Matt: I've heard that you baptized your daughters. Can you tell me more about that and other ways you've been ministering?

Melody: Yes, I did baptize them, which was a leap in learning for me. I thought only pastors could baptize, but John and Devin showed me that as believers, we can baptize, too. So, I baptized my three daughters, which was a powerful experience.

I've also been discipling women and gathering people in my home for prayer and Bible study. I started doing that in New Hampshire, teaching other women how to open their homes for gatherings. Now, in Tennessee, I've opened my home for prayer and tea on Saturdays, and a few women from the neighborhood have come. It's all about making space for people and being available.

Matt: When we were talking earlier, you mentioned that you've learned to stop striving and start abiding. Can you explain what that looks like?

Melody: Moving back to Tennessee, I initially thought I would start a house church like John and Devin did. But I quickly realized that God was leading me in a different direction. I was trying to force something that wasn't part of His plan for me then. Now, I've embraced the idea that gathering can happen anytime, anywhere. It doesn't have to be a formal Sunday service. It can be at home with your family or in a coffee shop with a friend. It's about being the church, not just going to church.

Matt: What would you say to someone wrestling with wanting more but still determining what that looks like?

Melody: I'd say fall in love with Jesus. When you love Him deeply, it doesn't matter what anyone else says or what the world expects. His love will give you the boldness and courage to follow Him wherever He leads, even when it's scary or uncertain. Reflect on what He's done in your life, and that will help you trust Him more fully.

Matt: That's a beautiful message. Is there anything else you want to share before we wrap up?

Melody: I think everything the Holy Spirit wanted me to share has been said. I just want to encourage others to be the church, wherever God places them, and to trust that He will guide them in every step.