Rev. Margaret Melanie
Rev. Margaret M. Melanie has served as minister of Unity Spiritual Life Center in Laguna Hills since her ordination in 1984. During her tenure the church moved its location six times due to growth and changing demographics. The church now owns a 10,000 square-foot building nestled in a beautifully landscaped professional park.
Rev. Margaret began her spiritual journey in the Catholic Church, and served as a nun in the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondolet for three years. She also has a strong background in business management. Prior to attending seminary, she worked in the fashion and interior design fields. She majored in theology at Mt. St. Mary's College in Los Angeles, CA. In 1984, she graduated and received her ordination from Unity Ministerial School, Unity Village, MO. She has one daughter, Kari, and two beautiful granddaughters, Hannah and Hailey.
Rev. Margaret is active with the Interfaith Council of South Orange County, currently serving on the Board of Trustees. In addition to her ongoing commitment as Senior Minister of Unity Spiritual Life Center, Rev. Margaret serves on several Teams for the Association of Unity Churches. She is past Chairperson of the Licensing and Ordination Ministry Team and serves on Credential Leader/Ministry review team. Rev. Margaret has also served on the Board of Trustees of the Association of Unity Churches, as well as on its Executive and Finance and Budget Ministry Teams. She is Past-President of the Southwest Unity Region and the Orange County Chapter of the International New Thought Alliance. She is currently Judicatory Representative for the Southwest Unity Region.
Rev. Margaret's continuing educational experience includes:
- Gathering of Leaders, Lake Arrowhead, CA 1988
- Foundation for Christian Living, Pauling, NY, 1989
- Schuller Institute for Successful Church Leadership, Garden Grove, CA, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, and 1996
- Church Growth and Development, Southwest Unity Region, 1991
- New Era Philanthropy, The Templeton Institute for Excellence in Religious Non-Profits, Aston, PA, 1991
- Creating the Church of Tomorrow Today, Warren, MI 1991
- Conflict Management Training, The Alban Institute, 1993, 1994, 1996
- Leadership is Influence, Injoy Inc., Mission Viejo, CA 1996
- Unity Ministers Executive Institute, Kansas City, MO, 1999-2000