About

Hi, I'm Melissa.

I help employers to create healthy systems and structures to empower and support their employees, who now - more than ever - name healthy workplace culture as a top priority.

Here's My Story...

I have more than 20 years of experience working with people to become grounded in their spiritual beliefs and practices, grow their self-awareness, and overcome difficult and uncomfortable situations and experiences. I am an experienced pastor, trained in Bowen Theory, and in Transformative Mediation. I was called into ministry, much to my surprise, after working as a molecular biologist and serving for ten years in the Illinois Army National Guard as a utility helicopter mechanic - the first woman to do so. 

In ministry, I served a rural church outside of Lexington, Kentucky for three years before moving to Central Illinois and serving in Illiopolis since the summer of 2001. I serve both Illiopolis and Niantic Christian Churches (DOC) since 2012.

I was fortunate to have been trained in Bowen Theory beginning in 2001 and have used those principles to guide my church through 9/11, a local chemical plant explosion, a depressed economy, and most recently a COVID pandemic.

One well-differentiated leader can bring health into an organization. Healthy organizations - be it a family, a church, a business, or even a society - operate on the same principles. Healthy, well-differentiated leaders make all the difference. 

I live in Illiopolis with my husband, Andrew, and son, Devon. Our oldest, Damon, is married with 3 precious little ones. I published the book Teach Us To Pray: An Ancient Model For A Modern Day in 2021, and my second book, Pursuing Uncomfortable: Leaning In and Overcoming will be available in 2023.

 

How can I help you?

Lunch and Learn

These are great for addressing a specific topic with your leadership team or introducing them to one of the 8 principles of Bowen Theory. 



CONTACT ME

Workshops

Workshops are great for breaking down one of the 8 principles of Bowen Theory and understanding how to incorporate it into one's life and work.

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Program

I can take your leadership team and your star employees through the entire program. Let's get clear on your goals and get to work.

CONTACT ME

End Your Struggle with Anxiety

My Free Guide takes you step by step through a journey that can help you lessen your anxiety and grow your resilience.



Resources for you





Get a fresh take on how this ancient prayer that Jesus taught has radical implications for us today.


GET YOUR COPY

Visit the Spirit Health blog, and find articles and resources to build spiritual and emotional health.


VISIT THE BLOG

Visit my online course catalog at Melissa Ebken, Light Life and Love Ministries™.


BROWSE ONLINE COURSES

Hear from happy clients...

"We worked with Melissa over several months, and in the end, we identified steps to take to move forward. We had isolated lack of communication as one of the major divisive issues and she helped us recognize where we failed and how to improve for the future. We had a plan for improving communication within our membership, letting go of useless emotions, and keeping our doors open to continue our mission.  We had a clear picture of the leadership we would need, both lay and pastoral, to do that. She also helped me realize that I had held on to anger and hurt feelings and needed to let them go - to forgive those who had hurt me and move on.  Letting go of emotions is not easy, but she walked us through doing it and it was a terrific weight lifted off my shoulders. She also helped me realize where I had hurt others and ask forgiveness of them if appropriate."
-Janet

"I've coached with Melissa over an extended period of time, and I have always made great progress through her coaching. She is compassionate and creative in her approach. She is an attentive listener and always "feels" present as we think together. I highly recommend Melissa as a coach!"
-Cory
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