The team
All of our work is grounded in our three core values:
our love for God, our love for the Bible, and our love for the church.
Matthew Vines
Matthew Vines is the founder and Executive Director of The Reformation Project.
He is also the author of God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships, originally published by Convergent Books in 2014. In 2025, Convergent released an updated and expanded edition of God and the Gay Christian that is now on sale.
In 2012, Matthew delivered a speech at a church in his hometown of Wichita, Kansas, making the case that Christians should affirm gay Christians and their marriage relationships. His speech went viral, having been seen more than a million times and leading to a feature story in The New York Times.
In 2013, Matthew launched The Reformation Project to equip and empower Christians to advocate for an affirming and orthodox vision for the church. He speaks and writes on issues related to faith and sexuality.
Katherine Johnson earned her B.A. in Christian Ministries from Spring Arbor University and has over 20 years of ministry experience in a wide variety of fields, both in churches and parachurch organizations.
She has also earned an M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Western Seminary and a Th.M. from Columbia Theological Seminary with a focus on Hebrew and Old Testament exegesis. Katherine is passionate about helping people to encounter Scripture in ways that foster a life-giving relationship with God and personal growth in Christlike love.
She is dedicated to The Reformation Project’s mission because she is convinced that the full inclusion of LGBTQ believers in the life of the church would lead to greater flourishing not only for LGBTQ Christians but also for the Kingdom of God “on earth as it is in heaven.”
Melissa joined The Reformation Project team in 2021. Originally from northern New Jersey, Melissa brings extensive experience as a nonprofit development professional, having raised critical funds for missions focused on food and housing insecurity, child advocacy, and healthcare. Melissa is deeply committed to advancing LGBTQ inclusion in the church—a cause that is especially personal to her. Several of her family members experienced rejection from some Christians and congregations after coming out.
For 20+ years, Melissa has led successful fundraising campaigns and events, built operational systems and policies, managed volunteer and community giving programs, and worked closely with Boards and fundraising committees. She most values meaningful relationships with supporters and sharing the impactful stories of those helped by the organizations she has served. Melissa holds an MS in Nonprofit Leadership from Fordham University at Lincoln Center and a BS in Business Administration/Marketing from Ramapo College of New Jersey.
Board members
Joseph Cuestas
BOARD MEMBER
Joseph Cuestas is the founding pastor of Embrace! Church in San Antonio, Texas, an affirming congregation centered on the Gospel and welcoming individuals from all backgrounds.
His educational background includes four years of study in Pastoral Theology and Music at a private Bible college in Northwest Indiana. He sings, plays the piano, and occasionally the violin. He also served honorably in the United States Marine Corps for five years as a Cyber Network Operator, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Following his military service, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and is also a certified teacher and a notary public in the State of Texas.
Beyond his pastoral role, Joseph has served on the board of directors for the Live Oak Singers, an LGBTQ and Friends Chorus, and also serves as an Ambassador for The Reformation Project. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys spending time with his husband Jacob and their two dogs and two geckos. Joseph is excited to bring his passion and experience to the board of directors for The Reformation Project, working alongside other dedicated advocates to advance LGBTQ inclusion within the Christian church.
Monica Everett
BOARD CHAIR
Monica Everett is a United States Air Force veteran. In the military, she began her search for the truth about what the Bible truly says about same-sex relationships.
Over time, Monica learned that she was fearfully and wonderfully made, and she reconciled her faith with her sexual orientation. She then felt a calling on her life to lead ostracized LGBTQ individuals to Christ by living her Christian life out loud. Monica’s passion is seeing other same-gender-loving individuals come to Christ without fear or reservation. She has rallied for equality and inclusion in Savannah, Georgia, where she lives.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland University College and earned her Master of Divinity from Liberty University. She has one biological daughter, Brittany, and one granddaughter, Trinity, and she is engaged to her fiancé, Cassandra.
Pastor Candace Hardnett
BOARD MEMBER
Pastor Candace Hardnett is the Senior Pastor of Agape Empowerment Ministries in Savannah, Georgia. She and her wife Erika founded the church in 2009 and have worked diligently in the kingdom to bring about awareness of God’s inclusive love for all people.
Pastor Candace served her country as a United States Marine for five years and then served as her squadron Lay Leader for the Marines and the Ministry of Convalescence at her church in San Diego, California. Pastor Candace has rallied in Washington, D.C. for equality, trained with GLAAD, marched and protested locally as well as worked with the Savannah city council and mayor to bring about equality within her city.
She currently resides in Savannah, Georgia, with her wife and daughter, Maya, and is the proud mother of two older daughters who live on their own. Pastor Candace holds a BS in Religion from Liberty University and a Master of Divinity degree from Liberty University Rawlings School of Divinity.
Scott Messel
BOARD MEMBER
Scott Messel spent over 36 years as a financial professional with Fortune 500 companies. He came to know Christ as an adult in the evangelical church. Guided by the principle of trusting God to “direct his paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6), he provided financial counsel to churches and served in youth ministries for many years. When his son came out as gay, Scott and his wife, Becky, prayerfully studied resources such as God and the Gay Christian and ultimately embraced an affirming theology. Today, they are strong advocates for LGBTQ acceptance in the church, attending an affirming congregation in Indialantic, Florida, where they have led an LGBT Bible study and Scott has served as an elder.
Drawing on his personal faith journey, Scott is passionate about fostering respectful dialogue that helps fellow believers move toward an affirming understanding of Scripture and a more inclusive church. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and his master’s degree from the Olin School of Business. He and Becky have two adult children, a son and a daughter, and remain committed to creating a faith community where everyone is welcomed and loved.