Melanie Joyce Coates is an author, passionate writer, poet, and Ladies Bible Class teacher. No stranger to motivational prose, she specializes in spiritual and inspirational writing and blogs on the topic of overcoming anxiety. She writes, not because she has to, but because she loves to and believes God has called her into this purpose.
Melanie co-founded Sisters With A Purpose Ministries (also known as SWAP Ministries) in 2011 with a mission to Bring Hope, Healing, and Purpose to the lives of women; and in 2017 she founded Survival Sisters’ Peaceful Oasis an organization aimed at helping Christian women make better relationship decisions, improve their self-esteem, and gain tools on how to heal from trauma and escape Domestic Violence. Both organizations were pivotal in propelling Melanie into many national speaking engagements among the churches of Christ. Melanie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Psychology and Counseling. Melanie is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland. As a therapist she provides Faith-based and mental health counseling services focused on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Meditation. She has been blessed to be in current pursuit of her Doctorate degree in Community Care and Counseling, focusing on Traumatology.
A baptized believer, Melanie has served as a commissioned local missionary in Charlotte, North Carolina. She also served as a short-term missionary in Honduras. Melanie believes in deep, sincere, unashamed worship, and following the Holy Spirit’s leading in ALL things. Her personal vision is to utilize her creativity and spiritual support skills to bring harmony to the world and bring connectivity back to God. Melanie’s favorite scripture is Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Melanie’s varied background in spirituality, psychology, and counseling provides the perfect foundation for expounding on women’s issues in the church. She has co- authored a 9-week devotional book entitled: It’s Over: Finding Freedom by Breaking Negative Strongholds and she has published a volume of poetry, Unashamed: Revealing Truth.
Melanie is a newlywed, to her husband, Thomas Coates. She worships with the 13th Street Church of Christ in Washington, DC.
Learn more on her website. Follow her on Instagram.