About The Reformation Project

Our 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.

Staff

Matthew Vines

Matthew Vines

Founder & Executive Director

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.

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 relationships. His speech went viral — seen more than a million times — and led 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

Katherine Johnson

Programming Manager

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 gay, bisexual, and transgender believers in the life of the church would lead to greater flourishing not only for those Christians but also for the Kingdom of God "on earth as it is in heaven."

Melissa M. Gagnon

Melissa M. Gagnon

Director of Development (Interim)

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 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 of Directors

Monica Everett

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 gay and bisexual 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 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.

Joseph Cuestas

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. 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.

Scott Messel

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 inclusion 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 and remain committed to creating a faith community where everyone is welcomed and loved.

Our Foundation

Our work is grounded in love for God, the Bible, and the church.

Every member of our team and board brings valuable gifts to this mission — their faith, their scholarship, and their experience of what it means to love both Scripture and the people the church has too often excluded.

Our Mission & Vision Get in Touch