Meet our Pastor

Reverend James D. Melton, Jr. has served as the Pastor of McClendon Tabernacle C.M.E. Church in Indianapolis' Brightwood Community since August 2013. Under his leadership, the church has expanded its ministries and outreach efforts, including serving Indianapolis Public School (IPS) #51 and operating a food pantry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rev. Melton facilitated health information sharing and organized multiple health clinics in collaboration with local health departments.

He has held several leadership roles, including Co-Chair of the Ohio Central Indiana Annual Conference’s Joint Board of Finance and Treasurer for the Ohio Central Indiana Region of the C.M.E. Church. Rev. Melton was elected a Delegate to the C.M.E. General Conferences in 2018 and 2022 and contributed to the NAACP Membership Campaign in 2021.

With over 14 years of experience as Family Services Manager at Fathers and Families Center, he currently serves as Multi-site Practice Manager for Jane Pauley Community Health Center Clinics, helping to serve over 125,000 patients annually. A retired U.S. Air Force member, Rev. Melton holds three associate degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management, a Certificate of Theology, and has pursued an MBA.

Married to Rev. Tara Melton, they have raised three children and four nephews. He has published an essay on Barack H. Obama’s presidency and is known for his teaching, preaching, and dedication to serving the Lord. Rev. Melton strives for his words and thoughts to be acceptable in the Lord's sight.