Faith in Action: McCormick’s 2025–26 Rising Star Awardees
SEPTEMBER 26, 2025
Announcing McCormick’s 2025–26 Rising Star Awardees:
Rev. Jonathan García Rodríguez & Rev. Melanie Quiñones
McCormick Theological Seminary is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025–26 Rising Star Award: Rev. Jonathan García Rodríguez and Rev. Melanie Quiñones. Since graduating from McCormick in 2021, this dynamic pastoral team has embodied the very essence of McCormick’s mission—faithful leadership, global vision, and a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of leaders.
About the Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award is presented to a McCormick alumnus/a in recognition of faithful contribution to ministry in church and society. The award is open to alumni who have graduated within the past ten years, without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, denomination, form of ministry, or public recognition.
Honorees may serve in diverse ministry contexts, including chaplaincy, pastoral leadership, social service, community organizing, social justice, advocacy, or education. Each awardee demonstrates how faithful service to God’s people—whether in a pulpit, classroom, hospital, or community—can bring lasting transformation.
Rooted in Puerto Rico, Engaged with the World
Currently co-pastoring at Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal in Rivieras de Cupey, Puerto Rico, Jonathan and Melanie serve a congregation facing profound social and economic challenges. Their ministry is marked by resilience, creativity, and a steadfast hope that blends theology and practice in transformative ways.
They are not only pastors but multipliers of leadership—mentoring children, young adults, and emerging leaders through formal and informal spaces of theological reflection, leadership training, and ministry discernment. Many of those they have mentored are now pastoring churches, serving in mission fields, and pursuing their own theological studies.
“They are equipping leaders, empowering community organizers, and resourcing missionaries to serve with courage, clarity, and cultural competence,” notes Dr. Leslie Díaz-Pérez, Senior Director of Enrollment and Director of El Centro, McCormick’s Center for the Study of Latinx Theology and Ministry “Their ministry is undoubtedly marked by the work of the Holy Spirit in and through their lives.”
Ministry of Presence, Imagination, and Humility
Jonathan and Melanie’s leadership is characterized by humility, collaboration, and an openness to the Spirit’s movement. Whether in the pulpit, on the mission field, or one-on-one with a young leader, they serve with compassion and discernment.
As co-founders of Agencia Misionera Aliento a las Naciones, a missionary agency launched in 2014, they continue to equip and send missionaries across the globe—grounding their efforts in theological reflection, sustainability, and leadership development. Despite this global reach, they remain deeply embedded in their Puerto Rican community, partnering with local organizations to provide food, training, and spiritual support.
“Together they have cultivated a community that not only develops Christian leaders in Puerto Rico, but also accompanies communities beyond its shores,” says Dr. Jina Kang, McCormick’s Interim VP for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty. “Their leadership is marked by a deep sense of care, innovation, and the faithful formation of emerging generations.”
A Witness of Collaboration and Service
Those who have worked alongside Jonathan and Melanie testify to their unique style of leadership—collaborative, Spirit-led, and deeply contextual.
“Jonathan and Melanie do not simply speak about leadership and service—they live it daily,” reflects Patrishea Roldán Alomar, MSW, who has partnered with them for over a decade. “Their example has inspired missionaries, pastors, and emerging leaders to walk with faith, excellence, and compassion.”
Honoring Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
McCormick’s Rising Star Award celebrates alumni who embody vision, courage, and faithful service. Rev. Jonathan García Rodríguez and Rev. Melanie Quiñones exemplify all of these qualities and more. Their work challenges traditional models, innovates from within their context, and invests deeply in the leaders of tomorrow.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, Jonathan and Melanie are shaping the future of the Church—with faithfulness, imagination, and love.
Join us in celebrating Rev. García and Rev. Quiñones at the official Rising Star Award presentation during McCormick Days 2025.