Speaking & Teaching
Invite Dr. Melisa Ortiz Berry to SpeakBiblically Grounded. Engaging. Real.
Dr. Melisa Ortiz Berry is a dynamic and engaging speaker who brings together biblical depth, real-life application, and a natural sense of humor.
Her teaching is rooted in Scripture but never feels distant—she has a unique ability to make complex theological ideas clear, accessible, and immediately meaningful. Whether she’s speaking in a chapel, conference, retreat, or classroom, audiences consistently describe her as both deeply insightful and genuinely relatable.
With a style that is thoughtful, expressive, and at times dramatic, Dr. Berry creates an experience that draws people in and helps them connect more deeply with both the message and the Word of God.
What Others Are Saying
Dr. Berry has spoken at universities, churches, camps, and conferences, equipping audiences to understand Scripture more clearly and live out their faith with confidence. After one university chapel message, a university president shared that her talk was among the top three he had heard in his three years of leadership.
What You Can Expect
- Biblically rich teaching that is clear and accessible
- A balance of depth, humor, and real-life connection
- Engaging, memorable communication style
- Messages that challenge, encourage, and equip
- Exegetical, line-by-line teaching
Speaking Topics
- Understanding Your Calling
- Women and Leadership in the Church
- Identity in Christ
- How to Read and Understand Scripture
- Living Faithfully in Everyday Life
- The Life and World of Jesus
Book Today
Press Kit
Feel free to use these bios and images for event promotion.
Short Bio
Melisa Ortiz Berry, PhD, is a historian of Christianity, author, professor at Bushnell University, and Scholar in Residence at Crown of Life Discipleship Ministries. She is the author of Your New Name: 25 Spiritual Identities to Know Who You Are. Through speaking, teaching, @DrMelisaOrtizBerry, and The Called Life podcast, Melisa brings biblical scholarship and theology into accessible conversations about faith, identity, leadership, and Christian life. She lives in Eugene, Oregon, with her husband, twin daughters, and their happy pup, and loves meeting friends for a cup of tea or heading out on a family bike ride.
Long Bio
Melisa Ortiz Berry, PhD, is a historian of Christianity, author, speaker, and professor at Bushnell University, where she teaches Bible, theology, history, and writing and was named Faculty of the Year in 2021. She is the author of Your New Name: 25 Spiritual Identities to Know Who You Are and is completing Evangelical Spirituality: Henrietta Mears and Modern Evangelicalism. Melisa loves bringing scholarship into conversations that matter to everyday Christian life, whether she is speaking at a church, university chapel, women’s event, camp, or academic conference.
With an eye to the biblical world, Melisa has also led educational and private tours in Israel. Her teaching there has been enriched by her participation in archaeological digs at Abel Beth Maacah and Tel Akko and her work as a research assistant for the Princeton Theological Seminary Dead Sea Scrolls Project. She also has a passion for creating theological resources that can be used in the classroom, the church, and for personal spiritual growth. Through @DrMelisaOrtizBerry and The Called Life podcast, she brings Scripture, theology, history, identity, and leadership into conversation with a broad audience. Melisa lives in Eugene, Oregon, with her husband, twin daughters, and their happy pup, and enjoys meeting friends for a cup of tea or heading out on a family bike ride.
