Our Mission
Building transforming relationships through a network (corps) of churches and individuals committed to a shared journey of spiritual formation and racial justice/reconciliation.
Who We are
Video Testimonials
About Cornelius Corps
Building transforming relationships through a network (Corps) of churches and individuals committed to a shared journey of racial justice/reconciliation and spiritual formation is the focus of a special ministry based in Richmond, VA.Our name is inspired by the Biblical story of Cornelius and Peter in the book of Acts (10:1 – 11:18). Through visions given by God, these two men were able to transcend boundaries of race, culture, and privilege by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We believe that God is still calling and empowering us to this journey of racial justice/reconciliation and spiritual formation.
The Reverend Dr. Jim Melson, an ordained minister in The United Methodist Church, is the Founder and Executive Director of Cornelius Corps. After serving as a pastor of churches in Virginia for 20 years, Jim founded Cornelius Corps in 2001 as a ministry of New Community Church in Washington, DC. New Community Church is part of a network of churches and ministries in DC called The Church of the Saviour. In 2020, Cornelius Corps became its own non-profit organization based in the Richmond, VA area. Our ministry continues through the financial gifts of individuals and churches that support our mission.
Who We Are
Our Board of Directors
The Rev. Dr. James (Jim) Melson
The Rev. Dr. James (Jim) Melson is the Executive Director of the Cornelius Corps (www.corneliuscorps.org), a ministry based in Richmond, VA that focuses on spiritual formation and racial justice/reconciliation. Jim is an ordained pastor in The United Methodist Church. He served for 19 years as the pastor of local churches in the Virginia Annual Conference before founding the Cornelius Corps in 2001. The Cornelius Corps was based in Washington, DC until 2020 when Jim moved to Richmond, VA.
Michael Castrilli
Michael began his work with the Cornelius Corps in May 2015. He is the interim Executive Director at the Association of Inspectors General (AIG), an international nonprofit whose vision is to advance integrity and accountability in government through independent oversight.
Rev. Trenda Jacocks
Rev. Trenda Jacocks was ordained to the gospel ministry in 2015 by Parkwood Baptist Church after completing her master’s degree in 2014 at the John Leland Center for Theological studies in Christian Leadership. (MCL). Her former background as a seasoned servant leader, public-school advocate, pre-school administrator, mother and grandmother, military spouse, lay-leader and community organizer led her into her calling as a Pastor and to serve with Cornelius Corps since 2014.
Adrienne Reedy
Rev. Audrey Britt James
Greg Merlo
Steve Reedy
Meet Michael
Michael Castrilli lives in Philadelphia. From the city of brotherly love, he reflects on what is at the heart of our ministry. Mike is deeply committed to The Cornelius Corps and gives leadership to the financial and communication aspects of the ministry.
Meet Tom
Tom Nealley is a friend and committed supporter of our ministry who has been active with the Cornelius Corps since 2008. He lives near Richmond, VA and continues to support the Cornelius Corps in many ways.
Meet Carlean
Carlean Ponder shares her testimony about what the Cornelius Corps means to her. Carlean is deeply committed to our ministry of racial justice/reconciliation and serves on our Advisory Board.
Meet Kathy
Kathy Mackrell is a member of one of our partner churches, Crossroads UMC in Ashburn, VA. For over ten years, she has supported our ministry through leading our tutoring team and serving on our Advisory Board.
Get In Touch
For information on any aspect of The Cornelius Corps, please contact me. -Rev. Jim Melson
Call Me
Email Me
US Mail
Cornelius Corps
Rev. Jim Melson
10002 Locklies Drive
Glen Allen, VA 23060