Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman explores different types of conflict, the importance of conflict, and strategies for managing conflict in the local church.
When you register for the pre-recorded webinars or events, you will be sent a link and password to view the video. This information is intended only for the person registering to view these events and should not be shared. In order to receive CEU credit for these webinars, we must have a record of your registration. Unless otherwise noted, each webinar will count for 1 CEU unit and fees may be involved.
Becoming Conflict Wise (Metropolitan Community Churches)
The more we are able to understand the dynamics of conflict and frustration and our options for responding, the more confident communities and leaders can become in transforming conflict healthily.
Rev. Pressley Sutherland will be introducing tried and tested industry level resources and assessment tools to assist in overcoming helplessness and the downward spiral of negativity, that many congregations experience when conflicts surface.
When you register for the pre-recorded webinars or events, you will be sent a link and password to view the video. This information is intended only for the person registering to view these events and should not be shared. In order to receive CEU credit for these webinars, we must have a record of your registration. Unless otherwise noted, each webinar will count for 1 CEU unit and fees may be involved.
Becoming an Effective Public Speaker (Metropolitan Community Churches)
These three webinars are designed for multiple audiences, including:
- Participants in MCC’s L.E.A.D. Program.
Those who complete all three webinars will fulfill the public speaking requirement for the LEAD program. - Preachers who want to hone their skills in the basic fundamentals of public speaking, including effectively analyzing and connecting with their audience (congregational or community context)
- Any lay person who wants to become more involved and effective in a local congregation, moving their communications ability to the next level as they take on more congregational leadership.
Webinar 1: Developing the Presentation and Using Supporting Materials (REGISTER NOW!)
To register for Webinar 1 under the Pilot Program click here
Webinar 2: Practicing the Presentation and Lowering Anxiety (REGISTER NOW!)
Webinar 3: Developing the Presentation and Mingling Afterwards (REGISTER NOW!)
When you register for the pre-recorded webinars or events, you will be sent a link and password to view the video. This information is intended only for the person registering to view these events and should not be shared. In order to receive CEU credit for these webinars, we must have a record of your registration. Unless otherwise noted, each webinar will count for 1 CEU unit and fees may be involved.
Seven Strategies for Successful Stewardship (Metropolitan Community Churches)
During this FREE webinar, you will:
* Gain insights on how you can help to create a culture of generosity in your congregation.
* Learn how to develop a highly effective annual stewardship program for your church.
* Discover a wealth of resources to support your stewardship efforts throughout the year.
* Connect with other church leaders with perspectives on the ministry of stewardship.
This webinar is designed for Pastors, Board members, and Stewardship Teams.
About Our Webinar Facilitator
Rev. Elder Don Eastman has long been one of MCC’s leading advocates of healthy church growth and excellence in ministry. From his many years as a successful pastor, non-profit organization executive, and MCC denominational leader, he brings a wide range of experience and expertise. As an Elder, Rev. Eastman served as both the Treasurer and Vice Moderator of the MCC denomination.
This on-demand video is FREE. Click here to view now
MCC Polity (Metropolitan Community Churches)
Facebook is used extensively in this course. Students should obtain and read, prior to the course, the following:
Perry, Troy D. with Thomas L.P. Swicegood. Don’t Be Afraid Anymore: The Story of Reverend Troy Perry and the Metropolitan Community Churches. New York: St. Martins Press, 1990. (used copies can be found online)
Jim Downs. Stand by Me: The Forgotten History of Gay Liberation. Basic Books (available from online outlets)
Fall dates (Sept. 19-Nov. 7, 2019) – 2 online meetings on Sept. 19 and Nov. 1st, (2pm PDT) and use of Facebook.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mcc-polity-fall-2019-registration-52013743507
Course Presenter: Rev. Terri Echelbarger
POLITY INDEPENDENT STUDY
This is a hybrid course where most work is self-paced. An online independent study with instructor, Rev. Terri Echelbarger. Timeline to be arranged in advance with instructor. Cost: $200.00
Our goal is to offer each of the three required MCC courses (e.g. Polity, Queer History, and Sexuality Studies) twice per calendar year. Details on this page will be added as they are confirmed, so check back often. Our attempt is to give you as much information as possible so that you can plan in advance.
Registration will open at least one month prior to each course. (Click here for our refund policy.) Please contact us if you have any questions.
NOTE: For those who are officially “In-Care” with MCC, limited scholarships are available to cover the costs associated with these required courses. Please download, complete, and submit the Clergy Development Scholarship Application on the Forms and Manuals section of the OFLD website under Incoming Clergy.
Queer History (Metropolitan Community Churches)
Presenter: Rev. Elder Rachelle Brown
Second half 2019 ($150.00)
Tuesdays 7:00-9:00 PM Eastern time
Mondays, October 7,14,21,28 and November 4, 11
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queer-history-second-half-2019-registration-52015439580
QUEER HISTORY INDEPENDENT STUDY ($200.00)
This is a hybrid course where most work is self-paced. An online independent study with instructor. Timeline to be arranged in advance with instructor
Our goal is to offer each of the three required MCC courses (e.g. Polity, Queer History, and Sexuality Studies) twice per calendar year. Details on this page will be added as they are confirmed, so check back often. Our attempt is to give you as much information as possible so that you can plan in advance.
Registration will open at least one month prior to each course. (Click here for our refund policy.) Please contact us if you have any questions.
NOTE: For those who are officially “In-Care” with MCC, limited scholarships are available to cover the costs associated with these required courses. Please download, complete, and submit the Clergy Development Scholarship Application on the Forms and Manuals section of the OFLD website under Incoming Clergy.
Sexuality Studies (Metropolitan Community Churches)
The Religious Institute works in collaboration with the Office of Formation and Leadership Development of Metropolitan Community and this course meets the MCC requirement for Sexuality Studies
“I have greatly enjoyed this course: the way it took on the subject honestly and openly, the resources provided, and the emphasis on self-examination and reflection. The course has made me think differently about sexuality, power, sex, communication, and so many more dimensions of working in community.” – student comment
“The introduction to church history in the course will be an invaluable jumping off spot for my further theological reflection and study.” – student comment
The course addresses an urgent need among Christian religious leaders to be well-educated in issues related to sexuality. The primary texts for the course are the Religious Institute’s A Time to Build: Creating Sexually Healthy Faith Communities by Rev. Debra W. Haffner, Professional Sexual Ethics: A Holistic Ministry Approach by Patricia Beattie Jung and Darryl Stephens, and Making Love Just by Marvin Ellison.
Topics include
- understanding personal values and history
- components of sexual identity
- sexual development
- life behaviors of a sexually healthy adult
- dealing with attraction and boundaries
- pastoral care around sexuality issues
- sexuality education in faith communities
- church history and sexuality
- scripture and sexuality
- preaching/worship
Registration and more information
The course takes approximately 30 hours to complete (plus 1 to 2 hours of reading per week), is a blend of interactive and self-directed learning, and draws on the strengths of peer learning in an online community setting. For optimal learning, students should expect to spend 3 to 5 hours per week (including reading) on the course over the 12 week session.
The course will run on the following dates:
2019
January 6-April 7
For more information & registration go to http://religiousinstitute.org/sexuality-issues-for-christian-religious-professionals/
- Sexuality Issues for Christian Religious Professionals Course Outline
- Registration fees from $125 to $200 (see registration form for details.)
- For more information send an email to Kentina Washington Leapheart, or call 203-222-0055.
Our goal is to offer each of the three required MCC courses (e.g. Polity, Queer History, and Sexuality Studies) twice per calendar year. Details on this page will be added as they are confirmed, so check back often. Our attempt is to give you as much information as possible so that you can plan in advance.
Registration will open at least one month prior to each course. (Click here for our refund policy.) Please contact us if you have any questions.
NOTE: For those who are officially “In-Care” with MCC, limited scholarships are available to cover the costs associated with these required courses. Please download, complete, and submit the Clergy Development Scholarship Application on the Forms and Manuals section of the OFLD website under Incoming Clergy.
