ShareThis
MCC Theologies
The MCC Theologies Team organizes the wide span of theological thought in MCC. Because our collective religious backgrounds are so diverse, this team assists in developing representative resources for MCCers and others to utilize. The MCC Theologies Team believes that theological thought is a kairotic[1] moment for MCC and an opportunity to create safe space for theological conversations that explore and nurture the diversity of our global movement. The following are theological resources developed in MCC on various topics.
[1] This term comes from the Greek word kairos, which refers to an opportune or appointed moment in time when the way is made for God’s purposes to unfold. In contrast to the more ordinary word for a quantity of time (chronos), kairos time is qualitative – a moment that represents a great opportunity for God to work.
Holy Conversations!
This resource is MCC’s 2010 theological study release! Download this church group study to enhance the Holy Conversations going on in your church!
Homosexuality and the Bible
The Bible and Homosexuality
Author: Rev. Dr. Mona West
"The word ‘homosexuality’ is a modern term and did not exist during biblical times. Biblical writers had no concept of sexual orientation or sexual development as we understand those today." ~Rev. Dr. Mona West, The Bible and Homosexuality
Version: 2005
Author: Rev. Dr. Mona West
"The word ‘homosexuality’ is a modern term and did not exist during biblical times. Biblical writers had no concept of sexual orientation or sexual development as we understand those today." ~Rev. Dr. Mona West, The Bible and Homosexuality
Version: 2005
Not a Sin, Not a Sickness
Author: Rev. Elder Don Eastman
A classic essay on homosexuality in the Bible, Rev. Elder Eastman's concise and affirming wisdom is a staple for anyone desiring deeper understanding of what the Bible really says. Originally released in 1990, this resource has been re-edited and re-released for the 2005 audience.
Version: 1990, Revised 2005
Author: Rev. Elder Don Eastman
A classic essay on homosexuality in the Bible, Rev. Elder Eastman's concise and affirming wisdom is a staple for anyone desiring deeper understanding of what the Bible really says. Originally released in 1990, this resource has been re-edited and re-released for the 2005 audience.
Version: 1990, Revised 2005
Our Story Too: Reading the Bible with "New Eyes"
Author: Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson
From evaluating cultural influences on Biblical thought, to analyzing the cultural influences on the original texts, to seeking the proofs of same-sex relationships in scripture, Rev. Elder Wilson calls on the GLBT communities to reclaim the Bible! First released in 1992, this resource has been re-edited and re-released for today's (2005) audience.
Version: 1992, 2005
Author: Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson
From evaluating cultural influences on Biblical thought, to analyzing the cultural influences on the original texts, to seeking the proofs of same-sex relationships in scripture, Rev. Elder Wilson calls on the GLBT communities to reclaim the Bible! First released in 1992, this resource has been re-edited and re-released for today's (2005) audience.
Version: 1992, 2005
Queer Theology
The Power of the Bible
Author: Rev. Dr. Mona West
In this essay, Rev. Dr. West examines the influential nature of the Bible and Biblical interpretation. She offers a clear, concise analysis of the powerful effects of current culture on the uses of scripture...especially regarding minorities and GLBT peoples of faith.
Version: 2005
Author: Rev. Dr. Mona West
In this essay, Rev. Dr. West examines the influential nature of the Bible and Biblical interpretation. She offers a clear, concise analysis of the powerful effects of current culture on the uses of scripture...especially regarding minorities and GLBT peoples of faith.
Version: 2005
Sexuality and Spirituality
Coming Out as Sacrament
Author: Rev. Dr. Mona West
Rev. Dr. West offers the GLBT community further insight to one of the most important journeys in our lives. Coming Out continues to be a social and familial challenge. In this world, many are forced to keep their sexual orientation hidden to keep a job...or protect their lives. Rev. Dr. West provides a different perspective on the coming out process...reclaiming it as a process of spiritual growth.
Version: 2005
Author: Rev. Dr. Mona West
Rev. Dr. West offers the GLBT community further insight to one of the most important journeys in our lives. Coming Out continues to be a social and familial challenge. In this world, many are forced to keep their sexual orientation hidden to keep a job...or protect their lives. Rev. Dr. West provides a different perspective on the coming out process...reclaiming it as a process of spiritual growth.
Version: 2005
Small Group Studies
Church Health Studies
The Eight Essentials for a Healthy and Thriving Congregation
Author: Rev. Nancy Horvath-Zurn
This study takes small groups through an eight week survey of church practices of leadership, relationship, ministry, theology, and mission. Together with the Eight Essentials for a Healthy and Thriving Congregation; Developing a Strategy for Success, this program will assist your lay leadership in understanding the patterns of ministry in your church as well as in other parts of their lives. Then, the program will walk your congregation through a planning course designed to outline your church's strategy for building your Healthy and Thriving congregation!
Version:
Author: Rev. Nancy Horvath-Zurn
This study takes small groups through an eight week survey of church practices of leadership, relationship, ministry, theology, and mission. Together with the Eight Essentials for a Healthy and Thriving Congregation; Developing a Strategy for Success, this program will assist your lay leadership in understanding the patterns of ministry in your church as well as in other parts of their lives. Then, the program will walk your congregation through a planning course designed to outline your church's strategy for building your Healthy and Thriving congregation!
Version:
Developing a Strategy for Success
Author: Rev. Nancy Horvath-Zurn
This study follows the eight week survey of church practices of leadership, relationship, ministry, theology, and mission in The Eight Essentials for a Healthy and Thriving Congregation. The program walks your congregation through a combination of skits, discussion, and facilitated Q&A sessions to outline your church's strategy for building your Healthy and Thriving congregation!
Version:
Author: Rev. Nancy Horvath-Zurn
This study follows the eight week survey of church practices of leadership, relationship, ministry, theology, and mission in The Eight Essentials for a Healthy and Thriving Congregation. The program walks your congregation through a combination of skits, discussion, and facilitated Q&A sessions to outline your church's strategy for building your Healthy and Thriving congregation!
Version:
Spiritual Transformation Studies
Back to Faith
Author:
A 6 week series for those who are new in their faith or attempting to revisit and reclaim their faith.
Version:
Author:
A 6 week series for those who are new in their faith or attempting to revisit and reclaim their faith.
Version:
Spiritual Well-Being Series
Author: Rev. Charles Garrison
The series is organized to offer your church an individual study session or an entire year of Bible study. The larger .zip file (all RTF files for easy formatting!) is organized into two sections: Administration and Lessons. In the Lessons folder you will find each lesson set, including questions to prompt discussion. You may also download each lesson set individually! (look for prefix "SWB:")
Version:
Author: Rev. Charles Garrison
The series is organized to offer your church an individual study session or an entire year of Bible study. The larger .zip file (all RTF files for easy formatting!) is organized into two sections: Administration and Lessons. In the Lessons folder you will find each lesson set, including questions to prompt discussion. You may also download each lesson set individually! (look for prefix "SWB:")
Version:
SWB: God is My CEO
Author: Rev. Charles Garrison
A 5 week series that includes topics like Success, Courage, Patience, Yielding Control and Tough Decisions
Version:
Author: Rev. Charles Garrison
A 5 week series that includes topics like Success, Courage, Patience, Yielding Control and Tough Decisions
Version:
SWB: A Study of Job
Author: Rev. Charles Garrison
A 4 week series that honestly explores suffering and our freedom to ask God, “Why?”
Version:
Author: Rev. Charles Garrison
A 4 week series that honestly explores suffering and our freedom to ask God, “Why?”
Version:
SWB: A Study of Other Faiths
Author: Rev. Charles Garrison
A 5 week series that offers a comprehensive look at other Communities of Faith and what they believe. This is an opportunity for myths to be unraveled and respect to be garnered for our brothers and sisters in other religious traditions.
Version:
Author: Rev. Charles Garrison
A 5 week series that offers a comprehensive look at other Communities of Faith and what they believe. This is an opportunity for myths to be unraveled and respect to be garnered for our brothers and sisters in other religious traditions.
Version:
SWB: Talking About Genesis
Author: Rev. Charles Garrison
A 6 week series that explores very important but often “touchy” subjects, including Creation and the Apocalypse.
Version:
Author: Rev. Charles Garrison
A 6 week series that explores very important but often “touchy” subjects, including Creation and the Apocalypse.
Version:
SWB: The Parables of Jesus
Author: Rev. Charles Garrison
A 4 week series that includes reflection on the parables of the Sower, Good Samaritan, Widow and the Unjust Judge, and the Father and his Two Sons.
Version:
Author: Rev. Charles Garrison
A 4 week series that includes reflection on the parables of the Sower, Good Samaritan, Widow and the Unjust Judge, and the Father and his Two Sons.
Version:
SWB: Life: The School of Experience
Author: Rev. Charles Garrison
Part I of this series includes 5 lessons about the some of the common, yet difficult, experiences of life. Part II covers 3 lessons of additional topics. Together they include Loneliness, Friendship, Love, Sorrow, Regret, Pain, etc.
Version:
Author: Rev. Charles Garrison
Part I of this series includes 5 lessons about the some of the common, yet difficult, experiences of life. Part II covers 3 lessons of additional topics. Together they include Loneliness, Friendship, Love, Sorrow, Regret, Pain, etc.
Version:
SWB: A Transgender Study
Author: Rev. Charles Garrison
A 4 week series that explores the issues that surround transgender issues and some of the Biblical stories that give light and insight to transgender sacredness.
Version:
Author: Rev. Charles Garrison
A 4 week series that explores the issues that surround transgender issues and some of the Biblical stories that give light and insight to transgender sacredness.
Version:
[1] This term comes from the Greek word kairos, which refers to an opportune or appointed moment in time when the way is made for God’s purposes to unfold. In contrast to the more ordinary word for a quantity of time (chronos), kairos time is qualitative – a moment that represents a great opportunity for God to work.
ShareThis
Thanks so much for these resources!!!
Hi
I´m interested in MCC but I can´t speak english very well. Are these material in spanish? Do you have web in spanish?
Thank you
Hola Gonzalo,
Tenemos una gran variedad de nuestros recursos disponibles en español. Nuestra página web pronto lo será también la capacidad de traducción de contenidos web. Si usted encuentra un título de los recursos que necesita y no encuentra una traducción al español, por favor háganoslo saber. También, usted puede ser capaz de encontrar algunos recursos de español en http://www.icmmccregion6.org/.
Gracias y bendiciones,
-Mel