On-Demand Webinars (pre-recorded)
Registration & Payment Required for most of these offerings
When you register for the following 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. Click the registration link for more information as fees vary.
A Hidden Wholeness: Living an Undivided Life as a Spiritual Leader
This workshop, presented by Rev. Dr. Mona West, is based on Parker Palmer’s book A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life. $30Sign Up Here
Becoming an Effective Public Speaker:
A series of three webinars presented by Dr. Joani Bedore
Runtime: 1 hour each
Join professional public speaker and communications professor Dr. Joani Bedore for a series of three webinars to increase your effectiveness in public speaking. 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!)
Webinar 2: Practicing the Presentation and Lowering Anxiety (REGISTER NOW!)
Webinar 3: Developing the Presentation and Mingling Afterwards (REGISTER NOW!)
Becoming Conflict Wise
Runtime: 1 hour and 9 minutes
“Serious Conflict is the Number One Predictor of Congregational Decline” [Hartford Institute for Religion Research] but it doesn’t have to be this way. 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.
Becoming Conflict Wise Hand Out
Best Practices for Effective Boards
Runtime: 1 hour 15 minutes
This is a recorded presentation of the Board of Directors training webinar presented by Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman. Participants will explore four key areas that effective Boards do well, and that all Boards can learn to do. Learn more about the specific roles of the Board of Directors and Pastor, and understand how Boards get sabotaged from remaining focused on what is important. Finally, understand the importance of numbers. REGISTER NOW.
Beyond Binaries: Including the B in LGBTQ
Runtime: 45 minutes
THIS IS A FREE WEBINAR
Are our faith communities welcoming to the ‘B’s’ in the LGBTQ acronym? Do our clergy and lay leaders understand bisexual identity? Does bisexuality mean that a person is equally attracted to only men and women?
In this webinar, participants will learn how to make their congregations welcoming and safe for bisexual people. Topics include:
- One definition of bisexuality (hint: it’s not binary)
- New models of sexual orientation
- Debunking common myths and stereotypes about bisexual people, and learn about
- Research and data about bisexuality
- Bisexually-friendly interpretations of scripture
- Concrete steps to make your faith community more welcoming to bisexual people
This webinar, presented by Marie Alford-Harkey, is sponsored by the Religious Institute, the Office of Emerging Ministries of Metropolitan Community Churches, and the Office of Health and Wholeness Ministry of the United Church of Christ.
This on-demand webinar is FREE. Click here to view now.
MCC Board Training Manual (OCMD release video)
FREE Webinar: Open to ALL
Description: As an aid to equipping MCC Boards for their ministry, a new training manual has been developed and is now available. This free webinar will provide an overview of the manual, some suggestions for using the manual, and testimonies from pastors who have utilized parts of the manual in Board Training.
Video: https://vimeo.com/mccchurch/review/272407249/5f1b3a486b
Building and Working with Worship Teams
Runtime: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Presenter: Dr. Marcia McFee (Worship Design Studios) $20
Description: Worship is the work of many people. If those involved in worship can come together as a team to plan and implement, and engage in the creative process together, open to the Spirit, the worship experience provides a way for the congregation to intentionally enter into the presence of God. This webinar will help participants learn who and how to include in worship planning and how to bring the diverse gifts of each team member together to facilitate deeply soulful worship. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
CLERGY RENEWALS AND SABBATICALS
presented by Rev. Joe Cobb, Rev. Terri Echelbarger, Rev. Tom Emmett, and Rev. Lori Hatch-Rivera
This FREE on-demand recording (of a live webinar) can assist and encourage clergy who need to take renewal/sabbatical time. It contains experiences from clergy who have taken sabbaticals with grant funding, and those who have done so with no outside funding. It includes insights about best practices for clergy and for congregations. Appropriate for clergy and lay people who are invested in clergy health and well-being. Click here to view.
Conflict: A Good Thing!
Runtime: 55 minutes $30
This pre-recorded webinar includes a presentation by Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman in which she explores different types of conflict, the importance of conflict, and strategies for managing conflict in the local church. REGISTER NOW!
Runtime: 1 hour, 9 minutes
THIS IS A FREE WEBINAR
MCC is a radically inclusive church with a commitment to creating safe spaces (sanctuaries) where all can worship, grow, and serve. We are a movement that believes in transformation, and we also know that this is very hard work that takes intentional and sustained effort. One issue that many (i.e. most, if not all) of our congregations will face is the question of how to include registered sex offenders who wish to become involved in MCC. This pre-recorded webinar includes presentation and discussion from Rev. Dan Koeshall, Senior Pastor of MCC San Diego; Rev. Judith Maynard, Senior Pastor of MCC Albuquerque; Kaki Johnson, Director of Children’s Ministries at MCC San Diego; and Jude Litzenberger, Attorney and MCC Network Leader. This on-demand webinar is FREE. Click here to view now.
Creative Worship Planning
Runtime: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Presenter: Dr. Marcia McFee (Worship Design Studios) $20
Description: For those who have been planning worship for years and want some new perspective and insight, as well as those who may be newer to worship planning looking for how to start, this webinar is designed to be both inspirational and practical. This webinar will help participants learn to plan worship to bring the congregation into a experience of the Divine that is meaningful, memorable, and transforming. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Developing Your Leadership Styles
Runtime: 1 hour, 5 minutes (plus additional time for journaling on reflection questions) $30
This pre-recorded webinar includes a presentation from Rev. Elder Don Eastman, who is known throughout MCC as the consummate Leadership Excellence guru. Leadership style refers to a leader’s patterns of behavior as a leader and manager. In this webinar Don will present foundations for understanding leadership styles and introduce a clinical paradigm for understanding leadership styles. Participants will be invited to consider how leadership styles of pastors impact and involve lay leaders. A significant portion of the webinar will present participants with opportunities to explore ways to develop their own leadership styles. REGISTER NOW!
Explore the ancient wisdom technology of the Enneagram
Presenters: Rev. Trent J. Thornley Cost: $20
Description:Explore the ancient wisdom technology of the Enneagram and its beneficial use for personal spiritual development & healthier relationships and community. This webinar will introduce the Enneagram’s affinity with the spiritual praxis of the Desert Fathers and Desert Mothers, as well as the early Christians who established proto-monastic communities devoted to following the wisdom path of Jesus. How might the Enneagram similarly be used for spiritual practice today?
Participants will be introduced to the nine “styles” of the Personality Enneagram – the nine ways in which each style obscures divine Presence and blocks prayer & mediation, as well as the nine gifts and holy perspectives each style offers the world. There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion.
No prerequisites necessary, though participants are encouraged to make a preliminary determination of their Enneagram style prior to attending. For resources, go to https://trentjthornley.com/type.
Rev. Trent J. Thornley is an Enneagram Coach, ordained Dharma Leader in the Tibetan Buddhist lineage of Anam Thubten, and ordained MCC clergy. He works as a Chaplain Trainer at the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, where he guides volunteer chaplains in the art of spiritual care. Check out Trent’s Enneagram website: www.LivingEnneagram.com REGISTER NOW
Gender: The Cornerstone of Human Sexuality
Runtime: 1 hour
Gender remains one of the most confusing and misunderstood areas of human sexuality and personhood. In this presentation, we explore what constitutes biological gender, gender role and gender identity. We will look at the extraordinary diversity that exists in aspects of gender previously assumed to be categorical and immutable. We will show how and why confusion about these different aspects of gender continue and how ignorance about them results in unnecessary suffering and violence. Finally, we will show the importance of keeping discussions about gender and sexual orientation separate and distinct. Join Rev. Elder Ken Martin for this engaging presentation. REGISTER NOW.
Good Moves: Entering Well, Leaving Well
Runtime: 1 hour 20 minutes
This On-Demand Webinar is a pre-recorded conversation with Rev. Phillip Washburn about Clergy Self-Management in Transition from a Systems Perspective. Rev. Washburn presents some of the insights contained in his soon to be published book about ways in which clergy can enter and leave congregations in healthy ways. He also discusses the importance of self-differentiated leadership for pastors, more generally. Included in this webinar are the answers to the Q&A session that followed the interview. REGISTER NOW.
Homosexuality and the Bible
Runtime: 1 hour and 5 minutes
“Rev. Elder Ken Martin’s presentation on ‘Homosexuality and the Bible’ is absolutely the best you will ever see. The scholarship is remarkable. The presentation is entertaining. You will learn everything you need to know to answer your own questions and those of your family and friends. His six conclusions are the best summary of this complex subject I have ever heard. It was Ken’s teaching and preaching that gave me the courage to come out, confront my friends in the Christian right and move from a closet of fear and shame to being an out-loud activist.” (Rev. Mel White) REGISTER NOW
Leading Innovation for Congregational Leaders
FREE WEBINAR – OPEN TO ANYONE
(Innovative and Adaptive Leadership)
Rev. Pressley Sutherland, Rev. Lisa Heilig, Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos
https://vimeo.com/mccchurch/review/239904361/cb96aa741e
MCC Supervising Clergy Training
Runtime: 1 hour, 30 minutes
THIS IS A FREE WEBINAR
This training, facilitated by Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos, is required for all of those who wish to serve as a supervisor for MCC Interns as they prepare for ordained ministry. Join us as we overview the process of preparing for ordination in MCC, and the nuts & bolts of effective supervision. This will include a segment on supervising interns from a distance. This training in suitable for all clergy who have not yet been trained or served as supervisors, as well as anyone who wants a refresher. This webinar is FREE. Click here to view now.
MCC Pastoral Search Process
To view more details about this FREE webinar, click here: MCC Pastoral Search Webinar
MENTORING MATTERS: 2 PART FREE ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Mentoring is one of the most effective ways to facilitate the development of new leaders, the leaders that will impact the present and lead us into the future that God has for us. More than ever, mentoring matters for MCC.
Many, many of us have been fortunate enough as leaders to have good mentors along the way, those more experienced people who have supported, guided, counseled, encouraged, and challenged us to stretch and grow.
These webinars, lead by Rev. Lisa Heilig, understands that mentoring can happen in a variety of settings and in a number of ways. The commonality is that mentoring is about relationships.
If you want to learn more about mentoring, feel like you may be called to be a mentor, or you want to enhance the mentoring you already do, please join Lisa for this 2 part webinar.
Mentoring Matters for MCC: Part 1
Runtime: 1 hour 12 minutes
https://vimeo.com/mccchurch/review/235928795/582a68ff94
Mentoring Matters for MCC: Part 2
Runtime: 1 hour 24 minutes
https://vimeo.com/mccchurch/review/235955611/10567e63d4
Protecting Your Church from Fraud in a Digital World
This is a FREE Webinar from Barb Crabtree – MCC Director of operations.
https://vimeo.com/mccchurch/review/219580280/db2e9c1381
Religion in Modern Europe
Runtime: 1 hour
THIS IS A FREE WEBINAR
Grace Davie, Professor Emeritus from Exeter University, provides an overview and reflective analysis of the current religious landscape in Modern Europe. This on-demand video is FREE. Click here to view now.
Seven Steps to Successful Stewardship
Runtime: 22 minutes
THIS IS A FREE WEBINAR
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
Sexuality and Spirituality: Keeping Body and Soul Together
Runtime: 1 hour
There is a historic disconnect in Christianity between sexuality and spirituality. In this presentation we explore how and why this happened. We will ask and attempt to answer the questions: from where did the sex-negative ideas, feelings and beliefs come that have shaped so much of Christianity’s belief and teaching for the past 2,000 years? Was this God’s intention? Is this really what the Bible teaches? Is Jesus responsible for this? Has it always been this way? Who decides these things and if we wanted to change them how might we go about it? Join Rev. Elder Ken Martin to explore these and other questions. REGISTER NOW!
The Moral Imperative of Climate Change
FREE WEBINAR
Climate is the reality that our grandchildren will face their entire lives, as will future generations. In a warmer world, weather events will be more severe, sea levels higher, and growing seasons longer, among many other impacts. These will have broad, profound, and long lasting effects on the lives of organisms (including humans) and the interactions among them. Organisms will shift in range. Biological communities will become less diverse. Species will face extirpation and extinction. Diseases will be found in new places. Human civilization may be threatened. But there are opportunities as well!
For more details please click here: The Moral Implication of Climate Change
The study of climate change is developing very quickly. Significant new information is coming out—literally—every day. This on-demand webinar explains the basics, but it also mixes in some new information to help to provide viewers with an understanding of the world and our future.
Presenter: Dr. Stephen Mitchell Wagener
Dr. Mitch Wagener teaches climate ecology, entomology, and related courses at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury. His research interests include the impact of historical events—such as the Industrial Revolution—on the environment.
Mitch began life in the Midwest, growing up a barefoot boy in the Ozarks and attending high school in Branson, Missouri—before it became so famous. After graduating from the University of Missouri with a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife, he moved to Fairbanks, Alaska to attend graduate school. Mitch received a masters degree in Stream Ecology and a doctorate in Soil Ecology during his 13 years in Alaska. There, too, he met the lovely Rita Kabali, a native of Uganda, East Africa, to whom he has now been married 33 years. They have two lively daughters, Rohanna 27 (a history teacher in an inner-city middle school) and Danika 19 (a student at Ithaca College). Mitch enjoys—among other things—watching his daughter play lacrosse and explaining climate change to the public.
Ph.D. Soil Ecology. August 1995. University of Alaska Fairbanks.
M.S. Stream Ecology. December, 1984. University of Alaska Fairbanks.
B.S. cum laude. Fisheries and Wildlife. May, 1981. University of Missouri, Columbia.
Trans 101: Trans Communities: Introduction & Application, Part 1
Runtime: 1 hour, 7 minutes
THIS IS A FREE WEBINAR
This 2-part Webinar Series is intended for congregations and individuals who would like to better understand and welcome the Trans*, Gender Non-Conforming, and Gender Expansive Communities; who would like to minister more effectively to the Trans* communities; and who would like to build and nurture a Trans* Ministry. The presentations will include Introductory information, including vocabulary and etiquette. Even those who are familiar and well versed will receive a good refresher and resources to share and work with your local communities. We will also explore ways to apply what you have learned, and some of the best means to inreach and outreach to the Trans* communities. Presenters: Rev. Miller Jen Hoffman and Rev. Emma Lee Chattin. This on-demand video is FREE. Click here to view now.
Trans 102: Trans Communities: Introduction & Application, Part 2
Runtime: 51 minutes
THIS IS A FREE WEBINAR
The second in this two part webinar series includes a continuation of the Trans 101 Introduction and moves on to explore ways to apply what you have learned, and some of the best means to inreach and outreach to the Trans* communities. Presenters: Rev. Miller Jen Hoffman and Rev. Emma Lee Chattin. This on-demand video is FREE. Click here to view now.
Volunteer Management: Raising Leaders in the Local Church
Runtime: 1 hour, 4 minutes
How does a church empower its congregants to take ownership of ministry? Does leadership play a role in every volunteer position? Do volunteers simply perform tasks or do they make ministry happen? Looking through the lens of leadership development, this 60 minute webinar will discuss strategies for the recruitment and management of volunteers in the local church. REGISTER NOW!
What Does Solidarity Look Like?
Runtime: 1 hour, 25 minutes
THIS IS A FREE WEBINAR
Background: The context for justice work is often very messy and complicated. People experience oppression based on many things-race, gender, sexuality, nationality, language, religion, ability, appearance, age, relationship/familial status, etc. We know that justice work is most effective when done in solidarity with one another, but it is hard to know how to best accomplish this. It is particularly difficult for people of privilege to work for justice with those who are experiencing oppression based on characteristics they do not share. For example: How can white people work against racism and race-based violence with people of color in ways that are truly healthy, mutual, and constructive? How can cis-gendered people most effectively speak and act against anti-trans oppression with trans* and gender non-conforming people? These conversations are difficult conversations to have because this is hard work.
This kick-off event will include a foundational presentation about privilege, power, and oppression and a discussion about the ways in which all of us experience privilege and marginalization in various contexts. This conversation will continue …
This webinar is FREE. Click here to view now!
What has Ferguson to Do with Faith?
Developing Queer Theological Solidarity with Black Lives Matter
Facilitated by Rev. DeWayne Davis and Kareem Murphy
THIS IS A FREE WEBINAR
This webinar will help attendees to discern within queer theological approaches and perspectives faith language and spiritual disciplines that honor and celebrate the black/brown body and seek its liberation as both a political and religious imperative, especially in light of the police shootings of unarmed black persons and the epidemic of violence against transgender persons of color. We will present a multi-modal approach to showing solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and transgender people of color using sermons, letters, prayers, and litanies as well as petitions and bible/book studies that reinforce prophetic social action in the streets. Participants will be invited to look at the potential ways that social action and public protest can be integrated into their current spiritual disciplines to raise consciousness about the black body.
This webinar is FREE. Click here to view now!
Who Are We Really? Re-Engaging Sex & Spirit (a virtual symposium)
This first-ever online conference on Sexuality & Spirituality engaged participants from MCC and our ecumenical/interfaith partners interested in the bold and holy integration of sexuality and spirituality. The common theme uniting presenters in this conference was a desire to engage this topic, a heart for the marginalized among us, and the willingness to be honest, edgy, and vulnerable in our dialogue. Recordings are available of the academic paper and panel presentations. Register for ALL of the conference videos by clicking here ($100 USD total). Or, you can register for only those sessions you wish to view by clicking the links below ($20 USD each).
Opening Panel: Where Have We Been? Where Are We Going?
Presenters: Rev. Elder Troy Perry, Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski, Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, Rev. Dr. Ngeo Boon Lin, Rev. Beulah Durrheim
Runtime: 1 hour 24 minutes
Panel Presentation: Integrating Sexuality & Spirituality as a Paradigm for Wholeness/Wellness/Authenticity
Presenters: Marie Alford-Harkey, Dr. Xochitl Alvizo, Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, Rev. Dr. Joseph Goh, Rabbi Dr. Jay Michaelson
Runtime: 1 hour
Panel Presentation: Healing Queer Bodies and the Body of Christ
Presenters: Dr. Susannah Cornwall, Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline, Rev. Jakob Hero, Rev. Miller Hoffman, Dr. David Williams
Runtime: 1 hour
Paper Presentations: Deconstructing Heteronormativity
Papers include:
- “Queering the Trinity: Who’s Your Daddy?” by Rev. Daniel Borysewicz
- “Masculinity in a Frock on a Rock” by Rev. Dr. Karl Hand
- “Shoulder to Shoulder: Links Between Discrimination, LGBTQ-Based Social Support, and Psychosocial Adjustment among LGBT Youth” by Dr. Siân E. Jones
Runtime: 1 hour 13 minutes
Paper Presentations: The Margins of Our Movement – Trans*, Intersex, Gender Queer, Poly*
Papers include:
- “B-T-P: Engaging an Intersectional Frontier” by Rev. Rachelle Brown
- “A New Trans* Theology of Indecency” by Denise Burke
- “God as the Holy Polyamorous One” by Rev. Dr. Edgard Francisco Danielsen-Morales
Runtime: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Paper Presentations: Toward a Theology of the Full Body and Every Body
Papers Include:
- “Touch Me and See Me: Embodying the Erotic” by Rev. Joe Cobb
- “Wounding the Soul and Scarring the Body: A Theological and Pastoral Response to Self-Harming Behaviours” by Rev. Kate Rowley Harford
- “The Disabled Body: Part of the Body Part of Wholeness” by Theresa Inés Soto
Runtime: 1 hour
OR … REGISTER FOR ALL 6 of the VIDEO RECORDINGS FROM THIS CONFERENCE