COLLEGE LEADERSHIP
Local churches partner to form a college. This basic organizing unit of the MCC exists primarily to provide its member churches the opportunity to form and maintain relationships vital to our common purpose.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COLLEGE:
Maintaining representation in voice and vote for each local church by keeping a 1:1 ratio of each clergy member of the college and lay delegates selected by their local churches.
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Naming one of the churches in the College to serve as the Cathedral Church.
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Nomination and election of a Dean from among the ordained clergy.
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Nomination and election of a Commission on Ministry.
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Maintenance of the Book of Doctrine and Order.
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Providing opportunities for member churches to connect relationally, work out the shape of our common ministry, and dream together of things we can’t do on our own.
Local Church
Within the structure, the College exists to support the ministries of the local church. As the center for evangelism, discipleship, missional engagement, corporate worship, and decision making, the local church equips its people to live, lead, and serve faithfully in their local community.
THE DEAN
Filled by an ordained clergy member of the College, the office of Dean provides the college with pastoral support and spiritual leadership.
Responsibilities of the Dean include:
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Upon the recommendation of the Commission on Ministry, the Dean is authorized to licensing, commissioning, ordaining, or recognizing the orders of clergy.
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Holding Clergy accountable to the Book of Doctrine and Order.
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Admitting churches into membership in the College.
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Playing a connecting role between churches with pastoral openings and clergy who are interested in applying. Once an agreement has been reached between the church and the pastor, the Dean then sets the pastoral appointment.
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Presiding role at College meetings.
COMMISSION ON MINISTRY
Each College elects clergy and lay delegates to serve on the Commission on Ministry, a representative group of the College in matters of clergy training and credentialing.
Responsibilities of the Commission on Ministry include:
Overseeing the credentialing processes for licensing and ordaining clergy, as well as those who apply with previous credentials considered for status recognition in the MCC.
Working in consultation with the Dean in matters of clergy credentialing and disciplinary matters.
Creating and maintaining continuing education and training opportunities for new and existing clergy.
CATHEDRAL CHURCH
Within each College, one church will serve as a Cathedral Church. Equal to its sister congregations in the College, the Cathedral Church will serve as a catalyst for connection among the member churches.
Responsibilities of the Cathedral Church include:
Leading by example in non-monetary resource sharing (e.g., sermon archives and other preaching resources; and specialized training for clergy, lay staff, and lay leadership of member churches).
Praying with, offering encouragement to, and providing counsel to clergy and lay leadership in the College.
Providing administrative support and coordination for the functions of the College.
THE LOCAL CHURCH
Within the structure, the College exists to support the ministries of the local church. As the center for evangelism, discipleship, missional engagement, corporate worship, and decision making, the local church equips its people to live, lead, and serve faithfully in their local community.
Responsibilities of the Local Church include:
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Maintaining faithfulness in ownership and stewardship of local church property, assets, and financial resources.
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Maintaining compliance with the Book of Doctrine and Order.
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Nominating and electing church members for leadership roles in the local church.
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Nominating and electing one lay delegate per pastor for representation at the College level. Approving, supervising, and making employment decisions regarding pastoral leaders and lay staff. Creating and implementing the core ministries of the local church: corporate worship, evangelism, discipleship, and missions.
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Managing local church administrative functions. Serving as a community for those who receive a call to pastoral ministry.