OUR BELIEFS & PRACTICES

God
      Known by various names, even within the Judeo-Christian Scriptures, the Power and Presence that most of us call "God" is the primary focus of our worship at CTL. "You shall love the LORD your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:5

Jesus
      MCC-CTL is a Christian Church, which means that we follow the teachings and example of Jesus of Nazareth, whom we believe to have been anointed with God's Spirit making him the "Anointed One", or "Christ". Jesus Christ is the central figure of our faith. He is, for us, the doorway to a richer experience of God.  We affirm, with the Apostle Peter, "Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God."  Matthew 16:16

Bible
      Scripture is read at every worship service. Additional bible study opportunities are also offered. We are very committed to studying the sacred literature of our religious tradition and finding how it is applicable to our modern lives.  "Jesus [quoting Deuteronomy 8:3], said, 'It is written, humans cannot live by bread alone.'"  Luke 4:4 

Baptism
      We believe in "one baptism." Anyone who has been baptized by any biblical formula, at any age, with any amount of water, need not be baptized again. Those who have not been baptized and who would like to receive the sacrament of Christian Baptism can be baptized at any Sunday service. The methods we use are sprinkling (representing cleansing) or pouring (representing the outpouring of the holy Spirit/energizing Presence of God). We baptize infants, adolescents, and adults. The sooner one is initiated into the family of faith, the better. "Look! There is water. What is to prevent me from being baptized?"  Acts 8:37 

Holy Communion
      We serve the Sacrament of Holy Communion at every worship service. We use unleavened bread and non-alcoholic grape juice. Everyone is invited to share in the sacrament. One need not be a member of our church or any church to receive the elements of Holy Communion. "Do this in remembrance of me."  1 Corinthians 11:24

Ministerial Education
      Our leaders are properly trained and duly authorized. Clergy go through a rigorous process leading to ordination. Clergy candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree before entering into the process of seeking ordination. Beyond the Bachelor's degree, those who wish to become clergy must then take an accredited seminary for about two years and take a couple of extra courses that are offered by the denomination.  The coursework is roughly equivalent to a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies or Theology.  The Master of Divinity degree (from an accredited seminary) is the professional ministry degree and is preferred.  Many parishes now require the MDiv of their ministers. Many of our clergy have Master and Doctorate degrees beyond the minimal requirements. After the academic requirements are met, students must spend a supervised internship period in a Teaching Church. Finally, candidates must pass criminal background checks, go through interviews with a Regional Committee, and finally be approved by our denomination. Clergy must then engage in 9 hours of continuing education annually. "[Leaders] must be...temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness...not contentious and not greedy."  1 Timothy 3:2-3 

Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, & Bisexual Concerns
      We are an inclusive church with a special outreach to the LBGT community. Straight, LesBiGay, Transgender, and Questioning are all a part of our congregation. All are valued and affirmed. We offer holy unions for same gender couples and traditional matrimony ceremonies for straight couples. Either can be called a wedding. We believe the love of God is all-inclusive and unconditional and we disagree with those who say love between people of the same gender disqualifies them from a relationship with God. Just as you are, you are welcome and affirmed at MCC-CTL. "God is Love, and WHOEVER lives in love lives in God, and God lives in them."  1 John 4:16

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."  Galatians 3:28