Why we’re an LGBTQ+ church
My first response is “Why label it?” What I would hope to find in an LGBTQ+ Church is an inclusive, loving, and supportive community of faith authentically and sincerely proclaiming the unconditional love of God for ALL people. I would see the emphasis on the teachings of Jesus to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, and to practice the Golden Rule of doing to others as we would want them to do to us.
MCC was founded and is created specifically for people who celebrate their LGBTQ+ identity as a unique and gifted creation of God. We welcome those who have been spiritually wounded and who’ve ever been told they are ‘less than’ and are now seeking a relationship with God. Love is our greatest moral value.
As a “Rainbow People,” we welcome and value balance in gender, sexual identity, gender expression, age, ability, and race. MCC was founded and is created specifically for people who celebrate their LGBTQ+ identity as a unique and gifted creation of God. We welcome those who have been spiritually wounded and who’ve ever been told they are “less than” and are now seeking a relationship with God. Love is our greatest moral value.
MCC has a deep desire to offer a safe community for people to worship, learn and grow in their faith. As an LGBTQ+ Church we meet people wherever they are on their spiritual journey. We celebrate our diversity and strive to grow in greater diversity. Knowing what it means to stand both in the margins and the mainstream, we are committed to valuing all people and standing with those who suffer under the weight of oppressive systems. We recognize we are all connected and are committed to global human rights.
On a practical level, in an LGBTQ+ Church, a same-sex couple can joyously celebrate their marriage vows, baptize their children, freely hold hands in public, and share any displays of affection that a heterosexual couple would, without blatant stares that convey “We just don’t do that here.” LGBTQ+ folx can freely serve in any capacity, i.e. pastor, board member, deacon, Sunday school teacher, usher, help to serve holy communion, etc. LGBTQ+ people are celebrated, not just tolerated.
Also, as an LGBTQ+ Church MCC actively values and teaches inclusion, community, spiritual transformation, and justice work. If you want to experience something refreshing, attend an LGBTQ+ Church with an open mind and an open spirit…attend one of our MCC churches…and be inspired to be ALL you can be. Namaste.
ABOUT THIS MCC AUTHOR: Rev. Dan Koeshall, MCC San Diego’s (The Met) Senior Pastor since 2008, holds a Master’s Degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. He was ordained with the Assemblies of God, then in MCC in 2001. His background includes Music Director, Worship Coordinator and Associate Pastor. In the San Diego community he serves on both the Sheriff’s and Mayor’s LGBT Advisory Boards. Pastor Dan is an active “hands-on” leader with a passion for worship, prayer, outreach, and sharing God’s inclusive love.
