Flourish is new!
We are so excited to share that leadership development for all MCC churches is now coordinated through FLOURISH. The focus of the program is to support all clergy and ministry leaders, (no matter the geographical location) particularly those who are experiencing change. Change comes in a variety of ways that includes both professional and personal.
We took the best of our former efforts in Thriving in Ministry (from the Lilly Endowment grant funding) and added funds designated by the Governing Board to ensure we can offer leadership development around the globe for our churches.
Focusing on Leadership Development
Flourish is committed to providing Leadership Development for both clergy and lay leaders. Leadership development is a process that helps people improve their skills, knowledge, and confidence to perform in leadership roles.
Some of the benefits of Leadership development can help people develop the following capabilities:
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- Self-awareness: Being aware of oneself and how one interacts with others
- Resilience: Being able to adapt to challenges and
- Influence: Being able to impact the thoughts and actions of others
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The Leadership Team
Rev. Cathy Alexander (She/Her)
Vocational Leadership Coordinator
Director of FLOURISH program
Marie Tasker (She/Her)
Flourish Program Manager
Meet the Flourish Coordinators
Rev Elder Tony Freeman (He/Him/His)
Expanse Coordinator – USA
Since 1995, Tony has served in a variety of leadership roles in the local church (pastoring in all of the different church “sizes” ), and at the denominational level in both volunteer and staff roles. Denominationally, he served a variety of roles, including Vice Chair of the inaugural Governing Board, on the Council of Elders, and a a paid staff member. In 2016, he was a Moderator candidate.
In 2021, Tony retired from the full-time ministry and is currently living in Tucson, Arizona (USA) where he and his son Mario look forward to weekly trips to try out new local restaurants.
Pastor Leticia Souza
(She/Her/Hers)
Expanse Coordinator – Brazil
Leticia is a lesbian woman, teacher, theology graduate and student at the Darlene Garner Institute.
She serves as pastor of the Sol da Justiça Metropolitan Community Church (Cabo Frio – interior of the state of Rio de Janeiro) and as coordinator of “Delas”, the Women’s Ministry of the MCC in Brazil.
Married to Deaconess Mariah and passionate about paws. She came to the MCC at a time of great pain due to homophobia and says that here she found healing, life and freedom.
Rev. Josh Mavamo
(He/Him/His)
Expanse Coordinator – Spanish Speaking Countries
Josh Mavamo, born in Mexico, with two decades of ordained ministry and much more time sharing the joy of the Gospel to others.
Ministry has led him to spend periods in other places and cultures, which have enriched me greatly in the appreciation and inclusion of others.
Sharing talents and efforts with the Metropolitan Community Church to make known the radically inclusive love of the Divine is a great joy. As well as collaborating in the growth of leadership in the local communities.
Programs Sponsored by Flourish
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- Mentoring
- Respite for Clergy
- Spiritual Direction
- Strength Finder Training
- Individualized programming meeting your needs as a leader.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Combined with the Global Leadership Development fund and a 500,000- dollar matching grant from Lilly Endowment our goal is to support all Pastors and Laity to FLOURISH in their ministry.
What is the focus of the Flourish program?
- The focus of the program is to support all clergy and pastoral leaders, (no matter the geographical location) particularly those who are experiencing Change. Change comes in a variety of ways that includes both professional and personal.
How will this program be accomplished?
- Mentoring is the primary focus of the program. We will train Mentors and connect them with a mentee. The program encompasses a one-year period. We will also provide culturally appropriate programming that fits into the needs of a geographic area.
How will my church benefit from this program?
- As leaders, when your ministry thrives due to connections with others, it will reflect in your renewed energy to focus more fully on your ministry.
Will I or my church have to pay for this program?
- The Flourish grant is about partnering with you, and even though the majority of the fees for programs will be covered, this is a matching grant so there may be times when a fee might be charged.
What does a matching grant mean to me?
- A matching grant is where the grantor will give up to a certain dollar amount then your organization has to match it. This gives all of MCC the opportunity to be fundraisers in support of the different programming.
Where can I get more information about flourish?
- Contact the Program Manager at Flourish@mccchurch.net.
Are there other programs that are sponsored by Flourish?
- Flourish offers Respite, Ministry Support Circles and Strength Finder training. Programming that meets the needs of you as a leader.
Please note not all programming translates (in terms of language and culture) into the different areas where MCC is located. We want to bring programming that meets the needs of your local area. Reach out to the Flourish program manager with your thoughts and ideas of what programming you believe may meet those needs.
Email: The Program Manager at Flourish@mccchurch.net