LEAD Program
LEAD – Laity Empowered for Active Discipleship
LEAD is MCC’s premier lay leadership program. It is designed to empower, equip, and inspire people to step into leadership in their churches and communities. Through retreats, mentoring, and practical courses, participants experience transformation that strengthens both their personal faith and their ability to serve.
LEAD is shaping the next generation of lay leaders in MCC, preparing people for ministry and service in a rapidly changing world.
Curriculum
The LEAD curriculum blends spiritual depth with practical skills so participants are prepared to lead in their local churches and beyond. Each region adapts the program to meet its own unique needs, while all participants share a set of core foundational courses.
The curriculum is reviewed and updated regularly to ensure it continues to provide relevant training that can be applied in everyday ministry.
Areas of focus include:
- Spiritual growth and personal development
- Leadership skills and mentoring
- Church life and governance
- Community engagement and justice
Global Expansion
LEAD is growing into a global movement. In addition to North America, programs are now being developed in Europe and Brazil, with future plans for Latin America and Africa. Each program is tailored to its region while remaining rooted in MCC’s shared vision of equipping laity for active discipleship.
Scholarship Support
Thanks to contributions designated for laity development, scholarship funds are available to help participants attend LEAD retreats. These scholarships make it possible for more people to say “yes” to leadership without being held back by financial concerns.
If you would like to make a donation to support these scholarships, click here.
Scholarships are available to make sure cost is never a barrier. Click here to apply.
Get Involved
Are you ready to grow as a leader in MCC? Join the LEAD program and be part of a community of laity who are answering the call to serve boldly.
Click here to learn more and apply for North American LEAD.
For more information about North American LEAD, contact LEAD@MCCchurch.net
For questions about LEAD programs in Brazil, Europe, or future regions, as well as general laity development, contact laitydevelopment@MCCchurch.net
What LEAD Graduates are Saying About the Program
LEAD changes lives. Here’s what past participants have shared about their experiences:
“Attending the LEAD Retreat enriched my journey with guidance, support and a spiritual high I had not experienced before. As I completed courses on the LEAD plan, my confidence grew and I received enrichment to help me become a better leader for my church and UFMCC in the future.”
“Several of the required courses for the L.E.A.D. Certificate were a total immersion into the purposeful start, history and supreme sacrifices of the many who fought for the equality of all: but specifically of the LGBT community of GOD’s children. These courses brought me all the way from the start to today, and made our history come to life.”
“Engaging and completing the Lead Program was exciting, interesting and at times challenging. It created the opportunity for me to explore further issues of transition, change and activism for human rights, all of which has supported my journey in ministry and as a member of MCC.”
Over 100 MCC Lay People have already said yes to this incredible opportunity. Will you be the next one to say yes to living out the plan God has for you?