Congregational Education Survey

Dear Congregants of MCC of Greater Saint Louis,

The Congregational Education team, in an effort to be more in tune with your needs and interests, has developed the following questionnaire. We would like you to fill it out to help us become more responsive to you.

Potential Adult Education Offerings

Traditional Bible Study or Adult Sunday School – This would include using more personal and perhaps less “progressive” ways of looking at scripture, the traditions of the church, and everyday life experiences as seen through the lens of Christian and MCCGSL values and beliefs.

Progressive Theology Courses – These courses introduce people to new ways to look at and think about scripture, Jesus, and God drawing from theologians such as John Shelby Spong, Marcus Borg, and John Dominic Crossan. The Center for Progressive Christianity outlines the basics of this perspective in 8 major points on their website http://www.tcpc.org/about/8points.cfm,

World Religion / Spirituality Courses – These classes would examine some of the traditions and perspectives of non-Christian spiritual traditions such as Judaism, Buddhism, Native American American traditions and the like. The purpose would be to promote better understanding of those other perspectives, and to glean whatever wisdom they may have to offer us as Christians.

Special History - Women’s History, Church History, TBLGQ History, Civil Rights History, etc. .-- These courses will try to focus on truths and heros that have often been minimized or left out completely of the popular culture’s awareness. The purpose would be to enrich our understanding of socio/political movements that have influenced who we are as a church, or as a modern Western culture.

Spiritual Development – At MCCGSL we believe that Christians are called to grow in faith and in relationship with God and our fellow human beings. These courses would include building a spiritual practice, growing in knowledge regarding religious and spiritual ideas, and exploring the boundaries and implications of ones own faith.

Personal Enrichment Classes of a Non-Spiritual Nature  – These classes and workshops will provide an opportunity to make social connections with individuals who have similar interests, as well as offering opportunities for creative expression, or to learn practical skills.

Discussion Groups – The exchange of ideas and the sharing of personal experiences is an important tool for building community, and for personal growth. Discussion groups offer congregants safe spaces in which to get to know themselves and others in the community while exploring their beliefs and feelings about God, church, spirituality, relationships, and life in general. Topics for discussion groups include spirituality and scripture, films, and books.

Please check all that you personally would be interested in attending.