Inland West Mission Center
In Community of Christ, we believe in mission that is rooted in relationship, guided by the Spirit, and lived out in community. Behind every vibrant congregation and every life-changing camp or outreach ministry is a team of people working to make it all happen, including the Mission Center President (MCP) and Mission Center Financial Officer (MCFO).
These two roles might sound administrative, but they’re actually deeply connected to the spiritual life and mission of the church
What Are the Responsibilities of the MCP and MCFO?
Mission Center Staff: A Calling to Support and Serve
The MCP and MCFO serve as ministers, administrators, and visionaries who work collaboratively with congregations and leaders across the mission center. Their shared purpose is to support local ministry, encourage spiritual growth, and help all expressions of the church live out the mission of Jesus Christ.
Based on the formal role descriptions, here are some of their key responsibilities:
Mission Center President (MCP):
- Offer pastoral support and spiritual guidance to congregational leaders and members.
- Encourage and assist in the identification and development of emerging leaders.
- Support priesthood calls and help congregations nurture spiritual formation.
- Promote the Enduring Principles and Mission Initiatives of Community of Christ.
- Collaborate with the MCFO to align mission priorities with financial resources.
- Lead and facilitate reunions, retreats, and other mission center events.
- Encourage new expressions of ministry that reach seekers and marginalized communities.
- Represent the mission center within the wider church and ensure alignment with church identity and values.
In addition to administrative and pastoral duties, the MCP helps shape the vision, identity, and ministry offerings of the mission center. While they work in collaboration with other mission center staff, congregational leaders, and the apostle assigned to their field, MCPs are uniquely positioned to ensure that ministries are culturally and regionally appropriate.
This means they have the flexibility to respond creatively to the needs of their area—whether that’s starting new expressions of church, developing digital ministry, hosting regional events, or supporting justice-focused community outreach. MCPs serve as both shepherd and strategist, helping their mission center embody the mission of Jesus Christ in authentic and relevant ways.
Mission Center Financial Officer (MCFO):
- Manage and oversee financial operations for the mission center and congregations.
- Work with local leaders on budgeting, reporting, and stewardship education.
- Ensure responsible handling of tithes, offerings, and other funds.
- Support grant writing, audits, and compliance with financial policies.
- Provide training and assistance to local treasurers and financial officers.
- Collaborate with the MCP to ensure mission and finance work in tandem.
The MCFO plays a vital role not only in managing finances, but also in cultivating a culture of generosity and whole-life stewardship. Beyond preparing budgets and overseeing financial systems, the MCFO helps congregations and individuals understand how faithful financial practices support Christ’s mission. This includes teaching about the Disciple’s Generous Response, offering tools for transparent and ethical stewardship, and encouraging giving that flows from gratitude, not obligation. The MCFO ensures that resources are aligned with ministry goals and that congregations are equipped to steward their own missions with sustainability and integrity. In this way, the MCFO serves as a spiritual companion in generosity, helping disciples live into the sacred responsibility of sharing their time, talent, and treasure.
Single Line Administrator (MCP/MCFO)
In some mission centers the roles of MCP and MCFO are held by the same person. This combined role allows for a more integrated approach to leadership, ensuring that spiritual guidance, administrative oversight, and financial stewardship work in harmony. When one person serves in both roles, it can streamline communication, align mission priorities with budgetary decisions, and provide a cohesive vision for supporting congregations and ministries. This model is often chosen when it reflects the needs and size of the mission center and can be sustained effectively by a leader with the capacity and support to carry both responsibilities.
Our Mission: Living the Love and Peace of Jesus Christ
The Mission Center President is a minister who walks alongside congregations, leaders, and members, offering guidance, support, and vision. They help ensure that the mission of Jesus Christ is expressed across the mission center in ways that reflect our identity and values: inviting people to Christ, abolishing poverty and ending suffering, pursuing peace on Earth, developing disciples to serve, and experiencing congregations in mission.
The MCP is often involved in pastoral care for leaders, encouraging the development of new ministries, organizing reunions and retreats, and helping congregations discern calls to priesthood and leadership. They’re not a boss. They’re a partner in ministry.
The Financial Officer’s role is equally vital. This person helps manage resources with transparency, care, and stewardship. They ensure funds are used to support local ministries and uphold the values of generosity and sustainability. From helping congregations with budgets to ensuring donations make an impact, the MCFO keeps us aligned with the mission.
MCPs and MCFOs serve as ministers on behalf of the worldwide church, representing Community of Christ to congregations, affiliates, governmental entities, and community partners. This role creates a vital link between local communities and the broader church network, offering access to resources and expertise from International Headquarters and mission centers around the world.
MCPs and MCFOs help ensure congregations have the tools and support they need for ministry, operations, and mission. They maintain a working knowledge of church policies and assist congregations in applying them in ways that are practical and responsive to local contexts.
Additionally, these leaders work closely with the Council of Twelve Apostles and Field Support Ministers, collaborating to align local mission with the global vision of Community of Christ while honoring the unique identity of each congregation. This partnership helps embody the church’s mission of fostering communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.
Connecting Local Mission to the Wider Church
What Does a Mission Center President and Financial Officer Do?
A mission center is a regional expression of Community of Christ, bringing together congregations and ministries across a defined geographic area to support and coordinate mission. Think of it as a network that connects local communities of faith, offering resources, leadership, and shared opportunities for worship, learning, service, and spiritual formation. Mission centers help congregations live out the church’s mission by organizing events like camps, retreats, and conferences, providing training for leaders, and offering practical support for administration and finance. In this way, a mission center serves as both a spiritual home and a missional hub, helping congregations thrive and grow together.
These roles aren’t just about paperwork or meetings. They’re about helping the church live its mission in real, tangible ways. When a congregation wants to expand their outreach to their community, the MCP and MCFO help make it happen. When young people attend a life-changing camp or when a congregation dreams of starting a new ministry, these leaders are often quietly working behind the scenes to support, encourage, and sustain the effort.
In short, the MCP and MCFO are servants of the mission center. They help us see beyond the horizon to what God is calling us to next and they walk with us as we respond to the Spirit’s call. Whether you’re new to Community of Christ or have been part of our journey for years, we hope this gives you a deeper appreciation for the role of mission center leadership and how it strengthens and supports disciples and congregations throughout our communities.
Community of Christ is an international faith movement rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus. Our mission is simple but powerful: We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.
This mission is carried out through five Mission Initiatives, which guide our priorities and actions:
- Invite People to Christ
- Abolish Poverty, End Suffering
- Pursue Peace on Earth
- Develop Disciples to Serve
- Experience Congregations in Mission
The Mission Center President and Financial Officer are key to helping these initiatives flourish in real, grounded, and contextual ways across our region.