Rooted in a Movement,
Defined by Our Future
MCCBR was born in 1983, out of the tradition and denomination of the Metropolitan Community Churches, a global movement that dared to proclaim God’s love for LGBTQ+ people when few others would. That courage is part of who we are, and we honor the people and the heritage that brought us into being.
But a tradition is a root, not a container. The people who gather here today are writing the next chapter of this church, defined not by a denomination or a label, but by who we actually are: an inclusive, affirming, justice-driven community in the heart of Baton Rouge. We carry the courage of where we began, and we claim the freedom to become whatever this community needs us to be next.
“We started in that tradition. It does not define where we are going.”
James Hartman
Pastor
A native of Washington, D.C., and a graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans,
James has served as pastor of MCCBR since September 2018. Prior to joining us at
MCCBR, he was an active member of MCC New Orleans, where he preached nearly
100 times, and served on the Board of Directors as Vice Moderator. He is a Bible
scholar since childhood, and has a deep understanding of Holy Scripture and its
relevance for us today.
Rev. Hartman (also known as Pastor, Father, or just James!) is ordained in the Anglican
tradition through the Society of All Souls, and is committed to spreading a Gospel of
diversity, inclusion, and genuine personal relationships with our Creator and our Savior.
Our Leadership
The people who guide, serve, and steward this community — on the board, behind the scenes, and out in front.
management, and has served MCCBR as treasurer for most of the last 30 years. He
brings valuable experience and insight to managing the church’s financial matters and
long-term stability.
Danielle Underwood | Board Clerk
Charlie, and daughter, Taylor, the family plays an active and vital role in church
operations and outreach. She is also ordained to perform weddings and offers those
services frequently throughout the community.
Hackett, Mark is a stalwart volunteer and supporter of all MCCBR’s ministries. His
background in business and institutional knowledge of our church bring significant value
to the Board.
Our Core Values
Inclusion
Love is our greatest moral value, and resisting exclusion is a primary focus of our ministry. Everyone is included in the family of God, and all parts of who we are are welcomed at God’s table.
Community
We offer a safe and open community for people to worship, learn, and grow in faith, equipping ourselves and each other to do the work God has called us to do in the world.
Spiritual Transformation
We provide a message of liberation from oppressive religion, and a first experience of God for those who have never known one. When people encounter God through Christ, lives are transformed.
Justice
We talk less and do more, resisting the structures that oppress people and standing with those who suffer, guided always by our commitment to human rights.
Four Decades of Showing Up
From founding Baton Rouge Pride Fest to feeding the hungry, supporting children, and standing with the marginalized — faith here has always meant action.
Baton Rouge
Lambda Center
Our History
At This Table
Our Pastoral History
Nine pastors and several interim leaders have guided this congregation since 1983. Each one carried the work forward.
Installed Aug 26, 1984
Rev. Ron Russell-Coon
Fall 1986 – Late 1988
Rev. Brenda Hunt
March 1989 – Summer 1990
Rev. Cindy Drake
Aug 1990 – Sept 1991
JoNee Shelton
Fall 1991 – Spring 1995
Rev. Hawk “Nancy” Horvath
Oct 1995 – May 1999
Rev. Don Clarke
1999 – 2000
Rev. Bev Stephenson
March 2001 – May 2006
Rev. Stephen Moore
Remainder of 2006
Rev. Dexter Brecht
Jan 2007 – May 2018
Rev. Keith Mozingo
Interim 2018–2020 · Pastor since April 2021
James Hartman
Moments That Made Us
Four decades of worship, service, celebration, and chosen family. Add a caption to each photo to tell its story.
Come Be Part of
What’s Next
Join us this Sunday at 11:00 AM at 7747 Tom Drive, or worship with us live online. Wherever you are coming from, there is a seat for you here.