"A theologian is one who prays, and one who prays is a theologian." - Evagrius, 4th century

“Theology” simply means words about God, and at MoTA, we believe that we are all theologians. We encourage everyone in the community to take their own experience and reason seriously in addition to church tradition and Holy Scripture. Our worship, study, service, and social activism are woven so as to “hear one another into speech” about what in our lives is most central, beautiful, and passionately awake. Getting to the center of our lives enables us to see most clearly God’s movement in us, though Christ and Spirit, and impels us to act for the sake of justice and wholeness for all, including our earth.

Theology is something we do for each other and with each other at Mota as we share our love of God and seek to live the presence of Christ in daily life.

• Inclusivity in worship, language, and decision-making
• Ecumenism and interfaith expression, especially in dialogue, prayer and activism.
• Participation in worship and leadership.
• Social justice and service as callings from God.
• Peace and non-violence as integral to Christ’s Way.
• Discipleship as deepening our commitment to the courageous and humble day-to-day living out of the gospel of Jesus.
• Accessibility and hospitality as divine calling.
• Practicing eco-justice and walking lightly on this earth.
• Prophetic preaching, teaching and faithful day-to-day living.
• Welcoming of children as central to our community.
• Spiritual growth and education woven into our communal and individual lives.
• Christian community as a focus.

Curiosity and faith, doubt and discovery – all opinions are welcome and valued when we come together as disciples to delve deeper into the meaning and direction of our faith in Christ. Learning opportunities are offered on Sunday morning, Wednesday morning, at frequent all-day retreats and workshops, during Advent and Lent Wednesday soup suppers and periodically on other weeknights as well. At MoTA, we take the Bible seriously but not literally.

The best way to keep awake in the life of faith is to develop a discipline of spiritual practice. Not every practice works for every person; we encourage people to try one, and if it works, to continue practicing faithfully until another practice calls. Silence, contemplative prayer, lectio divina, praying the labyrinth, living sustainably, journaling, spiritual direction, body prayer, yoga, chanting the psalms, fasting (from food, from consuming, from driving, etc), charitable giving, eating locally, St. Ignatius’ daily examen, grace before meals, regular church attendance – these are all spiritual practices that sustain our members.