This online United Church of Christ (UCC) History, Polity, and Theology course is six weeks in duration but can be completed in less time based on your time and efforts It is based on the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers (The Marks).
This online (asynchronous) course is self-paced for the duration of 6 weeks. (This self-directed course is available at anytime; it is non-refundable).
This course fulfills the "Essential Elements" guideline of the UCC History and Polity Teachers’ Network. Through readings, videos, multi-media presentations, discussion forums, online study groups, and a writing project, participants will engage in community dialogue and written reflections to understand the history, polity, and ecclesiology of the United Church of Christ.
It also satisfies a requirement of UCC Committees on Ministry for authorization as ordained or lay ministers in the Indiana Kentucky and Southwest Conferences of the United Church of Christ. It may also fulfill the requirements for Authorized Ministry in other UCC Associations and Conferences, if approved. In addition, it provides an introduction for ministers from other denominations seeking privilege of call, ministerial partnership standing or dual standing.
3 Required Texts:
Gunnemann, Louis H. The Shaping of the United Church of Christ, (Expanded Edition). New York: United Church Press, 1977/1999.
Walker, R. J. (2005). The Evolution of a UCC style: Essays in the History, Ecclesiology, and Culture of the United Church of Christ. Cleveland, OH: United Church Press.
Delk, Yvonne V. (2023). Afro Christian Convention: The Fifth Stream of the United Church of Christ. Cleveland. OH: United Church Press.
UCC History, Polity, Theology, and Ethos Curriculum (IS)
- Part 3 - Video: The Afro Christian Tradition in the UCC (66:59)
- The Amistad Connection to the UCC
- The AMA and the Afro Christian Convention
- The Afro Christian Preservation Project
- Introduction to the Franklinton Center at Bricks with Dr. Toni Hawkins (2:45)
- Discussion Post: The Afro-Christian Tradition
- Week 3 Assignment
Your Instructor: Rev. Dr. Toni Hawkins
Hello, I am Toni Hawkins, your instructor for this course. I am so glad you have chosen to take this online UCC History, Polity, & Theology course which includes the Afro Christian Tradition as the 5th stream in the UCC identity. This course is based on the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers.
I wear many hats so self-care is a priority for me as I serve as Conference Minister in the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ with oversight for congregations in Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas.
My areas of focus are ministry authorization and oversight, search and call, new church starts, training and communities of practice facilitation, conflict resolution, and congregational vitality. I provide support and resources to committees on ministry (COMs), members in discernment (MIDs) and ecumenical partners seeking ministerial partnership, privilege of call, or dual standing in the UCC.
In addition, I am an adjunct professor for a couple of seminaries and a facilitator of communities of practice/clergy peer groups. I facilitate courses and provide coaching in the areas of racial trauma, ethics and professional boundaries, anti-racism and pro-reconciliation, interim/transitional ministry, process improvements, clergy self-care, and grief and loss courses, just to list a few.
I want you to know that I look forward to journeying with you, as together, we learn more about the United Church of Christ.
