Welcome to UCC Identity & Traditions
A Special Note from Rev. Dr. Toni Hawkins - Instructor and Southwest Conference Minister, UCC
"Many who begin this journey carry questions about belonging, identity, and place. This course creates space for those questions to be explored with clarity, depth, and care. It is an invitation to understand not only the UCC’s story, but your story within it."
Who This Course Is For
This course is designed for:
- Individuals in a discernment process
- Clergy transferring standing from another denomination
- Licensed, commissioned, and ordained ministers seeking deeper grounding
- Lay leaders preparing for congregational leadership roles
- Members seeking baptism, confirmation, or reaffirmation within the UCC
No prior academic training is required. The course meets you where you are.
Course Format
- Fully online, asynchronous, and self-paced
- 6-week recommended timeline (can be completed in less time based on efforts)
- Video instruction, readings, reflective prompts, and practical application
- Accessible 24/7 anywhere with internet access
Enroll anytime - this course is open year-round.
Begin whenever you are ready.
Tuition: $535
A reduced rate is available for individuals with official Member in Discernment status. Inquire before enrollment as there are no refunds.
A 6-Week Online, Self-Paced, Independent Study
Discover the rich identity, covenantal life, and theological foundations of the United Church of Christ. In this course, you’ll explore our founding traditions — including the Afro-Christian Convention as the Fifth Stream — and reflect on how UCC polity, history, and the Marks of Faithful and Effective Ministers shape our call to ministry today.
This independent study is designed for flexibility: you can progress at your own pace while engaging with key readings, videos, and reflection prompts. Whether you’re preparing for authorization, deepening your ministry, or simply seeking a better understanding of the UCC, this journey will equip and inspire you.
✨ God is still speaking — may this course enrich your faith and strengthen your ministry.
📖 Course Purpose
This course provides a grounded understanding of the UCC’s theological heritage, historical development, and covenantal identity. It supports individuals preparing for authorized ministry, clergy transferring from other denominations, and leaders seeking to deepen their relationship to the UCC.
By engaging video lessons, curated readings, and guided reflections, participants develop the clarity and confidence needed to speak and live their call within the UCC tradition. Special attention will be given to the Afro-Christian Convention as the Fifth Stream and the integration of the Marks of Faithful and Effective Ministers.
🎯 Learning Outcomes
By the end of this six-week, online, asynchronous, self-paced course, students will be able to:
- Articulate the covenantal identity and theological foundations of the UCC.
- Describe the four founding traditions and the inclusion of the Afro-Christian Convention as the Fifth Stream.
- Explain UCC polity, structures of authority, and practices of covenantal leadership.
- Apply the Marks of Faithful and Effective Ministers to personal and communal ministry contexts.
- Reflect critically on the history, justice commitments, and future directions of the UCC.
- Enrich your ministry, affirm your calling, and ground you even more deeply in the life of the United Church of Christ.
This course is six weeks in duration but can be completed in less time based on your time and efforts. .
Please Note - This course will automatically expire 6 weeks from enrollment. It is available anytime; it is non-refundable, non-deferrable, and cannot be paused.
This course fulfills the "Essential Elements" guideline of the UCC History and Polity Teachers’ Network. Through readings, videos, multi-media presentations, discussion forums, and a writing project, participants will engage in discussion posts and written reflections to understand the history, polity, and ecclesiology of the United Church of Christ.
It also satisfies a requirement of most UCC Committees on Ministry for authorization as ordained or lay minister. 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 our ecumenical partners and other denominations seeking privilege of call, ministerial partnership standing or dual standing.
There are (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)
- Mid-Course Check-In (Week 3–4)
- 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
About Your Instructor
Rev. Dr. Toni Hawkins
Hello, I am Rev. Dr. Toni Hawkins, your instructor for this course. I am grateful you have chosen to engage this learning journey. UCC Identity and Traditions, including the Afro-Christian Tradition as the Fifth Stream, offers space to explore the history, theology, and covenantal life of the United Church of Christ. The course is shaped by the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers, and invites thoughtful reflection on your own story, identity, and call.
I currently serve as Conference Minister in the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ, supporting congregations across Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas. In this work, I walk alongside clergy, congregations, and leaders in areas such as:
- Ministry authorization and oversight
- Search and call
- Congregational vitality and new church starts
- Conflict transformation
- Training and facilitation of clergy communities of practice
I also provide guidance and support to Committees on Ministry, Members in Discernment, and those seeking privilege of call, dual standing, or ecumenical partnership within the UCC.
In past years, I served as adjunct faculty at several seminaries, teaching courses in areas including ministerial identity, pastoral formation, racial justice, ethics and professional boundaries, clergy self-care, and transitional leadership.
I bring to this work a deep commitment to sustainable ministry, rooted in practices of self-awareness, theological grounding, and spiritual care. It is my hope that this course strengthens your understanding of the UCC and your own place within its story.
I look forward to journeying with you.
— Rev. Dr. Altonnette “Toni” Hawkins
Conference Minister, Southwest Conference UCC
Testimonial
Dan Haugh
Stowe, Vermont
I recently took the course UCC History, Polity, & Theology: Nurturing a UCC Identity with Dr. Rev Toni Hawkins. Prior to this course, I was mainly unaware of the rich and diverse traditions that united to form the UCC. Taking the course as an independent study allowed me to complete the readings and requirements when my schedule allowed, while still benefiting from the weekly lectures and interviews with Dr. Hawkins. Upon finishing the course, my understanding of the denomination’s history, structure, and identity was greatly increased, as was my appreciation and excitement to be a part of the UCC. I am grateful for everything I received from this course, especially for the support and wisdom of Dr. Hawkins.
Pastor Dan Haugh
Stowe Community Church
(shared by permission)
Testimonial of Rev. Justimore Musombi
Taking the UCC Identity and Traditions course with Rev. Dr. Toni Hawkins was a truly formative experience. Her guidance, encouragement, and depth of insight helped me grow both academically and spiritually as I moved through the privilege of call process with the United Church of Christ.
Rev. Toni not only provided thoughtful, constructive feedback on assignments, but also modeled what compassionate and grounded leadership looks like. Her mentorship supported me in discerning my direction with clarity and confidence.
This course was far more than learning information—it was an experience of being nurtured, challenged, and accompanied with care. I am grateful for the wisdom and support I received and highly recommend this course to others on the path of ministry formation.
— Rev. Jestimore Musombi (shared with permission)