Welcome to UCC Identity & Traditions

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 Description

This six-week, online, asynchronous, independent study explores the identity, traditions, history, and polity of the United Church of Christ (UCC). Through readings, lectures, reflections, and a final integrative project, students will deepen their understanding of UCC covenantal life, theological foundations, and leadership practices. 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 the course, students will be able to:

  1. Articulate the covenantal identity and theological foundations of the UCC.
  2. Describe the four founding traditions and the inclusion of the Afro-Christian Convention as the Fifth Stream.
  3. Explain UCC polity, structures of authority, and practices of covenantal leadership.
  4. Apply the Marks of Faithful and Effective Ministers to personal and communal ministry contexts.
  5. Reflect critically on the history, justice commitments, and future directions of the UCC.

This 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).

Please Note - This self-directed course is available at anytime; it is non-refundable, non-deferrable, and cannot be paused. It will expire 6 weeks from the time of enrollment.

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)

  Welcome to UCC Identity and Traditions - Independent Study (IS)
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  Week 1: MARK - Nurturing UCC Identity - Part 1: Foundational Texts & the European Roots
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  Week 2: MARK - Engaging Sacred Stories and Traditions - Part 2: Diverse Tributaries to the Faith Traditions in the UCC
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  Week 3: More Sacred Stories and Traditions - Part 3: The Afro-Christian Tradition in the UCC
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  Week 4: MARKS - Participating in Theological Praxis: Theological Worlds in the UCC & Exhibiting a Spiritual Foundation
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  Week 5: MARK - Building Transformational Leadership Skills: Ministry, Ministerial Oversight & Authorization, and Discipline
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  Week 6: MARK - Strengthening Inter- and Intra-Personal Assets - Concepts Integration Paper
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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.

This digital course is non-refundable. It expires 6 weeks after enrollment.