Exploring UCC History, Polity, and Theology
Welcome to Exploring UCC History, Polity, and Theology, a curriculum resource for teaching, learning, and exploring how the UCC thinks, proclaims, works, equips, and engages each part of the denomination to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Use this with confirmation, adult small groups, retreats, new member courses, Committees on Ministry, conference boards, and other any gathering of folks who are curious about what it means to be a part of the UCC. Check out UCC History and Polity Resources.
How It Works
Each learning session includes a facilitator guide, video, resources, and activities to help folks explore the unique history, governance structure, and theological commitments of the UCC. You can access all the lessons and resources through this site, as well as download any files you need.
A few more details:
Facilitator Guide
The facilitator guide is the key resource. Use it to find important background information—the lesson plan, activities, and tips for engaging learners.
Video Learning
Each session utilizes a video that combines knowledge, humor, and practice within the UCC to introduce learners to the topic.
Chart Your Path
Each flexible lesson can be used on its own or you can combine lessons in a sequence to build on an area of focus.
Group Use
Lessons can be used for confirmation, adult small groups, retreats, new member courses, Committees on Ministry, conference boards, or other gatherings.
Introduction
- The United Church of Christ: Our faith is 2,000 years old. Our thinking is not.
Part 1: Our Heritage and Beginnings
- The Beginnings of the United Church of Christ
- More Than Just Four Traditions: Exploring Hidden Histories of the United Church of Christ
- The Statement of Faith: A Testimony, Not Test
- A Church of Firsts: A Historic and Ongoing Commitment to Joining Faith and Action
Part Two: Church Polity, Organization, Structures, and Relationships
- The Local Church: Membership, Organization, Freedoms, and Responsibilities
- A Commitment to Covenant: Connecting Congregations with the Wider Church
- General Synod: The Gathering of the Wider Church
- Church Designations and Statements of Public Witness: Responding to the General Synod
- The Question of Authority: Exploring Where Authority Resides in the UCC
Part Three: Ministry: Local and Global
- Worship in the UCC: Diverse in Practice, United in Scripture, Song, and Sacrament
- Ministers and Ministerial Authorization: Members in Discernment, Ministerial Accountability, and Search and Call
- Global Ministries: Global and Local Partners to Work for Justice, Reconciliation, and Peace
- The Future of the UCC: Discerning Our Purpose, Mission, Vision, and Strategic Vision