United Church of Christ History and Polity

This intensive class will provide an overview of the predecessor denominations that shaped the United Church of Christ’s history and style of congregational governance. It will also look at the National setting, how General Synod functions, and explore theological foundations around autonomy and covenant.

Check with your Committee on Ministry if you are seeking to meet a polity requirement for authorization with this course.

Part 1- UCC Historical Ancestors

Part 2- Creation of the UCC, National Setting & Structure, How Synod Works

Part 3- Autonomy and Covenant

Digital content created by and Cohort facilitated by Dr. Jill Baker

Dr. Baker is the Director of Academic and Vocational Discernment at Eden, supporting students on their path toward ministerial careers. She is also an affiliate faculty member teaching UCC History and Polity since 2014, among other courses.

Dr. Baker has been active in the United Church of Christ since 1991, at the local, conference and national levels. She served on a national board for a six-year term and volunteered on the General Synod production team twice. She served as Vice Moderator and Moderator of the Illinois South Conference UCC for eight years. She has been part of many committees and task forces, including founding ISC Pride in 2010 and Rainbow Camp in 2016, and creating the eco-focused Green DuBois Task Force for her Conference's outdoor ministry facility in 2019.

 Dr. Baker is a 2009 graduate of Eden Theological Seminary.

Dates: 6:30-8pm CT on Sept. 14, Oct. 5, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7, 2026

all cohort meetings will be online

Ministry Cohorts

Ministry Cohorts allow you to sample many theological themes, offering peer learning with your ministry context in mind. Scholars have chosen a specific lens on a particular topic and share their expertise through digital content you watch on your own time. Four monthly online meetings are interspersed, where you and your Cohort members gather for facilitated discussion with an experienced church leader.

Cohorts support lifelong learning and are for anyone- authorized clergy, chaplains, Christian educators, lay leaders and anyone interested in the topic. UCC members will recognize the Marks for Ministry woven throughout the cohorts, though anyone from any denomination, or no denomination, is welcome to attend.

Completion of this Ministry Cohort provides 9 contact hours of continuing education, subject to approval by the participant's credentialing body.