Our Story (Modules 1–5)

The world before the movement, Stone and Campbell's call to Christian unity, the union of the movement, growth and division, and the 1968 Restructure that shaped today's church.

Our Identity and Polity (Modules 6–10)

Who the Disciples are, the theology of covenant, how congregations, regions, and the general church relate to each other, how ministry leadership and accountability work, and the Table at the center of worship.

Your Call (Modules 11–12)

Think through what you bring to the movement, then take a quiet pause to hold and reflect on your call.

About the Course

If you're preparing for ordained or commissioned ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), you need to know the tradition you'll serve. This course follows the movement from its frontier beginnings to the present, explains how our covenantal polity works in practice, and ends by helping you reflect on your own call. Each module builds on the last, so by the end you'll understand what Disciples believe and practice, and why. It's a strong foundation for the history and polity part of your region's ordination or commissioning process.

About Your Instructor

I'm Rev. Dr. Carolyn Treadwell-Butler, an ordained minister and pastoral counselor. I've spent 40 years in learning and development and 10 years in ministry, and this course brings the two together. I know how adults learn best, and I know what it's like to answer a call to ministry. I built this course to give you a clear, well-organized, grounded understanding of Disciples history and polity, and room to reflect on your own call along the way. I'm glad you're here.

Curriculum

12 Chapters · 12 Lessons

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      World Before the Movement

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      Stone, Campbell, and the Call to Christian Unity

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      The Development and Union of the Movement

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      Growth, Conflict, and Division

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      Restructure and the Contemporary Disciples Movement

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      Who Are the Disciples of Christ?

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      The Theology and Practice of Covenant

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      Congregational, Regional, and General Expressions

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      Leadership, Ministry, and Accountability

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      Worship, Communion, and Polity in Practice

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      Called to the Movement: What You Bring to the Table

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      A Sacred Pause: Holding Your Call

Ready to Deepen Your Ministry Foundation?

Build a solid foundation in Disciples history and polity as you prepare for ordained or commissioned ministry. Enroll today and start with Module 1.

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