Exploring Theology in the UCA

Exploring Theology in the UCA has been created around the Worship and Preaching Competencies for Biblical studies from the “Assembly Standards and Competencies for the Formation and Education for the Specified Ministry of Lay Preacher”. So, those training for the ministry of Lay Preaching, and those needing to undertake training for the Worship and Preaching Competencies for Pastors (as these are the same), can be assured they are receiving training to help them meet these competencies.

However, Exploring Theology in the UCA was also written and developed to encourage faith and discipleship formation. So, it is also a great unit for:

• Worship leaders
• people undertaking a Period of Discernment
• Lay Preachers looking for some continuing education
• people who would like to explore Theology as a way of deepening their faith and relationship with God and
• anyone just generally interested in knowing more about how we ‘do’ Theology in the UCA.

Exploring Theology in the UCA covers:

• What is Theology and how is it used by individuals and in the church, particularly the Uniting Church in Australia
• The meaning of revelation and the authority of Scripture
• The Trinity
• The Holy Spirit
• Creation and Eco-Theology
• God’s Providence and Evil
• Humanity and Sin
• Salvation
• The Church
• Mission
• Christian Hope

Exploring Theology in the UCA is offered through access to online learning materials and a Zoom class.

Internet not great at home? The unit is also designed so that the base material can be downloaded and saved to your computer. Others interested in learning in your Presbytery? Why don’t you learn together – and download your learning material to work on at home.

The textbook for Exploring Theology in the UCA (and Exploring Christology) is Faith Seeking Understanding: An Introduction to Christian Theology, 4th Edition by Daniel Migliore (2023). Please make sure you purchase this book before starting the unit, and leave time for it to arrive! Available in ebook, Kindle, or paperback. It is also available from Koorong in paperback.

For those who are very new to theological thinking, the following two books would be extremely helpful to obtain and read before the unit, if possible:

• Thinking the Faith, Living the Faith: An Introduction to Christian Theology by Christopher C Walker - available in paperback only
• A "Down and Dirty" Guide to Theology by Donald K McKim - available in Kindle or paperback

Both books are great 'stepping stones' or aids in helping you to get your thinking at a different level. Learning theology is like learning a new language, particularly in the beginning. It can be helpful to 'step up' into your formal learning through other reading

Registrations close strictly on Friday 14 February 2025