The Universal Life Church, headquartered in Modesto, California, provides a variety of courses designed by Rev. Kirby J. Hensley and his wife Lida. These courses cover a range of topics from Biblical studies to Motivation, resulting in a diploma upon completion and an associated donation. These courses serve a distinct need within religious communities, providing education in the respective belief systems. Similar offerings are available from other denominations like the Community of Christ and the Unitarian Universalist Association, as well as the Humanist Studies Program offered through the AHA Center for Education.
A notable aspect of the ULC courses is the use of an abridged Holy Bible published by the denomination in 1977. This condensed version of the Bible is a useful tool for ULC ministers, who come from diverse religious backgrounds and hold varying degrees of familiarity with the Bible. The ULC does not require its ministers to have an in-depth understanding of the Bible, instead promoting freedom of religion and asking only that they do what is right. In this context, the abridged Bible serves as a handy reference that can give ministers a broad understanding of Biblical themes and key events.
While these courses serve a vital purpose, the ULC also recognizes the desire for more formal education among its ministers. The newly formed Universal Life Ministerial Formation Network ULMFN) aims to help meet this need, while not undermining the importance of the courses available through the ULC HQ. While the ULMFN offers no courses of its own, it exists as a community and resource for ULC ministers who are seeking to professionalize.
For those ULC ministers looking to further their education, there are options to attend theological schools that are not accredited. While this path may not be recommended for those seeking careers as certified chaplains or academic professionals, it could be suitable for those focusing on church ministry or non-academic teaching roles. Unaccredited seminaries typically cost less than accredited institutions but offer no independent guarantee of quality.
There are several unaccredited seminaries worth considering, such as the evangelical-aligned Rockbridge Seminary in Springfield, Missouri, and Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary in Evansville, Indiana. Other options include Sofia Divinity School, affiliated with the Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch, and Ascension Theological College, affiliated with The Ascension Alliance. Both are independent Catholic seminaries offering lower-cost study modules.
While the ULC embraces religious diversity, its ministers may face challenges in finding seminaries that recognize such a broad range of beliefs. There are, however, accredited seminaries that are more open-minded in their approach to theological education. The United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is an interfaith seminary offering a mix of online and in-person study options. The Graduate School of Theology at Abilene Christian University offers various master's and doctoral programs designed to prepare students for ministry and scholarship. For those not prioritizing a Master of Divinity, the Community of Christ Seminary offers a regionally accredited Master of Arts in Religion program.
In summary, ULC ministers have numerous options for further theological education, both through unaccredited and accredited seminaries. These choices, along with the courses offered by the ULC, allow ULC ministers to enhance their understanding and practice of their religious commitments. The choice of seminary ultimately depends on individual spiritual, academic, and professional goals.
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