The purpose of this online course is to explore and analyze the history, polity and characteristic beliefs of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Specific aims of the course include the following:

• Becoming familiar and knowledgeable about the origins, development, growth and current status of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
• Understanding and articulating the characteristic beliefs and practices which make the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) a unique part of the universal church while celebrating the Disciples' ecumenical pilgrimage.
• Identifying and being aware of how the polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) works. 

Instructor: Ken Watson is the recently retired Associate Minister of First Christian Church in Columbia, Missouri. Responsibilities in that position were to give staff oversight for Adult Christian Education, membership development, local outreach, worship, property concerns, and the unique Computer Lab which the church began developing in 1994.   A native Missourian, Ken was raised in Warrensburg where he also completed his undergraduate education in Psychology in 1967. Following graduation, he attended Lexington Theological Seminary in Kentucky, graduating in 1972 with a Doctor of Ministry degree. After serving pastorates in Iowa, he came to Columbia in 1978 to pursue a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at the University of Missouri and was granted that degree in 1985. From 1981 to 1984 he served as Associate Minister for Broadway Christian Church in Columbia. From 1984 to 1994 he served as Associate Regional Minister for the Christian Church of Mid-America, with primary responsibilities in leader development, Christian education and overseas ministry relationships.