Faith Forward: From Visitor to Leader is a guided path for Unitarian Universalists to follow in their congregations, helping navigate from building connections early on, to finding a sense of belonging as a member, to serving as a leader and boldly living their faith. Faith Forward was created by the First Unitarian Church of Dallas.

The courses are designed to follow the path that they are listed on the website, but this is not required. If you would like to take a course that is being offered and haven’t done the ones before it, not a problem! You can go back and take those courses when they’re offered again. 

Core Path Course Descriptions

Inquirers: Visitors, newcomers, and new members are invited to participate in the Inquirers Series – the first step on our Faith Forward Path. This course is a series of 9 conversations that offer a general introduction to our congregation & Unitarian Universalism. The series is ongoing, so you are welcome to participate in the sessions in any order, as you’re able.

The following is the Inquirers Series schedule for upcoming months (dates TBD):

• Q & A with the Minister
• UU History, Principles & Sources
• Campus Tour & Orientation
• Faith Development for Children & Adults
• Worship & Liturgical Year
• Social Action & Community Service
• Pastoral Care & Small Group Ministry
• Small Group Connections
• Membership 101 & Congregational Life

Roots: Roots is a brief introduction to Unitarian Universalist ideas & history, and is recommended for inquirers on our Faith Forward Path. Join us as we dive into our Unitarian, Universalist, & Unitarian Universalist roots! This is a one session course.

Beyond Inquirers: Have you completed the Inquirers Series? Are you seeking a way to deepen your learning and engagement with the congregation? Beyond Inquirers is a five session series on the Faith Forward Path focused on the congregation and you – offering a deeper understanding of how the congregation works and how you can be part of it. The sessions do not have to be done in order, so come when you are able. Sessions include:

• What do UUs believe?
• Is this a new religion?
• How do we do church?
• How do we live our lives?
• Does it matter if I join?

Spiritual Practice: Spiritual Practice is a 12 session series on the Faith Forward Path that helps participants develop regular disciplines of the spirit – practices that help us connect with the sacred. Spiritual Practice affirms religious diversity while seeking unity in our communal quest for meaning and wholeness. Each session offers a forum for learning, sharing, and growth that can enrich our personal faith journeys. Sessions include:

• Defining Spiritual Practice
• Finding Your Spiritual Practice
• Keeping Sabbath
• Prayer
• Meditation
• Mindful Walking & Eating
• Worship & Ritual
• Discernment & Devotional Reading
• Hospitality & Belonging
• Work & Service
• Retreat
• Life as Spiritual Practice

UU History 101: UU History 101, part of our Faith Forward Path, is a 7 session introduction to concepts & people from our history in this series, we approach history from the starting point of compelling stories & personalities. We will explore the questions those people faced, & make connections with our own lives & the world around us today. The overarching question is: how can history be translated into our religious life & practice? In addition to learning about history, we hope you will learn about yourselves. Sessions are:

• A Question of Conscience
• A Question of Love
• A Question of Experience
• A Question of Resilience & Courage
• A Question of Identity
• A Question of Calling
• History of First UU – A special session on our congregation’s history. Come learn about the inspiring people in our history and the impact our congregation has had in our city. You are a part of the continuing history of this church!

UU Elevator Speech: UU Elevator Speech, part of our Faith Forward Path, guides participants through developing a short speech about our UU faith. It is called an “elevator speech” because, on an elevator ride when someone asks you “what is Unitarian Universalism?” you only have a short time to make a meaningful statement! It is recommended that you take UU History 101, Roots, and Spiritual Practice before taking this course. Sessions include:

• It’s Not a Credo
• Writing Your UU Elevator Speech
• Sharing Your UU Elevator Speech

Advanced Path Course Descriptions

UU Theology: UU Theology is a 6-session introduction to theological concepts through a Unitarian Universalist lens. Each session asks: What does our UU tradition teach about this theological concept, and how does that help me clarify and act on my own beliefs? UU Theology is the first step on the Faith Forward Advanced Path. This means that it is helpful to attend each session as they build on one another. Sessions include:

• What is theology?
• What are God & Spirit?
• What is our purpose?
• Who are we?
• What are our sources?
• What saves us?