Course
Introduction to Church History
Explore the remarkable story of Christianity from the first-century Church to the present day through a clear, engaging introduction to the people, events, ideas, and movements that have shaped the Christian faith.
Overview
Trace the Church Across the Centuries
This course introduces the major eras of Christian history in a way that is accessible to beginners while remaining grounded in historical scholarship. You will examine the growth of the early Church, the lives and writings of influential Christian leaders, the formation of the biblical canon, the great ecumenical councils, and the rise of monasticism. The course also surveys the medieval Church, the Protestant Reformation, global missionary movements, and the development of Christianity in the modern world.
Along the way, you will see how historical events, cultural changes, and theological debates influenced the Church’s beliefs, worship, and mission. By the end of the course, you will have a strong understanding of key figures and events, gain valuable context for reading theology and studying Scripture, and better understand the many traditions that make up the global Christian Church today. Courses are $19 a month and can be canceled at any time.
What You’ll Study
Key Themes and Periods
Rather than presenting church history as a list of dates, this course helps you understand the deep connections between doctrine, worship, mission, and historical change. You will learn to recognize the lasting significance of the early councils, the shaping influence of Christian thinkers, the tensions and reforms that marked the medieval and Reformation eras, and the global expansion of Christianity in the modern world.
Early Church and canon
Councils and doctrine
Reformation and renewal
Global Christianity today