Teaching Church 101 in a Congregation
This syllabus for A Course in Church History for Everyone: Church History 101 was designed for a course on church history that was taught in the context of a local congregation. This course was designed for the person who has never studied Church History as well as for the person who has some background in the subject.
Course Syllabus
My congregation voted to undertake a two-phased renovation of its entire building. This was a turning point in the history of this church and its self understanding. For years I have wanted to teach a course on Church History in the context of a local congregation. I have done it piecemeal here and there, but never in a single course extended over a program year. Finding myself in a congregation that has never studied church history, dealing with so many people who have not ever encountered the study of history beyond high school, and feeling strongly the need to set a new level of engagement with theology and the Christian life in the church, I decided this would be the time and place to teach such a course.
Course Description
This course is designed for the person who has never studied Church History as well as for the person who has some background in the subject. It is intended to provide an overview and exploration of the major movements and developments of the Church from its first day until now. Major events, places, people, and theological developments will be identified and discussed in the context of world history. How all this history connects to the shape, conduct, and identity of the Church and of Christians today will be a key question that will be front and center throughout the entire course.
Course Schedule
The course will be taught in three parts. It is best, but not necessary, to do all three parts in sequence.
- Part I: The Ancient Church (AD 30 - 600). Eight weeks
- Part II: The Medieval Church (600 -1550). Seven weeks
- Part III: The Modern Church (1550 - 2002). Six weeks
Learn More
- Download the complete introduction and syllabus for this course.