Survey of Church History

From Pentecost to the present day, this course explores the development of the church, examines how God bolstered His church and the negative influences that affected it.

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Church history is the heart of His story, God’s kingdom work on earth. This course explores the development of the Christian church from Pentecost to the present day. It covers key people and events that God used throughout history to bolster His Church and also those negative influences that infected her.

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Discover the vintage value and relevance of these classic courses. Our instructors provide new insights into your faith through a variety of subjects. We acquired many of these courses from the Institute of Theological Studies (ITS). From ITS’s world-class professors, you'll gain seminary-level instruction.

  1. Discuss the connection between the Jewish faith and the Christian faith particularly in terms of the early development of the church and its theology.
  2. Understand the development of leadership structures within the organized church of the Western world, beginning with New Testament teachings and leading to the present time.
  3. Assess the impact of persecution on the church from early days to the present day.
  4. Discuss the effect on the church and its relationship with government, citing specifc historical examples world wide from Christ to the present day.
  5. Identify the major contributions made by Augustine to the church’s theology of salvation, redemption, and grace.
  6. Develop a personal philosophy of war based on study of the Crusades and teachings of historical theologians.
  7. Practice a biblical theology of knowing God based upon the study of the historical approaches of both mystics and scholars.
  8. Understand the Reformers including their relationship to the Catholic Church, their purpose, their theology, and the results of their actions.
  9. Evaluate the impact of denominationalism on the unity of the church particularly in the North American church.
  10. Develop a personal theology of missions based in part on the positive and negative aspects of the mission movements of the past two centuries.
  11. Discuss aspects of church histories that are specifc to areas of the world outside of North America.
  12. Examine and evaluate western Christian trends of the 20th century including Fundamentalism, Modernism, Evangelicalism, and Catholicism.
  13. Discuss the growth of the Christian church in the world today and identify challenges facing ministry in the new millennium.
  • I learned a lot on church history that I never knew, which has impacted by views and faith.

    — Gloria, Nigeria
  • A lot of information to digest. Definitely learned a great deal on the history of the Church.

    — Terri, United States
  • I enjoyed the views of Dr. Rosell. He was very knowledgeable and articulate in the discussions. My heart was touched several times during his teaching, and this gave a greater sense of awareness to my own thoughts and beliefs.

    — Martha, United States
  • An enjoyable course. I learnt a great deal. The questions to answer, took some application and thought to start with. Three a lesson was quite hard to start with, but I think it was worth answering all of them in the end. They really helped me to think round the subject. I wasn't sure I would find it interesting to start with, but I am really glad I took it now, and feel it has really enriched my understanding of the different church movements, especially in Europe where I live in the heart of Switzerland. Many thanks for this course!

    — Paul, Switzerland
  • Great overview. A treasured course.

    — Donald J, United States
  • Definitely I would recommend it. In the beginning I was little skeptical with the method. But as the course was progressing I could grasp more and more from the lectures and realized how effective and pleasurable it was. The course has enriched my knowledge and widely opened my view . Encouraged me to move forward to my calling and with clear view from our Church's past facts and acknowledged the cycle of History.

    — Wagner, United States
  • I really learn a lot from this course.

    — Horace, United States
  • I was helped significantly in my understanding of church history and the reformation and the spread of the church in the first and second century and the recent missionary movements in the last two centuries.

    — John, United States
  • The course was excellent. I am older and mainly doing it because I have always been interested in church history. But I took two months to finish the course. My retention of specific dates and names is not the best. But my general knowledge has definitely been enhanced.

    — Joy, United States
  • Dr. Rosell is a wonderful preacher, instructor and motivator. Lesson #24 truly inspired me and caused me to see the true manifestation of the study of Christian History! Thank you for this excellent experience of God’s Holy work in Christian education. God bless everyone involved in this study!

    — Kim, United States
  • I learned a great deal that I did not know about the beginning of the different denominations and how how much they have in common with each other. I believe the outlook is good for the church.

    — James, United States

Course Content

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Disciple Level
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Course Details

  • High Effort
  • 25 Lessons
  • 43 Min Average Lecture
  • Course Award

Course Resources

Audios Discussion Questions
Lecturer

Garth M. Rosell, PhD

Course Provider

ITS

Course content is provided courtesy of Institute of Theological Studies (ITS).