Church History (MTP Core Curriculum)

This class traces the history of the Christian Church from 70 ad to the modern age with special attention given to turning points that affect Christian doctrines and church polity. 

Required Reading

Turning Points by Mark Noll

Recommended Reading (for Extra Credit)

Church History in Plain Language by Bruce L. Shelley (Sections: The Age of Jesus and the Apostles, The Age of Catholic Christianity, The Age of the Christian Roman Empire, The Age of the Reformation, The Age of Reason and Revival - - in the second edition it includes pages 1-160 and 237-350)

Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up by David Bercot

Preparation for the Class

  • Read Turning Points by Noll

  • Study the 100 and 75 important events in Church History documents below

  • Begin preparation for completing one of the following essays:

  1. Apostasy: Discuss its possibility, its prediction in the Bible, OT-NT parallels, and how to prevent apostasy. In light of all this, what can our movement learn from church history? Refer to both biblical accounts, practical experience,and the evidence of church history.

  2. Reformation and Restoration: Compare and contrast the Reformation and the Restoration Movements, discussing key individuals, dates and developments and reactions. Explain how this relates to the history and forward progress of our family of churches.

  3. Fourth Century: This was a time of mixed blessings, indeed. Focus in on the fourth century, discussing significant dates and events. Establish in what ways this was a pivotal century in church history. What lessons are there in this for us today?

WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE:

9:00AM - 10:00AM. Introduction, Class Expectations, Why Study Church History

10:15AM- 11:15AM. Who’s Who in the Early Church

11:30AM-12:20PM. How They Established the Canon of the New Testament

LUNCH

2:00PM-2:45PM. Early Church Life

3:00PM-3:45PM. Early Church Doctrine

4:00PM-4:45PM. Early Middle Ages

THURSDAY SCHEDULE:

9:00AM - 10:00AM. Later Middle Ages

10:15AM- 11:15AM. The Prostestant Reformation

11:30AM-12:20PM. The Radical Reformation

LUNCH

2:00PM-2:45PM. The Age of Enlightenment

3:00PM-3:45PM. Our Roots in the Restoration Movement

3:45PM-4:15PM. Evangelical and Pentecostal

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