Church History through the First Two Millenia Following the Ascension of Christ Jesus
The church of Christ in Carthage, Missouri, is embarking on a new adult class about church history. We're calling it FIRST2000, because this class is about the first two millennia after the death of Christ.
We begin by asking for a definition of the term itself. What do we know about church history? Where do we, individually, stand on the staircase?
This is one topic that it would benefit us to know more about. After the ascension of Christ, the apostles led the church, traveling on missions, preaching, and developing disciples.
After the last apostle, John, died (around AD 100), those disciples took the reins. Those who were obedient and faithful preserved what the apostles taught them, while others strayed from the path.
There is tremendous benefit in learning from the faithful and the ones who strayed. We learn from both ends of history. Understanding that inspired Scripture is prime and church history is secondary and supportive, we move forward in a deep study of the so-called church fathers and commentators.
We begin by asking for a definition of the term itself. What do we know about church history? Where do we, individually, stand on the staircase?
This is one topic that it would benefit us to know more about. After the ascension of Christ, the apostles led the church, traveling on missions, preaching, and developing disciples.
After the last apostle, John, died (around AD 100), those disciples took the reins. Those who were obedient and faithful preserved what the apostles taught them, while others strayed from the path.
There is tremendous benefit in learning from the faithful and the ones who strayed. We learn from both ends of history. Understanding that inspired Scripture is prime and church history is secondary and supportive, we move forward in a deep study of the so-called church fathers and commentators.
Details are important. We often skim the surface without diving beneath the surface. We hear the names of people involved in church history, yet we don't know much about them. Discuss these quotes:
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 | We are challenged to learn more about something we've never pursued. It could be difficult, but it is not impossible. If we are not willing, we have a fixed mindset. If we work to improve, in spite of difficulty, we have a growth mindset. To wrap up, let's compile a list of reasons (benefits) to the study of church history. |
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