Of course you know that "those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it." Well, you and the members of your small group have the benefit of learning a great deal with this Christian History study. And you don't have to be a historian or seminary graduate to lead this course successfully. Concepts and events are explained fully, and as a leader you get helpful background material. Plus, each session gives you everything you need—activities, teaching points, and discussion starters.
Note: Most of the sessions below contain one or more articles from the award-winning Christian History magazine—included free with your lesson.
Session 1
Persecution in the Early Church
Beginning as a despised, illegal sect, Christianity endured 300 years of persecution to emerge as the dominant force in the Roman Empire.
Session 2
Heresy and Doctrine in the Early Church
In the first few centuries of Christianity, teachers taught wildly different ideas about who Jesus was.
Session 3
Christianity Becomes the State Religion
In the fourth century, Christianity moved from being a persecuted sect to being the official religion of the Roman Empire.
Session 4
Monks and Missionaries
As Christianity became culturally assimilated, monks sought to live pure Christian lives by separating themselves from society and taking the gospel to Europe.
Session 5
The Rise of the Papacy
In the Middle Ages, the church, especially in the office of the pope, wielded great political power.
Session 6
The Crusades
During this era, thousands of Christians marched on the Holy Land to conquer it in the name of Christ.
Session 7
Eastern Christianity
Early on, Christians in the eastern Roman Empire developed unique practices and beliefs that led to a major branch of Christianity.
Total number of pages for all 7 sessions - 96
