The Early Church course provides more than an introduction to church history. It helps people ask the key questions Christians have faced over two millennia—and provides answers for those questions for today.
Session 1
Paul and His Times
The apostle Paul was the church's greatest missionary.
Session 2
Early Martyrs
In the first three centuries, many Christians courageously gave their lives to testify to the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Session 3
Defenders of the Faith
When the early Christians were attacked by pagan critics, articulate individuals rose up to defend Christianity.
Session 4
The Search for Spiritual Christianity
As a result of the Montanist controversy of the second and third centuries, the church was forced to grapple with what it means to be a true Christian.
Session 5
Worship in the Early Church
Our worship practices today have roots deep in the life of the early church.
Session 6
The Lifestyle of Early Christians
The faith of the early Christians shaped their social, economic, and political activities.
Conclusion—What the Early Church Teaches Us
Each session begins with a Key Question and a few paragraphs of context. This tells you what the session is about.
Next, the Preparation section tells you what is included in each session. Most sessions use articles from the award-winning Christian History magazine--and they're included FREE with your lesson. Other sessions provide a short reading or handouts you can photocopy for the group.
The Class Section guides you through the study in four steps—Opening, Historical Setting, Application, and Closing.
—Each study lasts between 45 and 70 minutes.
—Preparation time may take up to 60 minutes.
—Files can be easily saved, edited, and printed.
—Total number of pages for all 6 sessions—79
