Church History
This composite course looks at the History, Theology, Nature and Ministry of the Church. The reading schedule includes books on the history of Christianity, the development of Christian theology and the history of Christian martyrs. Video sessions deal with Ecclesiology (the doctrine of the Church) and the Scriptural ministry given to the Church.
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Course Objectives
Upon completing this course you will know what the Bible says about the Church, as well as how the Church and its doctrines have developed over the centuries. You will see the connection between the unfolding history of Christianity, the development of Systematic Theology and the history of Christian martyrs. The goal of this course is to give you a clear understanding of your Christian heritage and the importance of today?s Church fulfilling its mission without repeating the mistakes of the past.
Getting Started
  • Sign in to the site. If you’ve never registered for an account before, then you’ll want to do this first.
  • Click the ‘Take this Course‘ button above to officially enroll in this course. You won’t be able to proceed until you do so.
  • Download and read the Course Syllabus below. Prepare for the course by purchasing the required text books.
  • Download and print the Student Guide. You may download the Course Mentor Guide to check test and quiz answers if you are taking this course as self-study.
  • Download and print the Course Mentor Guide if you are a Course Mentor. Make sure that your students have printed copies of the Student Guide.
  • Complete each lesson below, watching the video contained in each. If attending an instructor-led class, you will be viewing the videos in class and participating in a classroom discussion.
  • Use the Bible Study Tools provided, or use your own resources, to assist with your homework assignments.
  • Complete a Student Evaluation Form when finished with the entire course. You should complete this form once per course whether you took the course on your own or with a Course Mentor.
  • Congratulations on finishing the course!
Course Materials
Lessons

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Introduction to Ecclesiology: Session 1, Part 1
Understanding the Church: Session 1, Part 2
Pictures of the Church: Session 2
What is a Church to do?: Session 3
The Church as an Organization: Session 4
Jesus, the Apostles and the Age of Catholic Christianity, Session 5
The Age of the Christian Roman Empire, 312-590 AD, Session 6
The Christian Middle Ages, 590-1517 AD, Session 7
The Age of the Reformation, 1517-1698 AD, Session 8
The Age of Reason and Revival, 1698-1789 AD, Session 9
The Age of Progress, 1789-1914 AD, Session 10
The Age of Ideologies and Global Expansion, 1900 AD and on, Session 11
Preparatory Doctrinal Development, Session 12
The Doctrine of the Trinity and the Deity of Christ, Session 13
The Doctrine of Sin, Grace and Related Doctrines, Session 14
The Doctrine of the Atonement: Pre-Reformation, Session 15, Part 1
The Doctrine of the Atonement: Reformation, Session 15, Part 2
The Doctrine of Divine Grace: Soteriology, Session 16
The Doctrine of the Church, Session 17, Part 1
The Doctrine of the Sacraments, Session 17, Part 2
The Doctrine of the Last Things, Session 17, Part 3
 
Your Online Instructor

Russell Richardson
Pastor Russ Richardson has served with Village Missions since 1976 and has pastored churches in Idaho, California, Washington and Oregon. In 2012 together with Pastor Rob Dore, Russ started Servants Bible School modeled after Contenders Bible School of Machias and they subsequently sent out Village Missionaries. Russ has taught Old Testament, New Testament and Church History at Servants and is currently the pastor of Sauvie Island Community Church in Oregon.