We all have a history. The moments that make up our lives form together to create a story that is intertwined with the stories of others. Although some of us might think that people in history have no connection to our personal lives today, the people who have gone before us do affect us.
As individuals who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, we become part of the larger history of the church the moment we place faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection. The history of the church becomes a significant part of our story. Since we are already connected to this history through our faith in Christ, we are wise to study church history to learn and grow from our spiritual ancestors.
Certain believers might object to this by arguing that not everyone enjoys reading history books or studying. The topic “church history” may seem unappealing to some people. However, there are many reasons why learning from Christians in the past is helpful for believers today.
1. Learn Something New About Theology
Interwoven with the history of Christianity is theological thought. Throughout time, theologians have recorded their thoughts about Scripture and specific areas of theology. Many individuals found inspiration from earlier theologians or added their insights to the rich tapestry of Christian thought.
Studying church history brings Christians into contact with various areas of theology. A person could learn more about the theological importance of the deity of Christ by studying Athanasius’ life and writings alongside the Nicene Creed. A believer could more deeply consider the doctrine of salvation by grace alone by researching the wider history of the Reformation and examining the influence of Martin Luther’s writings. There is a wealth of theological thought embedded in church history.
All believers need to constantly grow and learn (2 Peter 3:18). Besides reading the Bible and praying daily, studying church history can give us further insights into significant areas of theology. We expand our understanding by exposing ourselves to the writings and lives of theologians from the past.
2. Discover Spiritual Mentors from the Past
In addition to learning something new about theology, we also discover “new” spiritual mentors by delving into church history. A great deal of my discipleship has come through mentors from the past: Individuals whom I have never met in person and who are now present with the Lord in heaven. I count individuals like Amy Carmichael, Lilias Trotter, C. S. Lewis, and Elisabeth Elliot as mentors in my discipleship journey.
Numerous people from various backgrounds await us as we dive into the history of our faith. For example, when we examine the history of missions, we are introduced to a variety of Christians who often created impactful writings or left behind powerful legacies. Missionaries like William Carey, Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, and Gladys Aylward could become spiritual mentors to us, teaching us the importance of spreading the gospel and devoting our lives to Christ.
Some of the individuals we “meet” along our church history journey could even surprise us and provide a word of truth that we need at the moment.
We can glean a harvest of spiritual insights if we are willing to observe the lives of Christians who have gone before us.
3. Find Encouragement in Stories of Perseverance and Faithfulness
Finally, all believers can find encouragement in the stories of perseverance and faithfulness present throughout church history. At times, Christians can feel like outcasts in the world. This feeling is multiplied if a believer is not strongly connected with their family or history. Studying the history of Christianity can show a believer that they are not the first to walk the difficult path of following Jesus and that they are part of a larger story.
The church's history is filled with accounts of Christians who persevered and remained faithful despite adversity. For instance, the stories of early Christian martyrs remind us of the cost of following Jesus and that He is worth following (Matthew 16:24-25). Reading about the early martyrs, such as Perpetua and Felicity, convicts us and urges us to greater faithfulness.
Likewise, the story of Athanasius' steadfast faith amid the Arian controversy encourages us to defend the truth of Scripture. In this event, among many other examples in history, we gain further insight into what it looks like to “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 1:3, NIV). If an ordinary man like Athanasius contended for faith in the power of God, even when doing so brought difficulties, then we can, too.
Church history can be a source of encouragement as we seek to persevere in faithfulness to Christ.
Now that I’m Convinced I Need to Study Church History, Where Should I Start?
In our technological age, there are many ways to learn about the church’s history without paying for an education at a seminary or Bible college. However, that is still a great option for those passionate about the subject. Many websites and organizations offer church history videos or courses that are free or low-priced.
Along with these videos, you can read the works of Christians from the past and books about specific times in church history. Many of these materials can be found through a local library or on a website like Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
Consider a topic, time, or person you would like to learn more about. For instance, you could start studying the Puritans or choose a specific Puritan such as John Owen or Anne Bradstreet. These choices could lead to other materials, such as Bradstreet’s poems or a book of collected writings from the Puritans, such as The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, edited by Arthur Bennett.
In addition to books, collections of articles covering topics in church history exist on numerous websites. Christianity.com has an entire library of articles covering events from the early church to the modern day. You can start your studies by choosing a specific event or century that interests you the most.
Finally, if you are interested in delving into church history more regularly in a print or digital format, subscribing to a magazine could be an appealing choice. A publication that I enjoy and find helpful is the Christian History magazine by the Christian History Institute. Each issue covers a topic centered around a specific theme, such as a person or historical period. You may be surprised at the people you will “meet” in its pages or the stories that will give you hope and insights about faith.
Why Does This Matter?
By studying church history, we get a glimpse of how God worked in history to spread the gospel across the world and build His church. He has also worked in the lives of individual believers, who left us with legacies that compel us to go deeper in our walk with the Lord. We would not know of these events or people in the past if we did not study church history in its complex entirety.
A rich tapestry of faith and Christian thought awaits the believer who is willing to view past events as part of a larger story – a story to which every Christian is connected.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Jacoblund
