GENERAL CHURCH HISTORY

INSTRUCTOR
Martin Baker

COURSE SITE
Greater Ohio District Ministry Center
457 Darby Creek Drive
Galloway , OH 43119

COURSE DATES AND TIMES
February 9, 16, 23, 2008
9:00am-12:00 noon, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Bring a lunch, if you like for the first session. We will discuss options for our remaining sessions.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course examines the history of organized Christianity from the first century to the present.

COURSE RATIONALE
The study of church history enables the student to sense the unity he has with other Christians, both in the present and in history. The student should realize the debt owed to those who have walked the spiritual journey in years past. Church history also guides in the correction and avoidance of errors that have occurred in similar forms in the past. Furthermore, it is helpful that a study of the history of the church will be beneficial in your personal growth.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
•  Learn some basic historical facts, events, and personalities in the growth of Christianity from the first century to the present.
•  Become aware of some of the key issues and problems in the history of the church.
•  Develop a wholesome appreciation for the church as the body of Christ.
•  Sense the unity the student has with those who have gone before.
•  Endeavor to evaluate the events and persons that have helped to shape church history.

COURSE TEXTBOOK
Required: Cairns, Earle E. Christianity Through The Centuries Grand Rapids, MI Zondervan Pub. 1996. Recommended: Rusten, E. Michael and Sharon The One Year Book of Christian History Wheaton, IL Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 2003

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
•  Attendance at all classes, involvement in discussions. (10%)
•  Reading of the text. (40%)
•  Completion of three written projects: Discover and record in a paragraph for each, 10 illustrations with application, which may be used for preaching, teaching, or own personal growth. (10%)
•  One 3 page (minimum) paper discussing an event or person, which you found of interest. Describe the person or event, its importance, the ramifications on the church or what changed as a result. (20%)
•  One 3 page paper comparing an event or issue that the church has faced or wrestled with in recent history (last 50 years) to a similar event or issue which the church faced in her earlier history. How was it dealt with then and now. What have…what can we learn from our mistakes or successes? (20%)
•  All papers to be submitted double-spaced, 12 font. Any references to be noted and given proper credit.
•  Due dates for all requirements are April 15, 2008. Any work received after this date will have grade reduction. No credit will be given after June 1, 2008.
•  All financial responsibilities must be met before course credit will be issued.
•  Class absences: No more than one class may be missed to receive credit for the course. In the event of an absence, 10 hours of additional reading in some area of church history will be required plus an outline of reading completed.

COURSE GRADING
•  Grade will be issued for completion or partial reading of text. (ie., half text read would equal a grade of “C” for that portion of requirements.)
•  All written work will be graded on individual merit of writing and content. Grammar will be taken into consideration to some extent.
•  Class participation: The text should have been read and student should be ready to discuss the chapters covered.

COURSE READING ASSIGNMENTS
•  Chapters 1-15, first session.
•  Chapters 16-25, second session.
•  Chapters 26-Conclusion, third session.
•  This will not be just a lecture class but more a discussion between fellow learners. Students are expected to prepare to participate.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cairns, Earle E. Christianity Through The Centuries Grand Rapids, MI Zondervan, Pub. 1996
Rusten, E. Michael and Sharon, The One Year Book Of Christian History Wheaton, IL Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 2003
Christian History A magazine dedicated to Church history. Published by Christianity Today International.
Latourette, Kenneth Scott A History Of Christianity, Vol. I and Vol. II New York, NY Harper & Row Publishers, 1975