A beginner's guide to Church History

‘A Beginner’s Guide to Church History’ aims to provide an overview of the history of the Christian Church from its beginnings in New Testament times right up to the present day. It is a broad-brush view of the whole Christian era, and highlights major events, movements and trends. It also includes brief biographical sketches of some of the leading characters used by God to bring the kingdom of Christ to where it is today. The main focus is on ‘Evangelicals’, who have the primary claim on the name Christian. As well as being a narrative of historical facts, brief assessment is often included of the importance and relevance of those facts. This book could provide a basic resource for College and Seminary students, be helpful for older children in Christian families, as well as those with some interest in the subject who would struggle with larger reference works.

Publisher: Day One
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781846256424

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Philip Parsons has a degree in Electronics Engineering and worked in Defence Electronics for 29 years. He has held office in Evangelical Churches over several decades, mainly in the south of England. Church history has been a hobby of his for more than 50 years. He has assisted in the preparation of radio programmes in GBM’s Serving Today series for more than 15 years. The subjects he has recorded are, Old Testament Survey, Systematic Theology studies, & Church History. In retirement he lives with his wife in Mirfield and is a member of Mirfield Evangelical Church.

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‘The study of church history is sometimes regarded with suspicion. Even some Christians with a keen interest in biblical and theological studies perceive church history as confusing, dull, and disconnected from ‘real’ life and ministry. Parsons rebuts these misconceptions and demonstrates the accessibility and interest that the subject holds out for every believer. The book provides a fast-moving introduction to the story of Christianity. Parsons introduces a diverse range of figures, events and themes, including the persecution of the early church, proto Reformers like John Wycliffe and Jan Hus, and the explosive 18th-century preaching of Whitefield, Edwards, and Wesley. To cover this wide swathe of history in such a small space is a considerable achievement, and Parsons ably blends broad-brush descriptions with brief biographical sketches, colourful details, and points of application for contemporary evangelicals. Parsons writes for those who are seeking a point of entry into the Christian story, especially those who have found past attempts to broach the subject of church history intimidating and unrewarding. To that end, A Beginner’s Guide to Church History provides a great service for Christians who are curious about church history but do not know where to begin. The book will surely spark interest and help readers to construct a basic framework which they can then build upon as time and inclination allow.’ Dr Matthew Bingham, Lecturer in Systematic Theology and Church History at Oak Hill