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Walking the Narrow Road: Milestones in Church History
God is at work in this ever-reforming church, then and now.
About this Course
Walking the Narrow Road: Milestones in Church History was designed to bring learners into a deeper understanding of the story that shaped us, and it’s a story that’s still being written!
What you’ll learn:
Maya Angelou put it well: “If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you’re going.” The church today is changing, and that can feel scary; but when we look behind us, we quickly remember that change is nothing new. If the church’s past teaches us anything, it’s that God has worked powerfully in our shifts and adaptations since the beginning! So what exactly can the history of the church teach us about who we are today—and what that means for where we’re headed?
Whether you’re preparing to serve in ministry or are simply curious about our faith’s storied past, Walking the Narrow Road: Milestones in Church History is far more than a dry survey of key dates and names. This course was created to bring learners into a deeper understanding of the story that shaped us, and it’s a story that’s still being written! The ever-reforming church continues to echo with the impact of its historical movements of change: from the martyrdom of early Christians and the formation of the early creeds to the Great Schism, the Reformation, and beyond. Bring your questions to this thoughtful and relevant exploration of church history, and prepare to apply the questions and texts of the past in today’s context through case studies and spiritual practices. Let’s trace God’s faithful work backward through our past—so we can move forward into God’s hopeful future together.
Modules
Welcome
Get oriented to the course, meet your instructor, download the interactive handbook, and more.
The Cost of Christianity: Polycarp and Perpetual
In this module you will:
- Learn about persecution and martyrdom in the early church.
- Pray for those who are persecuted today.
- Consider scripture that calls for Christians to sacrifice as Jesus did.
Interchange: The Councils and Creeds
In this module you will:
- Learn how creeds were developed by councils of church leaders.
- Engage in spiritual practices around the Nicene Creed.
- Consider the function of councils in your own faith setting.
Ways of Being: Monastic Communities
In this module you will:
- Learn how monastic communities functioned and contributed to their communities.
- Explore the tension of being "in" but not "of" the world.
- Consider how monastic movements can influence contemporary Christian communities.
Parting Ways: The Great Schism
In this module you will:
- Learn about one of the largest divisions in the church.
- Consider the ramifications of church divisions.
- Develop a posture of listening to others.
Signposts: The Protestant Reformation(s)
In this module you will:
- Learn how Martin Luther came to create the 95 theses that accelerated the Protestant Reformation.
- Consider the ways in which current theology has been shaped by Luther.
- Engage in gratitude for God's saving work in your life.
Visions: The Virgin Mary and Guadalupe
In this module you will:
- Learn about the Spanish effort to convert Latin America to Christianity.
- Reflect on the opportunities and dangers of missionary efforts.
- Embrace the possibility of miracles in your faith and life.
Burning Within: Wesley's Strangely Warmed Heart
In this module you will:
- Understand the influence that the Wesley brothers and others like them influenced contemporary Christianity.
- Engage in spiritual practices that were popularized during this time.
- Reflect on how God used the Wesleys and might also use you to bring about revival.
Crossroads: Church and State in the U.S. and France
In this module you will:
- Understand two historical approaches to church and state.
- Consider the ramifications of various models of how church and government relate to each other.
- Reflect on ways to faithfully engage with politics or government.
Generation: The Baptist Missionary Society
In this module you will:
- Understand the scope and revolutionary nature of this missional movement.
- Reflect on the opportunities and dangers of missionary efforts.
- Develop your ability to affirm the image of God in others.
U-Turn: The Great Christian Reversal
In this module you will:
- Learn trends and shifts in modern Christianity.
- Consider how the American church may need to change to meet the needs of the community.
- Develop trust in our faithful God.
Completing the Course
Find out your next steps as you complete the course. You'll also be encouraged to submit feedback about your course.
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- Modules:
12 Modules
- Format:
Self-Paced, On-Demand
- Access:
Lifetime Access
Get to Know Your Instructors
Jennifer Hornyak Wojciechowski
Assistant Professor of Church History, Luther Seminary
Dr. Jennifer Hornyak Wojciechowski is assistant professor of church history, and she has been teaching at Luther Seminary since 2019. Prior to this, she taught in the religion department at Augsburg University.
Wojciechowski graduated summa cum laude from the University of Minnesota (2005), received her Master of Arts at Bethel Seminary (2011) and her Ph.D. from Luther Seminary (2019).
She is author of the book “Women and the Christian Story: A Global History” (Fortress, 2022) and numerous articles in publications including Word & World and Minnesota History. Her research focuses on women’s history, American history, and the intersection of religion and social reform.
She is the associate editor of the journal Word & World.
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What to Expect with a Faith+Lead Academy Course
You’ll get a transformative learning experience that combines trustworthy theological teaching with spiritual practices, interactive elements, and a supportive online community.
Know
Expand your theological toolkit with fresh insights for today’s ministry landscape. Connect timeless wisdom with practical frameworks for navigating change.
Be
Do
Practice skills to lead confidently in your ministry context. Take actionable steps to invite your community into God’s unfolding story.
Every Academy course is designed to
Help your growth in one of these core areas:
Develop a Christ-centered identity, grounded in theology, scripture, and spiritual practice, that empowers community members to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life.
Tell the story of Jesus and invite neighbors into Jesus’ way of life and love through words and actions they can recognize.
Listen deeply, name God’s presence in the midst of everyday life, and form life-giving relationships across all dimensions of diversity—both within and beyond the church.
Through mutual relationships with the neighbors among whom you’re hosted, join in acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation as a witness to the ministry of Jesus—especially in places of suffering and despair.
Harness skills of agile leadership, stewardship, fundraising, entrepreneurism, and management to be nimble enough to respond to a changing cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I take an Academy course?
Academy courses consist of 6-10 lessons or modules, each walking you through the “know, be, do” learning framework. You’ll learn some new information with instructor videos and other resources (know). You’ll engage in a spiritual practice that will help you develop your faith around the topic (be). Then, you’ll be asked to apply what you’ve learned through activities completed online or in the “real world” (do).
How long will it take me to complete a course?
Each module is designed to take 15-45 minutes. Some learners complete the course in as little as one day. Some do a module a day or even a module a week. We suggest allowing some time between modules to process what you are learning, but not so much time that you lose momentum.
What resources are available if I’m a group leader?
Each course includes a flexible leader’s guide with multiple pathways for group facilitation. You’ll find thought-provoking discussion questions and practical activities that connect faith with daily life, designed to work with whatever preparation time you have available. These resources equip you to foster meaningful discipleship experiences that meet your community where they are.
What do I need to know about the free private online social group?
The private online group allows you to connect with others. Because our courses don’t have a required start or stop date, you will encounter others in different places in the course and even in different courses altogether. This is by design. Feel free to interact as much or as little as you like.
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Reach out via email to faithlead@luthersem.edu with your question and we’ll get back to you with a response within two business days.
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