Walking the Narrow Road: Milestones in Church History

God is at work in this ever-reforming church, then and now.

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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.

What You'll Learn

  • A panoramic journey through Christianity’s most pivotal moments.
  • How God has been faithful throughout the twists and turns of the church’s history–and will remain faithful as we continue into the hopeful future.
  • Inspiring stories of faith that shaped the church we know today.
  • Practical insights into how the ancient creeds can enrich your spiritual life.
  • A fascinating exploration of the monastic tradition—and why it remains so compelling today.
  • Where the shifts and trends of today’s church originated in our complex story.
  • Why so many denominations exist—and how to engage with diverse Christian traditions and perspectives.
  • An eye-opening look at global missions and cross-cultural Christianity.
  • What it means to be part of the great cloud of witnesses, watching and participating in God’s ceaseless activity in our ever-changing church.

About this Course

  • Modules

12

  • Learning Elements

96

  • Videos

30

  • Practices & Activities

16

  • Time

10 hours, 30 minutes

  • Price

$55

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Here's What's Inside...

Get oriented to the course, meet your instructor, download the interactive handbook, and more.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Find out your next steps as you complete the course. You'll also be encouraged to submit feedback about your course.

You'll Learn How to Tell the Story
Faith + Lead | A man stands at the top of a rocky hill, with a signpost behind him, looking at a large paper map.

The story of the church is one of imperfect people in imperfect communities, following their love of God in this constantly changing world throughout the ages. It’s the story of Jesus’ ongoing love and grace, and how we can understand and share it today.

What to Expect

  • A place within the Faith+Lead Learning Lab digital community of learners and leaders.
  • Flexible, lifetime access to the course modules, its comprehensive and engaging handbook, and all other learning materials.

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Looking for just in-time training resources?

Use this on-demand course as a complementary ready-made resource for small groups, Bible studies, discipleship growth, and equipping lay leaders in your specific ministry setting.

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Meet Your Instructor

  • Dr. Jennifer Hornyak Wojciechowski

    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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Choose "Enroll a Group" at checkout and select how many people you'd like to provide access to the course. You can go through the course together in-person, watch lessons together via Zoom, or even create a private group in the Learning Lab where participants can connect asynchronously.

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