This Week in Church History

Join host Rachel Chen and distinguished church historian Bishop Andy C. Lewter for an illuminating exploration of one of history's most pivotal moments - the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD and its transformative impact on Christianity. This engaging 30-minute discussion reveals how political chaos became the catalyst for Christianity's remarkable evolution in both the West and East.  Bishop Andy C. Lewter brings decades of scholarly expertise to bear on these complex historical developments, offering fresh perspectives on how Christianity's adaptability in the face of civilization's collapse shaped both medieval Europe and the modern church. Perfect For History enthusiasts, theology students, and anyone interested in understanding how political upheaval can fundamentally transform religious institutions and create lasting civilizational changes.

Join our Church Historian, Bishop Andy C. Lewter as he takes us on another fascinating journey into the hidden stories of Church History.Step beyond the soaring Gothic arches and stunning stained glass to discover the hidden story of medieval cathedrals - they weren't just magnificent churches, but the beating hearts of European civilization that functioned as universities, hospitals, art centers, and economic powerhouses all under one roof.What You'll Discover: Join our expert medievalist and architectural historian as we explore how cathedrals like Notre-Dame de Paris, Chartres, and Canterbury served as comprehensive community centers that would put modern civic complexes to shame. Learn how these remarkable institutions revolutionized education, drove technological innovation, provided social services, and created the foundation for European universities.Discover how the University of Paris emerged from Notre-Dame's cathedral school, why Gothic architecture represents medieval Europe's "space program," and how these institutions balanced spiritual transcendence with practical community needs. Learn why cathedral construction projects were among history's most sophisticated management undertakings and how their artistic programs served as "three-dimensional textbooks" for largely illiterate populations.Why It Matters Today: In an age of institutional fragmentation and declining social trust, medieval cathedrals offer powerful examples of how communities can create comprehensive institutions that integrate education, social services, economic development, and cultural expression while maintaining long-term vision and serving both individual growth and community welfare.Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, educators, and anyone interested in how institutions can successfully serve multiple community functions while inspiring human achievement and social cohesion.

Join host Rachel Chen and special guest Bishop Andy Lewter, church historian and author of "Executive Privilege," for a fascinating exploration of one of Christianity's most influential yet overlooked movements - early monasticism.What You'll Discover: When Constantine legalized Christianity in 313 CE, it created an unexpected crisis: How do you maintain spiritual authenticity when your persecuted faith suddenly becomes the empire's favored religion? The answer came from an unlikely source - hermits fleeing to the Egyptian desert.We trace the remarkable journey from Anthony of Egypt's radical retreat into the wilderness through the development of the great medieval monastic orders that would shape European civilization. Learn how communities dedicated to prayer and poverty became the unlikely saviors of classical literature, preserving works by Aristotle, Cicero, and countless others during the collapse of the Roman Empire.Why It Matters: Without monasticism, we might have lost 90% of classical literature. These communities didn't just preserve books - they preserved the very idea that contemplation, learning, and service could create meaningful alternatives to worldly power.Perfect for history enthusiasts, students of Christianity, and anyone curious about how a few desert hermits accidentally became the guardians of Western civilization.

The interview systematically explores Constantine's story through five main segments:Opening Segment establishes the historical context, describing Christianity as a persecuted minority religion under Diocletian's Great Persecution (303 CE), practiced by only 10-15% of the Roman population in secret, underground conditions.Segment 1 examines Constantine before his conversion - his birth around 272 CE as son of Constantius Chlorus, his upbringing in the tetrarchy system, and his rise to power following his father's death in York (306 CE). This section details the Battle of Milvian Bridge (312 CE) and presents both versions of Constantine's famous vision: Lactantius's account of a dream featuring the chi-rho symbol, and Eusebius's more dramatic story of a cross of light in the sky with the words "In this sign, conquer."Segment 2 focuses on immediate changes following Constantine's victory, particularly the revolutionary Edict of Milan (313 CE) that granted complete religious freedom throughout the empire. The discussion covers Constantine's extensive privileges granted to Christians - tax exemptions for clergy, judicial authority for bishops, massive church construction projects, and his direct involvement in church disputes like the Donatist controversy.Segment 3 explores long-term transformations, including the institutionalization of Christianity, the development of elaborate church hierarchies mirroring imperial administration, and the evolution of Christian theology to accommodate temporal power. Special attention is given to the Arian controversy and the Council of Nicaea (325 CE), where Constantine presided over the first ecumenical council and helped establish the Nicene Creed.Segment 4 addresses ongoing scholarly debates about Constantine's motives, presenting evidence for both sincere conversion and political calculation. The discussion examines how different Christian denominations view Constantine's legacy today and identifies lasting impacts on Christian theology and practice.Educational Value and AccessibilityThis podcast successfully balance scholarly accuracy with public accessibility, making complex theological and political concepts understandable to general audiences while maintaining historical nuance. They present multiple perspectives on contested issues, encourage critical thinking about historical interpretation, and connect ancient events to enduring questions about religion, politics, and power.The complementary formats serve different audience preferences and production needs - the interview format works well for hosts seeking expert dialogue, while the documentary format suits producers wanting comprehensive single-narrator presentations. Both achieve the goal of exploring Constantine's pivotal role in transforming Christianity from a persecuted minority faith into the dominant religious force in Western civilization.

Episode DescriptionJoin Bishop Andy Lewter and Bishop D. A. Sherron in this illuminating theological discussion as they delve deep into one of Christianity's most debated phenomena: the speaking in tongues as recorded in Acts chapter 2 during the Day of Pentecost. This scholarly conversation moves beyond denominational perspectives to examine the historical, linguistic, and theological significance of glossolalia in the early Christian church.Drawing from extensive biblical scholarship, archaeological evidence, and historical context, both bishops bring their academic expertise to bear on critical questions surrounding this pivotal moment in Christian history. They explore the distinction between the xenoglossia (speaking in known foreign languages) described in Acts 2 and contemporary practices of glossolalia, examining the original Greek text and its implications for understanding the apostolic experience.The discussion addresses the socio-cultural backdrop of first-century Jerusalem, the diverse linguistic landscape of the Roman Empire, and the strategic importance of the miraculous communication that occurred when devout Jews "from every nation under heaven" witnessed the apostles speaking in their native tongues. The bishops analyze the theological purpose behind this supernatural manifestation—whether it served as a sign for unbelievers, a reversal of the Tower of Babel narrative, or the inaugural moment of the church's universal mission.This episode offers a balanced, academically rigorous exploration that will appeal to theology students, biblical scholars, clergy, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this foundational Christian event. The conversation examines various interpretative frameworks while maintaining respect for different theological traditions and their approaches to pneumatology and charismatic gifts.

In this crucial bonus episode, our host delivers a masterful examination of one of history's most pivotal moments - the Jewish Revolt of 70 AD and the destruction of Jerusalem. This watershed event fundamentally transformed both Judaism and Christianity, creating the religious landscape we know today.Through detailed historical analysis, the episode explores how three years of Jewish independence under the Zealots came to a devastating end when Rome reasserted its dominance, destroying both the city of Jerusalem and the sacred temple. More importantly, it reveals how this catastrophe forced the early Christian church to make a critical decision that would shape its future: to separate itself from Judaism and emerge as an independent religion.Joined by Dr. D. A. Sherron, this episode provides essential context for understanding the development of Christian leadership structures, particularly the emergence of the episcopacy (bishop system) that arose directly from this historical crisis. This episode provides crucial background for understanding the development of both Christianity and Judaism in the post-70 AD world. It demonstrates how external political and military pressures shaped religious evolution, challenging common assumptions about gradual theological development. 

Join Harvard-educated Bishop Andy Lewter, Historian of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, as he explores the rich tapestry of Christian history through scholarly insight and pastoral wisdom. In this compelling series, Bishop Lewter examines Christianity's origins within the complex landscape of first-century Jewish sectarianism, revealing how the early church emerged not as an independent movement, but as a branch within Judaism's diverse religious ecosystem.Discover the fascinating world of Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Zealots, and other Jewish sects that shaped the context in which Christianity was born. Through careful historical analysis, Bishop Lewter illuminates how understanding these ancient religious movements is essential to comprehending the development of Christian leadership structures, including the office of the Episcopacy.Each episode combines rigorous scholarship with accessible teaching, making complex historical concepts understandable for modern listeners. Whether you're a student of history, a church leader, or simply curious about Christianity's roots, this podcast offers fresh perspectives on how the past continues to inform our present understanding of faith and church governance.New episodes explore the intersection of ancient history and contemporary Christian practice, bringing 2,000 years of church history to life.

In this compelling opening episode, host, Dr. D. A. Sherron, sits down with Bishop Andy C. Lewter to examine one of history's most consequential claims: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through rigorous historical analysis and thoughtful theological reflection, they explore what the earliest sources tell us about that pivotal Easter morning and its earth-shattering aftermath.From the scattered testimonies of frightened disciples to the bold proclamation that would eventually reshape the ancient world, this episode investigates the evidence, the witnesses, and the revolutionary implications of Christianity's central claim. Bishop Lewter brings both scholarly rigor and pastoral insight to questions that have captivated believers and skeptics alike for two millennia.

Weekly series on Church History.  In this episode we review the life of Bishop Samuel Crowther, who was the first African to serve as a bishop in the Church of England (Anglican Church).

Weekly podcast that celebrates the life of Maria Woodworth Etter, one of the pioneering woman preachers of the Pentecostal movement.

The weekly podcast of Bishop Andy C. Lewter.  This week Bishop Lewter explores the impact of Francis Asbury on the growth and expansion of the Methodist Church in America.

Hey Friends, here is our "This Week in Church History" podcast that reviews the Great Ejection of 1662 where more than 1000 ministers voluntarily preached a farewell sermon and surrendered their pulpits rather than comply with the English Parliament's Declaration for the Uniformity of Prayers, Sacraments and Ceremonies of 1662.  This would give rise to the birth of the English Dissidents that would results in a number of groups such as Anabaptist, Pilgrims, Puritans, Presbyterians, Congregationalist and other reformations eventually migrating to America and forming colonies and later the United States.

This Week in Church History: Weekly podcast of Bishop Andy C. Lewter, Historian of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship.  This week Bishop Lewter celebrates the life of Walter Raushenbush, the Father of the Social Gospel which had an impact on Martin Luther King, Jr. Bishop Desmond Tutu, James Cone and Liberation Theology.

Weekly podcast of "This Week in Church History" by Bishop Andy C. Lewter, D. Min., Historian of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship.  This week Bishop Lewter celebrates Biblical scholar Albert Schweitzer and his work, "The Quest for the Historical Jesus" (1906) which gave rise to the discourse on the Historical Jesus versus the Christ of Faith.

This Week in Church History:  William Tyndale graduates from Oxford University with a Masters degree that he would use to translate the Bible into English from the original Hebrew and Greek languages, the first person to do so.  His work would give rise to a number of English Bibles such as the Great Bible, Bishop's Bible, Geneva Bible and the Authorized King James Version of the Bible.  For more information such as this visit us at https://fullgospel.teachable.com or https://bishop.teachable.com where we have over 60 online courses for your review and consideration.

Weekly video podcast that reviews the history of the Christian Church with Bishop Andy C. Lewter, D. Min.  This week we examine the christological conflict between Cyril of Alexandria and Nestorius of Constantinople and whether Mary was "Theotokos" or "Christotokos".

This Week in Church History, 1525 AD, Martin Luther weds katharine Von Bora thus establishing a model for marriage and family in the Protestant Reformation

This week in Church History King James II signed the Declaration of the Liberty of Conscience that repealed the penalties for those not following the Anglican Church in England.  This would lead to religious tolerance and later religious freedom in America.

Remembering the killing of 9 worshippers at Mother Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, we go back to "This Week in Church History" when in 1822 a local slave revealed the plans of Pastor Denmark Vesey to strike a blow against slavery.  Join us online at https://stcu.teachable.com for a listing of our online courses.  Members of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship are encouraged to visit us at https://fullgospel.teachable.com

Samuel Sharpe was a Baptist Deacon who organized a work stoppage protest against slavery in 1832 on the island of Jamaica.  His actions helped to compel the British Parliament to outlaw slavery throughout the British Empire in 1833.  He was executed in 1832 but today his image appears on the 50 dollar bill in Jamaican currency.

In this episode we celebrate the life of Michael (Mark) Satttler who was an early leader of the Anabaptist Movement.  He was captured by Catholic authorities, tortured and burned at the stake.  He is responsible for constructing one of the first "confessions" of the movement that identified basic beliefs of the Anabaptist that continues until today

This week, May 1st-8th, 2022 we remember Count Nicholas Von Zinzindorf, who was the founder of the German Protestant group known as the Moravians.  The Moravians were the group encountered by John Wesley on his voyage from England to the colony of Georgia to evangelize the Native Americans and African slaves.  Their dogma and doctrines led to the birth of the Holiness and Pentecostal movements at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century.

This week in Church History was the death of Pope Sylvester II, 946 AD to 1003 AD, who began as Gerbert D' Aurilliac and climbed the ranks of the church until he was elected pope, the first native Frenchmen to do so.  Throughout his life he was an educator, astronomer, mathematician and was responsible for inventing the first mechanical clock, returning the abacus to western Europe and introducing the Arabic-Hindu numerals that we use today.  He was an ally to Otto I, political advisor to Otto II and tutor of Otto III all of who served as emperors to the Holy Roman Empire.