
5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols
This weekly podcast provides an informal and informative look at church history. Join us each week as we take a brief break from the present to go exploring the past. Travel back in time as we look at the people, events, and even the places that have shaped the story of Christianity. Each episode offers an easily digestible glimpse of how the eternal, unchangeable God has worked in the church over prior generations and how this can encourage us today. This is our story—our family history.
Latest episodes

May 1, 2024 • 5min
Calvin at College
Where did John Calvin go to college? Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about Calvin's time at the College de Montaigu and how his educational experiences helped shape him into the prominent Reformer that we know today. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/calvin-at-college/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Apr 24, 2024 • 5min
W.H. Griffith Thomas
Learn about the life and career of W.H. Griffith Thomas, an Anglican theologian who helped found Dallas Theological Seminary. Discover his impact on theological education and the lasting influence he left behind.

Apr 17, 2024 • 5min
John Murray
During his time at Westminster Theological Seminary, John Murray skillfully trained many pastors and theologians in the truth of God. In this episode, Stephen Nichols tells us highlights from the life of this gifted theologian. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/john-murray/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Apr 10, 2024 • 5min
Billy Graham
The evangelist Billy Graham remains one of the most well-known figures of the 20th century. In this episode, Stephen Nichols walks us through his life, from humble beginnings on a dairy farm to preaching to millions of people. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/billy-graham/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Apr 3, 2024 • 5min
Carl Henry
Who was Carl Henry? What part did he play in shaping modern evangelicalism? Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about the tremendous influence that Henry had in his roles as an academic, apologist, author, theologian, and more. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/carl-henry/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Mar 27, 2024 • 5min
The French and a Doctrine of Scripture
The fifth article of the 1559 French Confession of Faith contains rich descriptions of the doctrine of Scripture. Today, Stephen Nichols draws out five points from this article that help us understand this key doctrine. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-french-and-a-doctrine-of-scripture/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Mar 20, 2024 • 5min
The 95 Theses in a Sermon
In his 95 Theses, Martin Luther addressed many unbiblical practices that the Roman Catholic Church endorsed. Today, Stephen Nichols recounts a sermon that Luther preached based upon this famous historical document. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/the-95-theses-in-a-sermon/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Mar 13, 2024 • 5min
Calvin and the Psalter
When John Calvin set out to produce a French psalter, he knew he couldn't do it alone. Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about the many people who contributed to creating French editions of the Psalms for singing. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/calvin-and-the-psalter/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Mar 6, 2024 • 5min
5 Enlightenment Figures
What were the hallmarks of the Enlightenment? What impact did it have on the church? Today, Stephen Nichols provides an overview of this philosophical movement and introduces us to five major Enlightenment thinkers. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/5-enlightenment-figures/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Feb 28, 2024 • 5min
Robert Moffat
Even in the face of many dangers, Robert Moffat was dedicated to obeying the Lord's call on his life. Today, Stephen Nichols recounts the life and adventures of this Scottish missionary and Bible translator. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/robert-moffat/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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