Church History

By Lorelee Siemens

Delve into the captivating narrative of 'The Church History Podcast,' a remarkable journey that unfolds the history of God's Church from the time of Jesus Christ to the present day. Hosted by Lorelee ... more

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FAQs about Church History:

How many episodes does Church History have?

The podcast currently has 269 episodes available.

Church History episodes:

June 15, 2026 The Double Life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Pastor in the Shadows
In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the moral complexities Dietrich Bonhoeffer faced during the rise of Nazi Germany.
As a pastor, Bonhoeffer grappled with profound questions about truth, deception, and the role of Christians in the face of evil.
Join us as we explore his journey from public resistance to clandestine efforts against Hitler, revealing the challenges of faith and morality in tumultuous times.
Chapters:
(01:13) Germany defeated France in 1940, but not everything is as it appears
(07:16) Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer publicly criticized Nazi policies in 1939
(10:51) The persecution of the Jewish people was the most visible evil of Hitler's regime
(15:27) Nazi euthanasia program targeted people with disabilities, mental illness and epilepsy
(22:20) Dietrich found himself sitting in secret meetings discussing assassination
(22:51) Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer lived a double life during WWII
(29:01) Every generation faces its own moral test, says Laurie Bonhoeffer
Episode Sponsor:
The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR.
The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1.
The Church sings https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DL1BTT1X
Links:
https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens
An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/18513087
My Bible Reading Plan: https://bible.com/reading-plans/2053/together/78277240/invitation?token=YfuaPBjn98pOXxRD_Fhhow&source=share
If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:
The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns
The Rise and Fall of Faith in Germany: Bonhoeffer's Story https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35176895/the-rise-and-fall-of-faith-in-germany-bonhoeffers-story
The Hidden History of Eugenics and Its Modern Implications: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35159509/the-hidden-history-of-eugenics-and-its-modern-implications
Faith in the 1920s: Surviving After the Storm: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35141113/faith-in-the-1920-s-surviving-after-the-storm
...more
0min
June 01, 2026 Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Voice Against Hatred
In this episode, we continue our exploration of the Church at War series, focusing on the life and impact of Dietrich Bonhoeffer during the rise of Nazi Germany. Host Lorelee Siemens discusses Bonhoeffer's observations of the church's struggle between faith and nationalism, his encounters with different expressions of Christianity in America, and his eventual return to Germany amidst growing political extremism.
This episode raises critical questions about the church's responsibility in times of moral crisis and the dangers of losing sight of Christ amidst cultural identity.
Chapters:
(01:38) Martin Luther helped launch the Protestant Reformation in 1517
(04:08) Dietrich Bonhoeffer studied at Union Theological Seminary
(12:18) Dietrich returned from America in 1931 to a Germany that was changing
(13:38) In 1930s Germany, Luther Day became a national pride celebration
(20:15) Adolf Hitler and the Nazi government tried to control the German church
(25:17) The pro-Nazi German Christian movement insisted that Christianity could serve the state
(33:05) Sabine and her family flee Germany
(40:41) Hatred against Jews is once again spreading openly across most of the Western world
Episode Sponsor:
The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR.
The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1.
The Church sings https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DL1BTT1X
Links:
https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens
An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/18513087
My Bible Reading Plan: https://bible.com/reading-plans/2053/together/78277240/invitation?token=YfuaPBjn98pOXxRD_Fhhow&source=share
If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well
:
The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns
The Rise and Fall of Faith in Germany: Bonhoeffer's Story https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35176895/the-rise-and-fall-of-faith-in-germany-bonhoeffers-story
The Hidden History of Eugenics and Its Modern Implications: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35159509/the-hidden-history-of-eugenics-and-its-modern-implications
Faith in the 1920s: Surviving After the Storm: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35141113/faith-in-the-1920-s-surviving-after-the-storm
...more
0min
May 19, 2026 The Rise and Fall of Faith in Germany: Bonhoeffer's Story
In this episode, Lorelee Siemens explores the profound impact of Martin Luther on Germany and the early life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. We delve into how Luther's translation of the Bible and his hymns shaped German identity and culture, as well as the rise of nationalism and the eventual descent into darkness under Adolf Hitler.
Discover how Bonhoeffer's upbringing and experiences during turbulent times prepared him for a courageous stand against evil when many chose silence.
Chapters:
(01:00) Martin Luther transformed German worship and helped reshape German identity.
(05:06) In 1906, Germany stood at the height of its power and confidence
(12:25) In 1914, many Germans believed that a coming war would be a quick victory
(15:33) By 1918, the excitement of war had vanished from Germany
(21:35) After the war, Germans struggled to understand how the mighty fatherland had fallen
(25:47) Dietrich Bonhoeffer decided to study theology after World War I
(30:33) Dietrich Bonhoeffer left Germany in 1930 to study in America
(38:15) As Nazi ideology tightened its grip on Germany, the crisis for Bonhoeffer became personal
(42:53) What can the church learn from the early life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Books:
The Church sings https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DL1BTT1X.
The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR.
The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1.
Links:
https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens
An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/18513087
My Bible Reading Plan: https://bible.com/reading-plans/2053/together/78277240/invitation?token=YfuaPBjn98pOXxRD_Fhhow&source=share
If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:
The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns
The Hidden History of Eugenics and Its Modern Implications: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35159509/the-hidden-history-of-eugenics-and-its-modern-implications
Faith in the 1920s: Surviving After the Storm: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35141113/faith-in-the-1920-s-surviving-after-the-storm
...more
46min
May 11, 2026 The Rise of Evil: Germany's Descent into Dictatorship
In this episode, we explore Germany's tumultuous journey from the end of World War I to Hitler's dictatorship. Host Lorelee Siemens discusses the fragile democracy that emerged post-war, the impact of the Treaty of Versailles, and the rise of radical parties amidst economic despair.
We delve into the complexities of Adolf Hitler's early life and how he transformed from a struggling artist to a political leader who exploited Germany's crises.
The episode also examines the church's role during this dark period, highlighting both complicity and resistance within German Christianity. Join us as we uncover the lessons from history that resonate today.
Chapters:
(01:32) Germany's path from the end of World War I to Hitler's dictatorship
(04:07) Adolf Hitler was born into a traditional Catholic family in Austria
(09:25) By the 1930s, many Germans were exhausted from suffering and economic collapse
(14:59) The German church asked: "What do Christians do with Adolf Hitler?"
Episode Sponsor:
The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR.
The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1.
Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off
Links:
https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens
An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/18513087
My Bible Reading Plan: https://bible.com/reading-plans/2053/together/78277240/invitation?token=YfuaPBjn98pOXxRD_Fhhow&source=share
If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:
The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns
The Hidden History of Eugenics and Its Modern Implications: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35159509/the-hidden-history-of-eugenics-and-its-modern-implications
Faith in the 1920s: Surviving After the Storm: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35141113/faith-in-the-1920-s-surviving-after-the-storm
...more
0min
April 27, 2026 Italy's Struggle: Faith and Fascism Between the Wars
In this episode, we explore the tumultuous period in Italy between World War I and World War II, examining how the church navigated the chaos of war, political instability, and the rise of fascism.
We delve into the profound impact of the Roman Catholic Church on Italian society during these years, highlighting the tension between state and church, and the pivotal moment of the Lateran Pact in 1929.
Join us as we uncover the spiritual battles Pope Pius XI faced and the church's response to ideologies that threatened to replace God with the state.
Chapters:
(02:08) Life in Italy before World War II tells a story of contrast
(06:43) Since 1929, the Vatican has officially become a sovereign, neutral state
(11:47) Pope Pius XI warned against fascism, Nazism, and communism
(17:06) Lessons to learn from Italy
Episode Sponsor:
The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR.
The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1.
Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off
Links:
https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens
An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/18513087
My Bible Reading Plan: https://bible.com/reading-plans/2053/together/78277240/invitation?token=YfuaPBjn98pOXxRD_Fhhow&source=share
If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:
The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns
The Hidden History of Eugenics and Its Modern Implications: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35159509/the-hidden-history-of-eugenics-and-its-modern-implications
Faith in the 1920s: Surviving After the Storm: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35141113/faith-in-the-1920-s-surviving-after-the-storm
...more
0min
April 06, 2026 The Church Sings
The Church has always sung.
From the earliest believers to modern worship, hymns have carried theology, told stories of faith, and helped believers worship through every season of history.
My new book walks through church history through the lens of hymns—revealing the people, struggles, and truths behind the songs we still sing today.
If you love church history, worship, or simply want to grow deeper in your faith… this book is for you.
The Church doesn’t just tell its history…
it sings it.
Discover the stories behind the hymns that shaped our faith.
👉 Get the book:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTVC66WN
...more
8min
March 30, 2026 From Prosperity to Despair: The Church's Response to Economic Collapse
In this episode, we explore the tumultuous period between World War I and World War II, focusing on how the church navigated the challenges of modernism, social justice, and the Great Depression.
Host Lorelee Siemens discusses the shifting cultural landscape, the rise of the social gospel, and the importance of maintaining the gospel's true essence amid societal pressures. Join us as we reflect on the lessons learned and the enduring relevance of faith in times of crisis.
Chapters:
(01:00) Tensions between modernism and traditional faith during the 1920s
(04:59) Many in the church drifted away from God during the 1920s economic boom
(06:48) October 1929
(11:28) What is the social gospel?
(17:04) Many churches are replacing the gospel with something that feels more comfortable
Episode Sponsor:
The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR.
The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1.
Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off
Links:
https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens
An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/18513087
My Bible Reading Plan: https://bible.com/reading-plans/2053/together/78277240/invitation?token=YfuaPBjn98pOXxRD_Fhhow&source=share
If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:
The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns
The Hidden History of Eugenics and Its Modern Implications: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35159509/the-hidden-history-of-eugenics-and-its-modern-implications
Faith in the 1920s: Surviving After the Storm: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35141113/faith-in-the-1920-s-surviving-after-the-storm
Prohibition part 2 America gets beer again https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34843049/prohibition-part-2-america-gets-beer-again
...more
19min
March 24, 2026 Voices of Resistance: Faith in the Face of the Klan
In this episode, we explore the tumultuous period between World War I and World War II, focusing on the rise of the Ku Klux Klan and the dangerous intertwining of bad theology with nationalism.
Join Lorelee Siemens as she unpacks the historical context of the 1920s, highlighting the courageous voices that stood against hatred and division in the name of Christ.
Discover how the true gospel unites and humbles us, and learn about the importance of understanding theology in our faith journey.
Chapters:
(02:22) The Ku Klux Klan built its movement on what we call racial exegesis
(05:24) Father James Coyle spoke out against the Ku Klux Klan in 1921
(07:11) By the 1920s, the Klan's image began to crumble
(12:53) Theology matters more than we often realize
Episode Sponsor:
The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR.
The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1.
Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off
Links:
https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens
An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/18513087
My Bible Reading Plan: https://bible.com/reading-plans/2053/together/78277240/invitation?token=YfuaPBjn98pOXxRD_Fhhow&source=share
If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:
The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns
Faith in the 1920s: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35141113/faith-in-the-1920-s-surviving-after-the-storm
The Hidden History of Eugenics and Its Modern Implications: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35159509/the-hidden-history-of-eugenics-and-its-modern-implications
The Story of John and Betty Stam https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35157744/faith-in-the-face-of-danger-the-story-of-john-and-betty-stam
...more
0min
March 16, 2026 The Hidden History of Eugenics and Its Modern Implications
In this powerful episode, host Lorelee Siemens uncovers the dark history of eugenics, a movement that began in the early 1900s and continues to have devastating effects today.
We explore the chilling statistics of lives lost and the philosophical underpinnings that led to this ideology, including the disturbing role of figures like Margaret Sanger.
Through a chronological journey, we examine how the eugenics movement intertwined with major historical events and the implications for society's view of human dignity. This episode serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of grounding human value in the belief that every life is created in the image of God.
Chapters:
(01:25) The phrase God is dead, we have killed him. Became very popular in the 1900s
(03:49) Margaret was deeply involved in a new scientific movement called eugenics.
(08:52) The Bronx Zoo displayed an exhibit depicting an African man in a monkey cage.
(17:12) The birth control movement was closely tied to another powerful idea spreading through America.
(26:12) Thousands of poor black women were sterilized without their consent in Mississippi.
Episode Sponsor:
The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR.
The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1.
Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off
Links:
https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens
An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/18513087
My Bible Reading Plan: https://bible.com/reading-plans/2053/together/78277240/invitation?token=YfuaPBjn98pOXxRD_Fhhow&source=share
If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:
The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns
Faith in the 1920s: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35141113/faith-in-the-1920-s-surviving-after-the-storm
The Story of John and Betty Stam https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35157744/faith-in-the-face-of-danger-the-story-of-john-and-betty-stam
The Legacy of Hubert Sone https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35147509/endurance-in-the-face-of-adversity-the-legacy-of-hubert-sone
...more
34min
March 09, 2026 Faith in the Face of Danger: The Story of John and Betty Stam
In this gripping episode, we explore the tumultuous years between World War I and World War II, focusing on missionaries in China during a time of great upheaval.
Join Lorelee Siemens as she recounts the story of the Scott family and their commitment to spreading the gospel amidst the chaos of the Boxer Rebellion and the rise of communism.
Discover the sacrifices made by John and Betty Stam, whose faith and courage would inspire generations of missionaries. Their legacy continues to impact the Christian community in China today.
Chapters:
(00:00) The years between World War I and World War II were among the most unstable
(01:47) At the turn of the 20th century, China was under pressure
(08:27) John Stam grew up in a Christian family deeply committed to missions
(14:43) John Scott and Betty Scott returned to China in 1934 amid political turmoil
(20:19) John and Betty traveled consistently between villages during China's famine
(25:05) Communists seized John and Betty Stam and took baby Helen
(30:28) Under Communist rule, Christianity in China went underground
Episode Sponsor:
The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR.
The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1
Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off
Links:
https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens
An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/18513087
My Bible Reading Plan: https://bible.com/reading-plans/2053/together/78277240/invitation?token=YfuaPBjn98pOXxRD_Fhhow&source=share
If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:
The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns
Hudson Taylor: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-17846177/hudson-taylor
Lottie Moon: From Atheist to Missionary https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34532912/lottie-moon-from-atheist-to-missionary
Martha Crawford Missionary to China https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34532885/martha-crawford-missionary-to-china
...more
34min

FAQs about Church History:

How many episodes does Church History have?

The podcast currently has 269 episodes available.

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