Church History

By Lorelee SiemensSociety & Culture Religion & Spirituality Christianity History Kids & Family

Church History episodes

March 30 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
19 min
March 24 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
0 min
March 16 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
34 min
March 09 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
34 min
March 02 Too Young to Believe? The Journey of Jesse Overholtzer
In this episode, Lorelee Siemens shares the transformative story of Jesse Overholtzer, a man who grew up in a strict Christian home yet struggled with guilt and the concept of grace.
As he navigated through a life of striving and doubt, Jesse eventually discovered the true meaning of salvation and grace, which led him to establish the Child Evangelism Fellowship at the age of 60.
This episode explores the profound impact of understanding grace and the importance of sharing the gospel with children. Join us for an inspiring journey through Jesse's life and the legacy he created for future generations.
Chapters:
(00:00) James Jesse Ervin Overholtzer was born into a Christian home
(04:03) Jesse rejects a strict religious upbringing to pursue independence at 18
(10:29) Jesse struggles to understand grace after 16 years as a Christian pastor
(16:56) Jesse founded the Child Evangelism Fellowship at the age of 60
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
Charles Spurgeon: The Making of the Prince of Preachers https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34782810/charles-spurgeon-the-making-of-the-prince-of-preachers
Charles Spurgeon: A Legacy of Faith and Controversy https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34799450/charles-spurgeon-a-legacy-of-faith-and-controversy
D.L. Moody Preaches Around the World https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34693937/d-l-moody-preaches-around-the-world
25 min
February 09 A Missionary's Drift: George Sherwood Eddy's Path to Modernism
In today's episode, we delve into the life of George Sherwood Eddy, a man whose journey took him from the privilege of Kansas to the stark realities of southern India.
Join Lorelee Siemens as she unpacks Eddy's early devotion, his global influence, and the sobering tensions he faced throughout his life.
Discover how his mission work transformed communities, and reflect on the lessons his story holds for the church today.
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
Brown Eyes, Big Dreams: The Story of
Amy Carmichael: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35016329/brown-eyes-big-dreams-the-story-of-amy-carmichael
Mary Slessor: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-17661641/mary-slessor
Edith Warner: A Missionary's Legacy in Nigeria: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35005424/edith-warner-a-missionarys-legacy-in-nigeria
13 min
February 02 Endurance in the Face of Adversity: The Legacy of Hubert Sone
In this episode, we journey through the tumultuous landscape of China during the 1920s, highlighting the life and mission of Hubert Sone, an American Southern Methodist missionary. We explore the challenges and triumphs he faced as he worked to build a resilient, indigenous church in a time of great social upheaval and political tension. Join us as we uncover the profound lessons of faithfulness, humility, and enduring presence amidst chaos.
Chapters:
(08:36) Hubert and Helen Sone began missionary work in China in the 1920s
(15:22) Nationalism was rising, and with it a growing suspicion of foreign influences
(17:28) Mission strategy changed when war became unavoidable in China in 1937
(22:23) Hubert Song helped establish a civilian safety zone during World War II
(29:32) Hubert and Helen served as missionaries in China during World War II
(37:17) Hubert Sone's life asks the church a difficult question: Will we remain faithful
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:
Lottie Moon: From Atheist to Missionary: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34532912/lottie-moon-from-atheist-to-missionary
Hudson Taylor: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-17846177/hudson-taylor
The History of Hymns with Lorelee Siemens: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns
38 min
January 27 The East African Revival: The Legacy of Joe Church
In today's episode, we explore the vibrant yet complex landscape of African missions during the 1920s.
Join host Lorelee Siemens as she delves into the transformative impact of healthcare and education led by missionaries, the emergence of indigenous church leadership, and the legacy of figures like John Edward Church.
This episode unveils how the church navigated a world on the brink of another war while fostering a revival that would reshape Christianity across East Africa.
Chapters:
(02:07) Church History Podcast explores missionary movements during World War I and 1920s
(05:44) During the 1920s, nearly 600 African American missionaries were serving across Africa
(09:26) John Edward Church's early years were shadowed by World War I
(14:32) John Edward Church left England in 1927 to become a missionary in Rwanda
(24:14) John Edward Church served when revival was visible and when it wasn't
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 Unyielding Faith of Ivan Prokhanov:
A Russian Hero: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35035936/the-unyielding-faith-of-ivan-prokhanov-a-russian-hero
Marry Slessor: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-17661641/mary-slessor
The History of Hymns with Lorelee Siemens: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns
29 min
January 19 Faith in the 1920s: Surviving After the Storm
In this episode, we delve into the tumultuous 1920s, a decade marked by the aftermath of World War I and the challenges the Church faced. Host Lorelee Siemens explores the shifting landscapes of faith as empires crumble, economies boom and bust, and new ideologies emerge.
From the struggles of the Russian Orthodox Church under Bolshevik rule to the clash between modernism and fundamentalism in the United States, we examine how these events shaped the Church's identity and mission. Join us as we uncover the lessons learned during this pivotal decade that continue to resonate today.
Chapters:
(03:22) The 1920s were a decade of rebuilding, but also rethinking
(07:24) Across Europe in the 1920s, the ground beneath the church's feet is shifting
(15:06) Tennessee law prohibited teachers from teaching evolution as a theory
(18:17) The Scopes trial reveals a widening divide between rural and urban America
(23:22) In Germany, the interwar years gave rise to something far more dangerous
(25:34) In the interwar years, there was a remarkable expansion of Western missionary work
(27:07) When we step back and look at the church between the wars, the lesson is sobering
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 Unyielding Faith of Ivan Prokhanov:
A Russian Hero: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35035936/the-unyielding-faith-of-ivan-prokhanov-a-russian-hero
Defiance in Darkness: The Underground Church of Russia https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35067672/defiance-in-darkness-the-underground-church-of-russia
The History of Hymns with Lorelee Siemens: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns
30 min
January 12 Pogroms in Russia: The Church’s Dilemma
In this powerful episode, Lorelee explores the harrowing aftermath of World War I in Russia, where violence erupted against Jewish communities long before the term genocide was coined.
We examine the church's struggle between courage and complacency during a time of moral crisis, as neighbors turned against neighbors and faith was tested in the bloodstained streets.
Join us as we recount the chilling pogroms, the silent complicity of many, and the extraordinary act of one Christian man who stood against the tide of violence, risking everything to save lives.
Chapters:
(01:36) Historians estimate that more than 100,000 Jews were killed during 1918
(06:19) The Russian Orthodox Church was persecuted under Soviet rule after 1917
(13:38) The Russian Civil War exposed how deeply antisemitism was woven into society
(15:35) During this time period, many Christians were afraid, confused, or themselves under threat
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
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 Unyielding Faith of Ivan Prokhanov:
A Russian Hero: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35035936/the-unyielding-faith-of-ivan-prokhanov-a-russian-hero
Defiance in Darkness: The Underground Church of Russia https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35067672/defiance-in-darkness-the-underground-church-of-russia
The History of Hymns with Lorelee Siemens: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns
18 min

About Church History

From the publisher's feed

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 Siemens, this podcast brings to life the inspiring stories of men and women who, guided by the Holy Spirit, dedicated their lives to Jesus Christ.