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.
How did Puritan pastor John Cotton end up on England's most wanted list? Today, Stephen Nichols continues his conversation with Stephen Yuille, exploring Cotton's flight to New England and the convictions that shaped his ministry. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/5-things-everyone-should-know-about-john-cotton-a-committed-congregationalist/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
18/03/2026 • 05:00
Who was John Cotton, and why was he such an influential Puritan pastor? Today, Stephen Nichols welcomes Stephen Yuille to discuss several key facts about Cotton's life, ministry, and legacy. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/5-things-everyone-should-know-about-john-cotton-a-pastors-heart/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
11/03/2026 • 05:00
Adoniram Judson lived by the conviction that missionary service required total dedication. Today, Stephen Nichols tells the story of how God sustained Judson through danger, imprisonment, and loss to bring the gospel to the people of Burma. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/to-burma/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
04/03/2026 • 05:00
How did a sudden storm and a simple prayer meeting spark a global missions movement? Today, Stephen Nichols tells the story of the Haystack Prayer Meeting and the five college students whose faith helped shape American foreign missions. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/the-haystack-prayer-meeting/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
25/02/2026 • 05:00
What do definitions of words like "truth" and "theology" reveal about a person's beliefs? Today, Stephen Nichols revisits Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary and its deep Christian roots. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/noah-webster-more-words/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
18/02/2026 • 05:00
An encounter with Christ struck Paul blind. When he couldn't see anything else, Paul finally saw Jesus for who He really is. Today, Stephen Nichols revisits the year 401, when Augustine delivered a marvelous sermon on Paul's conversion. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/401-again/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
11/02/2026 • 05:00
Some years stand out in church history: 325, 1054, 1517. But the year 401 is more obscure. Today, Stephen Nichols takes us to a time when Augustine helped Christians in Carthage navigate conflict in the church and pressure from the world. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/401/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
04/02/2026 • 05:00
Who was Noah Webster, beyond the dictionary that bears his name? Today, Stephen Nichols explores Webster's influence on American language and how his Christian convictions shaped both his life and his work. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/noah-websters-dictionary/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
28/01/2026 • 05:00
How did Methodism spread across the American frontier? Today, Stephen Nichols looks at the lives of circuit riders who carried Methodism westward. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/early-methodism-circuit-riders-and-camp-meetings/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
21/01/2026 • 05:00
How did a small group of Oxford students shape a global movement? Today, Stephen Nichols traces the early roots of Methodism, from high moral standards and revival preaching to its growth in Great Britain and colonial America. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/early-methodism-beginnings-and-revival/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
14/01/2026 • 05:00
What prompted Jonathan Edwards to publish a collection of sermons during a period of spiritual decline? Today, Stephen Nichols looks at Edwards' Discourses on Various Important Subjects and the pastoral concerns that shaped this influential book. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/the-story-of-5-sermons/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
07/01/2026 • 05:00
Looking for a meaningful way to start the new year? Today, Stephen Nichols offers five practical suggestions for diving deeper into church history in 2026. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/church-history-resolutions-for-the-new-year/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
31/12/2025 • 05:00
Why is the incarnation at the center of our hope as Christians? Today, Stephen Nichols looks to Jonathan Edwards' sermon on Revelation 5, reflecting on the humility and majesty of Jesus' birth. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/christmas-in-new-england/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
24/12/2025 • 05:00
In the 1700s, Delaware witnessed powerful movements that shaped American Christianity. Today, Stephen Nichols continues exploring this colony's church history, from George Whitefield's Great Awakening preaching to the rise of Methodism. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/a-little-church-history-of-a-middle-colony-the-first-great-awakening/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
17/12/2025 • 05:00
Though Delaware is small, its church history is rich. Today, Stephen Nichols explores how this middle colony was shaped by William Penn's vision of religious freedom, Anglican and Swedish influences, and enduring places of worship that still tell the story of faith in early America. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/a-little-church-history-of-a-middle-colony-early-influences/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
10/12/2025 • 05:00
On November 5, 1605, a plot to destroy England's Parliament was foiled. Today, Stephen Nichols reflects on how this event has reminded generations to give glory to God for His providential deliverance. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/gunpowder-and-a-proclamation/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
03/12/2025 • 05:00
What shaped the Thanksgiving holiday as we know it? Today, Stephen Nichols explores the holiday's roots in colonial America, significant presidential proclamations, and enduring reflections on gratitude drawn from great figures in church history. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/thanksgiving-in-church-history/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
26/11/2025 • 05:00
John Newton preached three sermons on the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. Today, Stephen Nichols explores how Newton used these sermons to remind believers that Christ reigns as King of kings and calls all people to repent and believe the gospel. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/3-sermons-on-the-hallelujah-chorus/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
19/11/2025 • 05:00
Though few know his name, many know his work. Today, Stephen Nichols introduces Charles Jennens, who compiled the biblical texts for Handel's Messiah to proclaim Christ's glory and defend the truth against deism. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/charles-jennens-libretto/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
12/11/2025 • 05:00
Amid persecution and turmoil, Cyprian of Carthage stood firm in his faith and led the church with wisdom. Today, Stephen Nichols reflects on Cyprian's call for unity, repentance, and steadfast faith in times of suffering. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/cyprian-of-carthage-crisis-in-the-3rd-century/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
05/11/2025 • 05:00
The third century brought afflictions, instability, and opposition for Christians in the Roman Empire. Today, Stephen Nichols examines how the Lord preserved His church in the midst of these adversities. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/crisis-in-the-3rd-century/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
29/10/2025 • 05:00
What can archaeology teach us about the world of the Bible and the early church? Today, Stephen Nichols highlights how archeological discoveries bring historical context to the life and faith of God's people. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/digging-deeper-5-things-about-archeology/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
22/10/2025 • 05:00
In AD 230, Christians in Galilee left behind a remarkable testimony to their faith in Christ. Today, Stephen Nichols examines the Megiddo Mosaic, uncovering five insights it provides into early church life. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/5-things-about-the-megiddo-mosaic/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
15/10/2025 • 05:00
What did the earliest Christian churches look like? Today, Stephen Nichols traces their history and introduces the Megiddo Mosaic, the floor of one of the oldest church buildings ever discovered. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/the-earliest-church-yet/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
08/10/2025 • 05:00
Why did many of the Reformers identify the pope as the antichrist? Today, Stephen Nichols continues his survey of Christian views on the antichrist and interpretations of the number 666, moving from the Reformation to the present day. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/naming-the-antichrist-reformation-and-modern-views/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
01/10/2025 • 05:00
Who is the antichrist? The beast? The man of lawlessness? Today on episode 666 of the podcast, Stephen Nichols explores how several church fathers and medieval theologians wrestled with these questions—and whom they named as the antichrist. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/naming-the-antichrist-ancient-and-medieval-views/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
24/09/2025 • 05:00
Have you read My Utmost for His Highest? And did you know it was published 10 years after its author died? Today, Stephen Nichols tells the story of Oswald Chambers and his wife Biddy, whose copious notes from Oswald's sermons turned into more than 50 books. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/oswald-chambers/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
17/09/2025 • 05:00
In addition to being our Redeemer, Jesus is our perfect example for the Christian life. Today, Stephen Nichols considers a stirring sermon that B.B. Warfield preached on the humble, self-sacrificial life that Christ modeled for us. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/warfield-on-imitating-the-incarnation/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
10/09/2025 • 05:00
What can sermons from over a century ago teach us today? Today, Stephen Nichols introduces The Savior of the World by B.B. Warfield, a collection of Christ-centered sermons that invite us to marvel at the good news of the gospel. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/some-sermons-of-warfield/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
03/09/2025 • 05:00
What is sin, and why must we take it seriously? Today, Stephen Nichols highlights Not the Way It's Supposed to Be by Cornelius Plantinga Jr., a book that explores the biblical view of sin and our deep need for God's redeeming grace. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/a-good-book-on-a-bad-subject/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
27/08/2025 • 05:00
