I am a fervent believer in listening to podcasts. These free online video and audio series allow me to learn, grow and even be entertained by listening while driving. My favorite podcasts include those by good Bible teachers, on technology, and other topics I have a particular interest in. One I always listen to without fail comes out every Wednesday, entitled, “5Minutes in Church History.” It can be found through the podcast apps on iPhone, iPad, Google Play store, etc. It can also be accessed through Dr. Nichols’ website, www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com.

True to its name, each weekly episode is just 4 to 5 minutes in length and provides one bite-size piece either of Christian History or a mini-interview with a significant person. As I write this, there have been 357 episodes released. Dr. Stephen Nichols, a respected Reformation and American Christian history scholar is the speaker. As a result, the majority of the episodes revolve around the Reformation’s historical events and people.

Since I teach a course on Christian History at Sunset International Bible Institute, I certainly see the value of studying church history, and recommend this podcast to my students. Earlier this year, Dr. Nichols also released a book with the same title, 5 Minutes in Church History, which is available in both print and Amazon Kindle versions. It incorporates about 40 of the same topics covered in the podcast.