Tracing Church History: How We Got Here and Why It Matters

This week on Cultivate, we dove into the rich history and diversity of the church in our ongoing ecclesiology series. Charlie and Abigail traced the journey from the early church in Acts, through the rise of structures like bishops and councils, all the way to the denominational splits that shape our Christian landscape today. We examined how gatherings shifted from small groups of believers following Jesus to established institutions, discussing moments like the rise of the Pope, the Great Schism, and the Protestant Reformation. Biblical passages from Acts and letters to Timothy helped ground our conversation about church roles like elders, deacons, and pastors. Along the way, we considered why these structures matter—not just as history lessons, but for how we relate to Christianity and community today. Whether you’re curious about denominations or what it means to belong to "the church," this episode offers helpful context to reflect on your own connection with God’s people. Take time to consider where you see yourself in the unfolding story of the church.