Church History in Plain Language, Fifth EditionBruce ShelleyIf you're looking for a readable overview of Church History in a single volume, this is probably where you should start. This volume presumes no prior historical knowledge and will suit anyone who is new to Church history, or anyone wanting to be reminded of the most important events which have shaped the history of the Church. Written in an accessible style, this can be read by beginners and those who already have a little more knowledge. This is an excellent introduction to Church History!
Church History 101: The Highlights of Twenty CenturiesJoel R BeekeTim Challies says this short book is 'somewhere between a book and a booklet" which is fair comment on 'Church History 101', however, despite its size, it's a brilliant introduction to Church History. The book begins with some helpful reasons for studying Church History before providing a brief one chapter per century overview which shows how God has built and developed his Church through the centuries. I would recommend this to all church members looking for a quick introduction.
A History of Christianity in the British IslesGerald BrayIn 'A History of Christianity in the British Isles', renowned theologian and historian, Gerald Bray, gives us a comprehensive history of the Christian history of these islands. Rather than break them into geographical areas developing independently, as many historians have done, Bray suggests a better way, instead seeking a synthesis of our shared ecclesiastical history. He skilfully weaves these narratives together to leave us with a much better understanding of our Christian heritage than we would otherwise have had. It's difficult to overstate how impressive this book is!
Hitting the Holy RoadCoultonIn 'Hitting the Holy Road', Stuart Coulton walks us through the first 15 centuries of the Church, culminating in the Reformation. In an interesting and in many ways, unique approach, Coulton takes us back to European geography, showing where the most important events took place and providing background information, photos, and maps. It's an engaging way to teach Church History and this book which is just over 300 pages long, is an excellent introduction to this period.
2,000 Years of Christ's Power Vol. 1Nick NeedhamThis is part of a 5-volume series (with a sixth on the way) and is a thorugh history of the early Church period. The level is somewhere between A-Level and Undergraduate but it's a very easy book to read and is exceptionally well written as Nick Needham takes the reader through this period, explaining the events and theological disputes clearly and simply. Highly recommended!
Church History for EveryoneDeYoungThis is the first volume of a 2-volume set aimed at providing an overview of Church History for the benefit of the whole Church. In 'Church History for Everyone', Kevin DeYoung charts the history of the Church from 70 AD to the end of the Medieval period, telling the stories of the key figures in such a compelling way that they blend into the one central story of God building his Church. DeYoung has the academic background to pull of such a project, the theological know-how to understand the main events, and the storytelling craft to make this Church History book a real page-turner! I've been reading a pre-publication copy and can't wait for the finished product to arrive in October 2026!
The Breeze of the CenturiesMichael ReevesIn this volume Michael Reeves covers the Early Church period to the late Medieval era, complete with biographical sketches of key theologians and church figures, assessments of their main works, their historical context, and how they shaped the Church. With helpful suggestions for further reading, this is an excellent popular-level treatment of this period.
The Unquenchable Flame (new edition)Michael'The Unquenchable Flame' is Michael Reeves' account of the Reformation of the 16th Century. He looks at the main Reformation figures, brings them to life, and shows how they impacted the Church during this time of reform. This isn't a dry history but a warm account of this period from an author who clearly loves his subject matter! This is an excellent account and recommended for every Christian!
On Giants' ShouldersMichael ReevesThis book is an account of the major theologians from the early 16th Century to the middle of the 20th Century, or from Luther to Barth. The book is written for the modern Church to help avoid a detachment with the past, which can all too easily happen when we ignore history. To counter this, Reeves provides us with a series of biographies of the greatest thinkers and theologians of this period, lists of their most important works, and suggestions for further reading. This is a brilliant introduction to Reformation and post-Reformation history and theology and highly recommended reading for all Christians.
Reclaiming the "Dark Ages"Iain WrightOne popular misconception is that during what became known as the "Dark Ages", God wasn't as present in the life of the Church as he had once been, which means that for a period of 1,000 years, the Holy Spirit effectively abandoned the Church. What Wright & Imbert show us in this short-ish book is a long line of faithful and godly figures whose theology and piety "guarded the deposit" until such times as it flourished again in the Renaissance and Reformation periods. Don't judge a book by its cover - this is a very enjoyable read!
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