Early Methodism: Beginnings and Revival

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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