Church History for Chumps cover art

Church History for Chumps

Church History for Chumps

By: ay big dog media
Listen for free

We're not your grandfather's church history podcast. But we'd also really appreciate it if he still listened.


Saints, heretics, councils...and the occasional crazy stuff. We have fun.

IG: @churchhistory4chumps

© 2026 Church History for Chumps
Christianity Social Sciences Spirituality World
Episodes
  • 139. CHUMP TALK: Is Church Membership Biblical?
    Jun 26 2026

    It's pretty fascinating to look at the idea of 'church membership' through a historical lens.

    It's fair to assume that the early church probably wasn't having people fill out visitor cards or handing out coffee mugs with the church logo on it.

    So that leaves us in a tricky position: what does it look like to truly 'belong' to a church in this day and age? And what should be required of someone who does choose to commit to their church?

    Join us as we esteemed podcasters provide answers that you should honestly just talk to your pastor about. But hey, thanks for listening to us anyway! You ROCK!


    Note from John: "Hey, I realized after recording this that I forgot that ELDERS exist! Really embarrassing on my end. I don't believe that pastors should have supreme control, elders are great and biblical assets for checks and balances. Pls don't beat me up in the comments."


    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • 138. The Third Crusade: The Rise of Saladin and the Leper King
    Jun 23 2026

    The Second Crusade was, for all intents and purposes, filler content. Not much land traded hands, the Franks kind of embarrassed themselves, not many crazy battles. Boring, am I right?

    The Third Crusade though? That's where things get poppin.

    In the decades between the two holy skirmishes, the Islamic world finds itself in a state of renewal under a newly unifying Kurdish Dynasty. Soon, the eyes of Islam would set its gaze on the Holy City of Jerusalem.

    Join us as we discuss the rise of two of the most distinct figures of the Third Crusade, Salah al-Din and Baldwin IV of Jerusalem.

    Also, Taylor tries fruitlessly to defend his addiction to Monster energy drinks, and the guys speak for about 45 seconds about the SBC conference.

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • 137. California Dreamin: The Missions Movement to the 1848 Gold Rush
    Jun 16 2026

    This one goes out to all our pals in California. And anyone who really likes gold.

    The early half of the 19th century was a massive time of western expansion in the United States. One of the most fascinating movements among this era was the explosive migration of young men flooding into California, hoping to make it rich off of gold.

    But what was the church doing during this time? Well, sending missionaries of course! Join us (as we are joined by special guest Dr. Taylor Mendoza) as we discuss a scintillating time in American history coupled by a unique glimpse into how churches approached evangelism in new frontiers.

    Also let us know if you'll be joining the annual Taylor Convention this year. Word is that Taylor Treadway will be a keynote speaker doing his speech, "I'm not a girl, but my name is Taylor." Don't miss it!

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet