Kids Talk Church History

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Latest Episodes:

Samuel Crowther and the Gospel in Nigeria with Kelly Kumbu Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

Few people have heard of Samuel Crowther, but he was one of the most important missionaries to Nigeria. That’s because he was born there, so he knew the language and culture. And he had a special talent for learning languages, so he learned other languages from his region and oversaw the first translation of the Bible in Yoruba. His calling as a minister of the gospel was recognized by the Anglican church, which ordained him as their first African bishop. But he could never have known any of this when he was kidnapped and sold as a slave at just twelve years of age! Join Grace, Isaac, and Sean as they learn more about this important missionary from our guest, Dr. Kelly Kumbu, Regional Director for Francophone Africa and Haiti for Development Associates International and author of a work about Samuel Crowther.

Show Notes

Dr. Kumbu’s favorite dish is Ceebu Jën (or Jollof), the National dish of Senegal.

The Gospel in Jamaica and Sierra Leone with Vincent Carretta Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

We tend to hear about European and North American missionaries, often overlooking how much missionary work was carried out by native peoples themselves. In this episode, we'll explore how two people born into slavery in North America went on to bring the gospel to Jamaica and Sierra Leone. Join Grace, Sean, and Priscilla as they discuss these two missionaries with Dr. Vincent Carretta, Professor Emeritus in the Department of English at the University of Maryland and author of Unchained Voices: An Anthology of Black Authors in the English-Speaking World of the 18th Century.

Show Notes:

Articles about George Lielle and David George:

https://placefortruth.org/george-liele-first-baptist-missionary-in-jamaica/

https://placefortruth.org/david-george-from-anxious-runaway-to-zealous-pastor/

Equiano
https://placefortruth.org/olaudah-equiano-waking-up-christians-to-the-evils-of-slavery/

Phillis Wheatley
https://alliancenet.org/episode/phillis-wheatley/

Unchained Voices
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0813190762?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Lessons Learned from the Church in 19th-Century Europe and North America Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

Once again, our young hosts have reached a milestone in their exploration of church history. This time, they wrap up a fourteen-episode look at the nineteenth century in Europe and North America, with all its progress and challenges. Find out who our hosts' favorite characters were and what lessons they learn. During this time, we also include some special episodes that take us away from our usual path: a review of three new books and the celebration of our 100th episode! And we welcome a new host, Ellie, who is just as curious and adventurous as the rest!

Take a moment to email us at questions@kidstalkchurchhistory.org to let us know which episodes from this period you enjoyed most, and who your favorite characters were. We would love to hear from you!

Joseph Smith and New Religious Movements Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

The nineteenth century saw the birth of many new religious movements. Most claimed to be Christian, yet their teachings departed from the Bible. In this episode, Grace, Isaac, and Priscilla explore the life and the teachings of Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as Mormons). How did Smith come to be regarded as a prophet? What did he teach? Who was Mormon, and do we still have the golden plates on which he supposedly recorded his revelations? Join our hosts as they bring these and other questions to Dr. John Turner, professor of Religious Studies and History at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia and author of the book, Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.

How Early Christians Read the Classics, and Why You Should Too! Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

For many, the question posed by the church father Tertullian, "What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?," meant that Christians should not read the pagan classics. In reality, Tertullian read and appreciated many of these works! Join Linus and Leia as they talk with Dr. Nadya Williams about the importance of reading the classics as Christians. If you haven't read any of them, this episode may change your mind. And if you have, you will want to re-read them with fresh eyes!
Thanks to the generosity of Zondervan Publishing, we are pleased to award one of our listeners a copy of Nadya’s book, Christians Reading Classics. Congratulations Lena G. from Tobaccoville, NC!

Francis Grimke and the Fight for the Abolition of Slavery Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

Francis Grimké was one of the most important preachers of the 19th century. He addressed pressing matters like racism while staying grounded in his Christian faith and presenting the issues in a clear, understandable way. Join Grace, Isaac, and Ellie as they discuss Grimké and his ministry with Dr. Drew Martin, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Covenant Theological Seminary and author of the book, Grimké on the Christian Life.

Charles Finney Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

The Second Great Awakening bore a lot of good fruit. Many people found faith, churches were established, and missionaries were sent. But there were also some problems because while everyone agreed that the gospel should go out to as many people as possible, not everyone agreed on how to do it. Learn more about the evangelistic methods of the Second Great Awakening as Linus, Ellie, and Sean talk with Dr. Andrew MacDonald, Associate Director at Wheaton College Billy Graham Center and an expert in American religious history.

Kids Talk Church History Celebrates its 100th Episode! Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

Today we are excited to have reached a major milestone: our 100th episode! Join Grace, Isaac, and Ellie to find out how we got started and how we got here. And meet our special guest, Tim Challies, who tells us all about his recent book for kids, God’s Big Great Global Church.

We are pleased to offer two giveaways in celebration of our 100th episode!

Congratulations to Chris P. from Lancaster, PA and Chelsea Y. from Hamilton, OH, each of whom won a copy of Tim Challies’ book, God's Great Big Global Church, courtesy of The Good Book Company.

And congratulations also to Abby J. from Tracy, MN who won a copy of Simonetta Carr’s award winning book, Church History, courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books.

Show Notes

Tim Challies’ website with links to his blog posts, articles, and books, many of them written for children: https://www.challies.com/

The Second Great Awakening Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

What was the Second Great Awakening? Why do we call it "awakening" and not "revival"? Why are the Awakenings called "great"? And why were the itinerant preachers called "circuit riders"? Explore these questions and more as our hosts talk with Dr. Don Forston, Professor Emeritus of Church History and Pastoral Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina.

John Henry Newman: Challenging the Church of England May 18, 2026

Show notes

In the 19th century, an Anglican priest named John Henry Newman proposed a return to the Medieval church to pursue a greater devotion. Eventually, Newman became Roman Catholic and is now considered a Roman Catholic saint. While we might disagree with his conclusions, we can learn a lot from the questions he raised. Join Linus, Leia, and Christian as they learn about Newman and his questions from Dr. Carl Trueman, Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies at Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania.

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