Welcome to the Christian History Institute magazine. Here, we delve into the rich and diverse history of Christianity, exploring its origins, its spread around the world, and its impact on society over two millennia.
Christian History is a non-profit organization that provides Christian history resources and self-study material at low or no cost. Based out of Worcester, PA, CHI was founded in 1982 by Dr. A. Kenneth Curtis to share the lively history of the faith.
Christian History Institute seeks to bring the story of the church to the people of the church, to see the best in every Christian tradition, and to acknowledge the full and honest story of the church universal. We are committed to capturing the imagination through unique images and vivid storytelling in our printed materials, professional video productions, and internet resources, grounded in the best contemporary scholarship.
Christian History magazine, our quarterly publication, provides careful research, thought-provoking editorial, and engaging images to Christian history enthusiasts around the world. Each issue features accessible history that focuses on one general topic, written by hand-picked, trustworthy historians. Subscriptions to CHM are on a donation basis; sign up for free here.
For over thirty years, CHI has produced high-quality, captivating docudramas, biographies, and documentaries about the movements and people that have shaped the story of the faith. Great for small groups, Sunday school, and educational settings, our productions cover a range of stories and topics in Christian history. You can find them in our store.
Torchlighters: Our award-winning animated series brings the heroes of Christian history to children ages 8-12 and their families. Each action-packed, 30-minute episode includes additional information about the hero and an accompanying lesson plan and study guide.
Internet resources and additional publications: CHI makes Christian history easy and free to access through our self-study modules, Christian history daily events, and blog. You can also purchase Christian history books, timelines, and guides in our store.
Christian History Institute is not aligned with any particular denomination but adheres to the Apostles’ Creed. We seek to present the history of the global church and to see the best in each Christian tradition. Please note that the views, opinions, and organizational affiliations of our writers are their own and do not reflect those of CHI.
Dr. A. Kenneth Curtis, founder of Gateway Films/Vision Video and Christian History Institute, guided the creation of Christian History magazine in 1982 as a comprehensive companion resource to CHI’s film productions. As CH grew, so did its need for a larger organization to handle the demand. In 1989, Christianity Today International (CTI) brought Christian History under its leadership and further expanded the reach of the publication for 19 years.
When CTI ceased publication following the 99th issue in 2008, CH returned to CHI. Though diagnosed with late stage terminal lung cancer, Dr. Curtis absorbed himself in the work of bringing the magazine back to life. Dr. Curtis passed into glory in January 2011, but his efforts revitalized CH, resulting in its return with issue #100.
Today Dr. Curtis’s passion and vision live on in the continued publication of Christian History, the production of high-quality films, and the expansion of CHI’s digital reach and online resources.