Part 1. Why we study church history--purpose -- The church strives to be one family -- the church strives be a holy people -- The church strives to be a catholic body -- The church strives to be an apostolic church -- Part 2. What we study in church history--content -- A tomb in Italy illumines the history of Christianity -- An icon in Egypt illumines the history of Christianity -- A stele in China illumines the history of Christianity in Asia -- A crucifix in the DRC illumines the history of Christianity -- A cloak in Mexico illumines the history of Christianity in Latin America -- A warehouse in California illumines the history of Christianity in North America -- A boot in Fiji illumines the history of Christianity in Oceania -- Part 3. How we study church history--method -- A medieval forgery illumines how to write a paper.