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Church History

Lorelee Siemens
Church History
Latest episode

241 episodes

  • Church History

    The Hidden History of Eugenics and Its Modern Implications

    2026/03/16
    In this powerful episode, host Lorelee Siemens uncovers the dark history of eugenics, a movement that began in the early 1900s and continues to have devastating effects today.

    We explore the chilling statistics of lives lost and the philosophical underpinnings that led to this ideology, including the disturbing role of figures like Margaret Sanger.

    Through a chronological journey, we examine how the eugenics movement intertwined with major historical events and the implications for society's view of human dignity. This episode serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of grounding human value in the belief that every life is created in the image of God.

    Chapters:

    (01:25) The phrase God is dead, we have killed him. Became very popular in the 1900s

    (03:49) Margaret was deeply involved in a new scientific movement called eugenics.

    (08:52) The Bronx Zoo displayed an exhibit depicting an African man in a monkey cage.

    (17:12) The birth control movement was closely tied to another powerful idea spreading through America.

    (26:12) Thousands of poor black women were sterilized without their consent in Mississippi.

    Episode Sponsor:

    The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR.

    The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1.

    Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

    Links:
    https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

    An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org

    Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/18513087

    My Bible Reading Plan: https://bible.com/reading-plans/2053/together/78277240/invitation?token=YfuaPBjn98pOXxRD_Fhhow&source=share

    If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:

    The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns

    Faith in the 1920s: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35141113/faith-in-the-1920-s-surviving-after-the-storm

    The Story of John and Betty Stam https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35157744/faith-in-the-face-of-danger-the-story-of-john-and-betty-stam

    The Legacy of Hubert Sone https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35147509/endurance-in-the-face-of-adversity-the-legacy-of-hubert-sone
  • Church History

    Faith in the Face of Danger: The Story of John and Betty Stam

    2026/03/09
    In this gripping episode, we explore the tumultuous years between World War I and World War II, focusing on missionaries in China during a time of great upheaval.

    Join Lorelee Siemens as she recounts the story of the Scott family and their commitment to spreading the gospel amidst the chaos of the Boxer Rebellion and the rise of communism.

    Discover the sacrifices made by John and Betty Stam, whose faith and courage would inspire generations of missionaries. Their legacy continues to impact the Christian community in China today.

    Chapters:

    (00:00) The years between World War I and World War II were among the most unstable

    (01:47) At the turn of the 20th century, China was under pressure

    (08:27) John Stam grew up in a Christian family deeply committed to missions

    (14:43) John Scott and Betty Scott returned to China in 1934 amid political turmoil

    (20:19) John and Betty traveled consistently between villages during China's famine

    (25:05) Communists seized John and Betty Stam and took baby Helen

    (30:28) Under Communist rule, Christianity in China went underground

    Episode Sponsor:
    The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR.

    The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

    Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

    Links:
    https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

    An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org

    Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/18513087

    My Bible Reading Plan: https://bible.com/reading-plans/2053/together/78277240/invitation?token=YfuaPBjn98pOXxRD_Fhhow&source=share

    If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:

    The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns

    Hudson Taylor: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-17846177/hudson-taylor

    Lottie Moon: From Atheist to Missionary https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34532912/lottie-moon-from-atheist-to-missionary

    Martha Crawford Missionary to China https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34532885/martha-crawford-missionary-to-china
  • Church History

    Too Young to Believe? The Journey of Jesse Overholtzer

    2026/03/02
    In this episode, Lorelee Siemens shares the transformative story of Jesse Overholtzer, a man who grew up in a strict Christian home yet struggled with guilt and the concept of grace.
    As he navigated through a life of striving and doubt, Jesse eventually discovered the true meaning of salvation and grace, which led him to establish the Child Evangelism Fellowship at the age of 60.
    This episode explores the profound impact of understanding grace and the importance of sharing the gospel with children. Join us for an inspiring journey through Jesse's life and the legacy he created for future generations.

    Chapters:

    (00:00) James Jesse Ervin Overholtzer was born into a Christian home

    (04:03) Jesse rejects a strict religious upbringing to pursue independence at 18

    (10:29) Jesse struggles to understand grace after 16 years as a Christian pastor

    (16:56) Jesse founded the Child Evangelism Fellowship at the age of 60

    Episode Sponsor:
    The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR.

    The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

    Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

    Links:
    https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

    An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org

    Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/18513087

    My Bible Reading Plan: https://bible.com/reading-plans/2053/together/78277240/invitation?token=YfuaPBjn98pOXxRD_Fhhow&source=share

    If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:

    The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns

    Charles Spurgeon: The Making of the Prince of Preachers https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34782810/charles-spurgeon-the-making-of-the-prince-of-preachers

    Charles Spurgeon: A Legacy of Faith and Controversy https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34799450/charles-spurgeon-a-legacy-of-faith-and-controversy

    D.L. Moody Preaches Around the World https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34693937/d-l-moody-preaches-around-the-world
  • Church History

    A Missionary's Drift: George Sherwood Eddy's Path to Modernism

    2026/02/09
    In today's episode, we delve into the life of George Sherwood Eddy, a man whose journey took him from the privilege of Kansas to the stark realities of southern India.
    Join Lorelee Siemens as she unpacks Eddy's early devotion, his global influence, and the sobering tensions he faced throughout his life.
    Discover how his mission work transformed communities, and reflect on the lessons his story holds for the church today.

    Episode Sponsor:

    The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR.

    The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

    Alexander Henry Coffee

    https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

    Links:
    https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

    An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org
    Podcast:

    https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/18513087

    My Bible Reading Plan: https://bible.com/reading-plans/2053/together/78277240/invitation?token=YfuaPBjn98pOXxRD_Fhhow&source=share

    If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:

    The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns

    Brown Eyes, Big Dreams: The Story of
    Amy Carmichael: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35016329/brown-eyes-big-dreams-the-story-of-amy-carmichael

    Mary Slessor: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-17661641/mary-slessor

    Edith Warner: A Missionary's Legacy in Nigeria: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35005424/edith-warner-a-missionarys-legacy-in-nigeria
  • Church History

    Endurance in the Face of Adversity: The Legacy of Hubert Sone

    2026/02/02
    In this episode, we journey through the tumultuous landscape of China during the 1920s, highlighting the life and mission of Hubert Sone, an American Southern Methodist missionary. We explore the challenges and triumphs he faced as he worked to build a resilient, indigenous church in a time of great social upheaval and political tension. Join us as we uncover the profound lessons of faithfulness, humility, and enduring presence amidst chaos.

    Chapters:

    (08:36) Hubert and Helen Sone began missionary work in China in the 1920s

    (15:22) Nationalism was rising, and with it a growing suspicion of foreign influences

    (17:28) Mission strategy changed when war became unavoidable in China in 1937

    (22:23) Hubert Song helped establish a civilian safety zone during World War II

    (29:32) Hubert and Helen served as missionaries in China during World War II

    (37:17) Hubert Sone's life asks the church a difficult question: Will we remain faithful

    Episode Sponsor:

    The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR.

    The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

    Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

    Links:

    https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

    An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org

    Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/18513087

    My Bible Reading Plan: https://bible.com/reading-plans/2053/together/78277240/invitation?token=YfuaPBjn98pOXxRD_Fhhow&source=share

    If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:

    Lottie Moon: From Atheist to Missionary: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34532912/lottie-moon-from-atheist-to-missionary

    Hudson Taylor: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-17846177/hudson-taylor

    The History of Hymns with Lorelee Siemens: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns

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About Church History

Delve into the captivating narrative of 'The Church History Podcast,' a remarkable journey that unfolds the history of God's Church from the time of Jesus Christ to the present day. Hosted by Lorelee Siemens, this podcast brings to life the inspiring stories of men and women who, guided by the Holy Spirit, dedicated their lives to Jesus Christ. Experience the rich tapestry of the Church's evolution, one episode at a time, as Lorelee skillfully recounts the challenges, triumphs, and unwavering faith that have shaped the course of history. From the earliest days of Christianity to the contemporary landscape, 'The Church History Podcast' takes you on a profound exploration of individuals who played pivotal roles in building and sustaining God's Church. Immerse yourself in the lives of these extraordinary figures, gaining insight into their devotion, resilience, and spiritual fervor. This podcast is more than a historical account; it's a dynamic narrative that connects you to the roots of your faith. Tune in to rediscover the profound impact of those who, filled with the Holy Spirit, have left an indelible mark on the enduring legacy of the Church. loreleesiemens.com
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