Resources & Updates
2025 Pastor's Bible Study (PBS) - Fall
Rev. Dr. Bob Fuller
Nov 19, 2025
Pastor's Bible Study & Lay Academy
The First 500: The Age of the Early Church
Discover the formative centuries of Christianity through our Pastor’s Bible Study & Lay Academy series at First Presbyterian Church. This study—designed for both individual spiritual growth and small group environments—explores the early church’s key figures, pivotal events, and enduring theological contributions.
Journey through the foundational years of the Christian faith: the bold witness of the early church fathers, the rise of heresies and councils, the perseverance of persecuted believers, and the defining declarations of the Nicene Creed. Whether you’re new to church history or a lifelong learner, this series will deepen your understanding and enrich your discipleship.
Small Groups
If you’re interested in joining or starting a PBS small group, please contact:
Contact Sheila Figueroa Contact Lellen Lane
Supplemental Reading
The Story of Christianity, Volume 1, by Justo L. Gonzalez
Study Content & Resources
All session recordings, outlines, discussion questions, and supporting materials for The First 500 are available on demand for your use at any time—individually or with a group.
You can also explore additional Pastor’s Bible Study series, including past semesters with full video archives and downloadable materials, on our Resources & Updates page.
Come and discover how the Spirit’s work in the first 500 years of the Christian Church continues to inspire and shape our faith today.
First 500 Syllabus
Week 1: Overture
Week 2: Fools and Heretics
The Tribulations of the Early Church, Pagans and Jews
Week 3: The Blood of the Martyrs
Week 4: Getting it Right - Against the Heretics
Week 5: Christianity and Empire
Week 6: Mystics, Monks, and the Desert Fathers
Week 7: The Beginnings of the Bible
Week 8: The Trinitarian Controversy
Week 9: The Christological Controversy
Week 10: Augustine and the Struggle for Grace
Donatus, Pelagius, Augustine, and the Doctrines of the Church and Grace
Week 11: Conclusion - Over the Horizon
Celtic Christianity and Beyond
Tags Education, History, Church History, Pastor's Bible Study - PBS