choose a study option
The course has been designed such that it can be used by an individual for study, or by a group of people for a classroom-type experience.
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​It is also designed to be flexible in length.  It runs in reverse chronological order, so that those who just want to look at Reformation to the present can use the first 4 lessons, while those who want to examine the roots of division more deeply
​can add on the last 3 lessons as well.

The Past as a Vehicle to Our Future​

A study in pursuit of reconciliation

Entering the real issues that keep us apart

taking a painful look

The History and Nature of Church Divisions is a study aimed at taking a painful look at the shared history of Christianity.  Today these divisions are as noticeable as ever, but very few have asked the question as to why they are and how they came to be.  By not asking these questions, many inadvertently repeat the failures of our collective past and continue to propagate a divided Christ.
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a transformative approach
Rooted in the idea that history is best studied from a transformative approach, along with asking questions in regards to the history of church divisions, this study will also challenge by asking questions back of those who partake in it.  The aim is not to persuade, convince, or alter the beliefs, values, and convictions of any one stream of the Christian tradition.  Instead it is designed to help one become better equipped at locating their own stream and how to relate to those from other traditions.

​And your ancient ruins
shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations
​of many generations;
you shall be called the
​repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to dwell in.
– Isaiah 58:12

an act of repentance 

 Ultimately this study is an act of repentance. It is a repentance of not taking the call and message of union within Christ seriously.  It is a repentance from the way that believers have historically treated one another within the Christian faith.  It is a repentance that we might be healed in our hearts towards one another and then truly look at what divides us, only now from a platform of reconciliation and love.

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About the author,
​Daniel Malakowsky
Residing in Phoenix with his wife, Evelynn, and their three children, Daniel is a licensed Southern Baptist minister.  Receiving his Master’s of Divinity from Phoenix Seminary, when not teaching high school math and history, he works with Antioch Network, an international fellowship of leaders, primarily serving on the leadership team of the ecumenical community, Apprenticeship to Jesus.

In 2009, Daniel was confronted with his own ignorance of church history and the prejudices and arrogance he held towards Christians from other traditions.  This study is the culmination of a journey towards repentance, and an offering of personal contrition.
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Knowing the history of church divisions has helped Daniel and the Apprenticeship to Jesus community locate their own traditions more fully within the church and receive from other traditions.
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