1. Studying church history helps Christians understand how God has guided the church over the centuries according to his plan of redemption. 2. It demonstrates that Christianity is grounded in real historical events and people, not just theological ideas. Knowing the history provides perspective on issues the church has faced regarding culture, doctrine, and more. 3. Church history is not infallible due to limited sources and human interpretation, but it helps Christians realize how dependent they are on those who preserved core doctrines through challenges over time.