Bible

This course introduces students to a Biblical understanding of God and His desire to have a relationship with all people.  Questions such as, “Who is God?”, “What is God like?”, and “What has God done?” challenge students to examine cultural views of Christianity in order to develop an informed and personal view of the Christian faith. To understand the foundations of this faith, an emphasis is placed on how the historical events in scripture foreshadow and point towards the need for the Savior: Jesus Christ.  

This yearlong course also focuses on preparing VCHS students to be leaders on the VCHS campus, in their specific VCS programs, and in their general life circumstances.  The leadership curriculum trains students in the practical value of personal responsibility and capability for growth in all areas of life: from managing homework and relationships to wise financial stewardship. Students will leave the course with confidence that with the help of the Holy Spirit in their lives, they are empowered to affect positive change for themselves and for the world around them.

Semester 1: Wisdom for Leaders prepares VCHS students to be leaders on the campus, in their specific VCS programs and in their general life circumstances. This course uses the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs, in conjunction with leadership curriculum, to train students in the practical value of personal responsibility and capability for growth in all areas of life: from managing homework and relationships to wise financial stewardship. Students will leave this course with confidence that with the help of the Holy Spirit in their lives, they are empowered to affect positive change for themselves and for the world around them.

 Semester 2: This semester is purposed to inform students on the big picture questions about the Bible. Questions like, “What does it mean that the Bible is God’s word?”, “Does the Bible have any errors in it?”, “How do we know if the Bible is literal or metaphorical?” will help students to have a more circumspect understanding of the value of the Bible in today’s world.  After overviewing the types of literature found in the Bible and interpretation methods, students will apply this knowledge to various Old Testament scriptures.

This course examines the books of the New Testament.  Students study the historical and cultural significance surrounding the life of Christ and the beginning of the Christian church. By analyzing the works and teachings of Jesus, students see how those impacted the first century and modern Christianity. Students will also study the doctrines of the New Testament and how those truths can change lives in today’s culture. They compare and contrast our culture with what scripture says about the nature of reality, how to endure in trying times, and how to develop and maintain healthy relationships.

This course introduces students to the distinctive practices Christians pursue to live out and deepen their faith, as well as the core doctrines that articulate Christian belief. Through the year we will focus on twelve disciplines of the Christian life, studying their biblical roots, historical development, and conceptual rationale, but also experientially engaging each discipline and reflecting on those experiences to pursue growth. Alongside this, we will also conduct an overview of core Christian doctrines, focusing especially on the theology of Paul in his New Testament letters, distilling his thought into a conceptual outline of the Christian faith.

VCHS Service Learning classes are designed for students to practice leadership skills and a servant mentality as they connect with on campus opportunities for service.  Specifically, the Service Learning: Mentoring course offers leadership growth practice in assisting faculty members, mentoring fellow students through peer tutoring and mentoring freshmen through mentorship groups.  Biblical principles guide the motivation and the leadership lessons such that students understand and live out God’s desire to notice and take action on behalf of their neighbors.

Additional Expectations:  To receive the 15 hours of community service available in this course, students are required to participate in a minimum number of service activities. There are a variety of events (both ongoing and one-time events) throughout the year so students have some option as to which events work best for their schedules.  If this requirement is not met, students do not receive the 15 hours. Please note VCHS requires a minimum of 10 hours of community service to be completed with a Christian church each year.

Special Note: This course is a Bible department Service Learning course.  Students will need to take one Philosophy of Religion/World Religions course and one service learning course before graduation.  Students are placed in different service courses after completing a feedback form that helps determine the best fit for their unique service experience.  Please refer to the Bible department map tab for more information.  

This yearlong course is designed for students to practice leadership skills with an attitude of service as they engage in practical opportunities to that minister to the needs of specific cultures and communities. Students will study the past and present socio-economic, political, and spiritual climates of these communities and consider ways of providing service that will make a positive and lasting impact. Students will be educated in the logistics behind planning a short-term mission trip. This course also examines the historical accounts of missionaries, especially in the last century, emphasizing what God is doing in our world today. 

 Additional Expectations: Unless there is an unforeseen travel issue, every student is required to participate in one mission trip during the year. Students are expected to raise monetary support to cover the cost of the trip (cost to be determined based on destination). Students must also have a valid passport. Parents must sign the permission document which is standard for all international trips.  

Special Note: This course is a Bible department service learning course.  Students will need to take one Philosophy of Religion/World Religions course and one service learning course before graduation.  Students are placed in different service learning courses after completing a feedback form that helps determine the best fit for their unique service experience.  Please refer to the Bible department map tab for more information.  

This yearlong course is designed for students to practice leadership skills and a servant mentality as they connect VCHS with opportunities to assess and minister to the needs of the community surrounding our campus.  Much of our work is through partnership with local schools.  Components of study included are: the study of child development and lesson planning; Biblical prayer and evangelism; researching the effects of prayer on historical Christian revivals and missions; the study and practice of leadership skills; and the application of prayer evangelism. This last component will include the practical application of the class as they participate in and plan activities, tutor and host a kids club on the local elementary school campuses. 

Additional Expectations:  There is a fee for a uniform, which includes a sweatshirt and t-shirt. You will receive non-church community service hours for attendance and participation in this course.  Please note VCHS requires a minimum of 10 hours of community service to be completed with a Christian church each year.  

Special Note:  This course is a Bible department service learning course.  Students will need to take one Philosophy of Religion/World Religions course and one service course before graduation.  Students are placed in different service courses after completing a feedback form that helps determine the best fit for their unique service experience.  Please refer to the Bible department map tab for more information.