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.  In conjunction with the text, How (Not) to Read the Bible, this biblically-based curriculum will invite students to critically examine the intellectual, spiritual, and practical areas of their lives.

This course is designed to inform students about big-picture questions in the Bible. In conjunction with the text, How (not) To Read the Bible, students address 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?” These questions will help students to engage scripture in light of our culture today.  After overviewing the types of literature found in the Bible and interpretation methods, students will apply this knowledge to various Old Testament scriptures. On the practical side, there is a special emphasis on the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs.   In this course, students will find the 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.

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. Through analysis, students will see how the work and teaching of Jesus impacted the first century and modern Christianity. Students will also study the doctrines found in the New Testament and how those truths can change lives in today’s culture. They compare and contrast our culture's views 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. Throughout the year students 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. Within the overview of core Christian doctrines, students will focus on how those doctrines are articulated and lived out by examining Paul's New Testament letters.

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 to better their community 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 options as to which events work best for their schedules.  If this requirement is not met, students cannot receive the 15 hours and must serve outside of this course to meet their service requirements. 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 the destination). Students must also have a valid passport. Parents must sign the permission document which is standard for all international trips. Typically 5 church hours can be earned through their mission participation.  

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 learn and develop leadership skills and a servant mentality as they minister to our local public elementary schools. Components of study include the study of childhood development; teaching skills such as the development of the unit, lesson plans, and class management; biblical prayer and evangelism; and a study of historic Christian revivals and missions. Students will have the opportunity all year to practically apply their learning as they plan and lead lessons and activities at local elementary schools, tutor elementary students, and plan and lead a kid's Bible club.

Additional Expectations:  There is a fee for a uniform, which includes a sweatshirt and t-shirt that students wear on days they leave campus during their class period. 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.