Bible

This course examines the books of the New Testament in light of their literary conventions and in their first century contexts.  Through analysis, students learn the historical and cultural significance of the life of Christ and the founding of the Christian church.  Students will also study the origin of foundational Christian doctrines in the New Testament. Throughout the course, these principle doctrines will be compared and contrasted with modern Christian beliefs and practices.

This course is designed for students to practice leadership skills and a servant mentality as they connect with on-campus opportunities for service. Students are invited to affect change through small group and 1:1 service projects such as peer tutoring, mentorship, and assisting faculty members with various projects.  This includes working with campus administrators in evaluating school rules, processes and initiatives to improve school culture.  Students also research to articulate their own giftedness and passions to determine how best to use their unique voice. Biblical principles guide the motivation and the lessons such that students understand and live out God’s desire for them to notice and take action to better their community.

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 which cannot be fulfiled through this course or which must be served outside of VCHS.

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 will be placed in a service course after completing a preference 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 which must be completed outside of VCHS.

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.