Get ready for a summer of exploring faith, growing together, and having fun!
Every Wednesday, from Wednesday, June 4 to Wednesday, July 30, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Email Event Coordinator, Mario Arindaeng
Heads up! We're switching things up for summer small groups! This year, we're offering exciting elective courses instead. Dive deeper into topics that interest you! Each elective will be offered twice, so you can choose two to attend throughout the summer. Get ready for a summer of exploring faith, growing together, and having fun!
SIGN UP FOR YOUR ELECTIVES
Sign up for your two electives. You will attend one elective in June and one in July. July electives will begin on July 9.
SIGN UP FOR JUNE ELECTIVE SIGN UP FOR JULY ELECTIVE
Here are the electives we are offering this summer:
Description
How confident do you feel in your ability to defend your faith? When you tell others about Jesus, the world is going to have questions and disagreements. Answering those questions and disagreements is called apologetics. Apologetics is an important part of sharing your faith. It is something every Christian must be ready to do (1 Peter 3:15).
So, are you ready? This very special elective class will help you become more confident in answering any and all challenges to your Christian faith.
Schedule:
Week 1 | What the Bible Really Says About Defending Your Faith
Week 2 | This Simple Method for Apologetics Anyone Can Use
Week 3 | How Can Christianity Be the World’s Only True Religion?
Week 4 | Is Christianity Homophobic?
Teacher: Joel Settecase, M.A.
As the president of The Think Institute, I help Christians understand and defend their faith. I spent years in pastoral ministry and currently teach apologetics classes to adults and students. I have participated in dozens of formal and informal debates with non-Christians. I enjoy watching rugby, bike riding, books, and epic family road trips.
Description
God's desire for us is to live a transformed life that embodies our new identity in Christ. Every word we speak and action we take begins with the perspective we hold in our heads. “The War of Our Minds: Taking Every Thought Captive” explores how to think critically about the Christian faith and how to apply those thoughts to live out our calling to holiness.
Schedule
Week 1 | What strongholds need to be demolished?
Week 2 | What is the knowledge of God?
Week 3 | What does a transformed life look like - Biblical Examples
Week 4 | Living out your calling - Practical Applications
Teacher: Jonathan Whybrew
I am currently a student in Physics and Engineering at Northern Illinois University. I serve as a Bible study discussion leader in several ministries, and I love to encourage other believers by helping them study and understand the Word. Outside of school and ministry, my passions include playing guitar, reading books, and competitive bowling.
Description
Managing money wisely is a skill that can set you up for success, both now and in the future. In this class, you'll learn how to create a budget that helps you reach your goals. And it's never too early to start thinking about investing, but what is the difference between investing and saving? We'll break it down, along with key investments like stocks and bonds, and how they can help you build wealth over time. You'll also learn about the dangers of debt and how to avoid financial traps that can hold you back. But financial wisdom isn't just about making money - it's about using it wisely. God calls us to be good stewards of what He has given us, to be generous, and to find contentment in what we have rather than always chasing more. By the end of this class, you'll have the skills to create a solid financial plan that honors God, helps you make smart decisions, and prepares you for a strong financial future.
Teachers: Stan Free & Frank Roberts
Stan Free: I recently retired after a 42-year career in banking and have recently begun a part time consulting job assisting small business owners with their finances. I enjoy traveling, golf, reading, and spending time with our six grandchildren. My wife, Mary Ann, and I have attended Village Bible Church for over 30 years.
Frank Roberts: 40+ year career in commercial banking working with businesses and nonprofits of all sizes and types. My hobbies include spending time with our 6 children and their families. I also enjoy reading and nighttime fires on our patio with family and friends. The breadth and depth of my experiences God has allowed me to experience in business have allowed me to provide accurate and timely advice to our customers.
Description
Life gets heavy—whether it's school stress, family struggles, or broken relationships. Sometimes those moments leave deeper wounds than we realize. In this class, we’ll talk about what trauma really is, how it impacts our hearts and minds, and why it's okay to not be okay. Most importantly, we’ll see how God meets us in our pain, offers healing, and surrounds us with people who care. You don’t have to carry it alone—there is hope, and His name is Jesus.
Schedule
Week 1 | Understanding Trauma: What’s Really Going On?
Week 2 | Triggers, Emotions, and the Brain
Week 3 | Steps Toward Healing and Growth
Week 4 | Hope and Help: Moving Forward Together
Teacher: Shari Chapman
Shari Chapman, MSW, TBRI Practitioner, Executive Director of Called to Care, serving youth in foster care. I am also a therapist serving youth and families who have experienced trauma of some sort, helping them navigate life when circumstances are not as they planned. I enjoy helping others find joy in their journey by understanding God's sovereignty, even amidst challenging situations. I enjoy dates with my husband Phil, watching my kiddos activities, laughing with grandkids and strolling through Target!
Description
Entering the dating arena can, and will, complicate relationships. However, when we set ourselves up to date in a way that honors God, ourselves, and others, we experience opportunities to grow in our faith and cultivate healthy boundaries.
God has called us to prioritize dating relationships in a godly way. It makes “knowing how to date” a critical factor in our personal and spiritual growth!
So what does dating look like as it pertains to God, family, self, and friendship? Together, we will explore what it looks like to be in a healthy and unhealthy dating relationship, what you can do to avoid toxic relationships, and how to glorify God through dating.
Schedule
Week 1 | When God Is Your First Love
Week 2 | Introducing Your Family
Week 3 | Valuing Yourself, Avoiding Toxic Behavior and Setting Boundaries - with Guest Speakers Landon Malkowski & Hannah Gash
Week 4 | F•R•I•E•N•D•S - Does Their Opinion Really Matter?
Teachers: Tim & Michelle Gerken
We have attended VBC for 13 years. We enjoy using humor and Biblical truth to engage others in personal relationships that develop spiritual growth.
In our free time, we love to go to car shows and spend time with our big family laughing, playing games, and eating meals together, which usually comes with a lot of organized chaos.
SIGN UP FOR YOUR ELECTIVES
Sign up for your two electives. You will attend one elective in June and one in July.