Academic Coursework
Apologetic Arsenal: Tools for Strengthening and Defending your Faith
The Biblical Studies Session is designed to introduce the student to the rigors of Biblical study and the importance of having Biblical foundations. This Session includes courses on hermeneutics, surveys of the Old and New Testaments, and Apologetics. The student will also walk through the Redemptive story and consider key biblical themes in order to gain a deeper perspective of how the Gospel continues to work in the world today. It is upon this foundation that the student will then begin to understand the role of vocation and calling within the greater salvific story and how the kingdom of God is expanded through Christians embracing their call to life and work. This course is divided into 4 eight week classes that is aimed to take students from knowledge to understanding to applied wisdom. Each course uses a text and the Bible as the spine of the studies to explore the topic at hand.
Money mavericks: Preparing for your Financial Future
Good financial stewardship is a core discipline for life and work. It is this philosophical principle that drives the Finance Session at WVI. The aim of this Session is to help build good financial habits in the student by laying the foundation of personal financial management. But more than that, this class provides a wholistic approach to the working world within which students will also learn how to build a resume, how to look for a job, and interview as well. Upon completion of the personal financial study, students will be introduced to the larger conversation of business finances and apply the same Biblical principles as taught in the personal finance course. The ultimate aim in this module is to introduce the basic understanding of finance while undergirding the practical application with a robust Biblical worldview.
Mind Over Matter: Mastering Leadership and Personal Growth
At heart of the Vision and Vocation Institute is the importance of personal growth and development through the utilization of practical and spiritual disciplines. Starting with the premise that people are liturgical beings, the courses within this module are geared toward helping students establish strong disciplines centered on the word of God. These courses will offer a framework with which to understand the importance of the historical spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and local church participation. Additionally, personal practices will be introduced that will focus on leadership and management development focusing on the eight tenants of becoming an effective leader/ manager.
The Fruit of Your Hands: Ministering to Your Community
Our local communities are abounding with opportunities to serve others and it is part of our mission to do just that! From engaging with local ministries that serve residents of Lancaster to those that serve internationally, it is our hope and prayer that engaging in acts of service throughout our program will help to cultivate habits of service within the lives of our students. As a group we will participate in monthly service projects as we raise awareness of community needs and cultivate habits of service for the purpose expanding the gospel through loving God and loving neighbor.
Holy disruption: Christianities Role in Contemporary Society
This humanities style classics module will explore the literary works of the world's greatest thinkers, both past and present. Literature is a gateway into the mind of a culture as it both reflects upon and shapes society. Through a thorough study of great works, students will gain an appreciation for the many elements found within each genre of literature and, most importantly, reflect upon each piece within a Biblical framework. This session will also offer a brief overview of the historical underpinnings of each work while assisting the student in understanding the cultural chains of influence that have resulted in the current worldview found in the Western mind. This course will also provide students with the knowledge and thinking skills needed to navigate cultural issues. A number of literature pieces will be explored and will be accompanied by several writing assignments.
Entre - Workshops: Hands on Inspiration
Throughout the spring students will be inspired as they participate in live workshops with local entrepreneurs and intrapreners. Students will hear from fitness coaches, ministry leaders, missionaries, business professional, artist, those with thriving businesses, those with new start-ups, and more. Each workshop will focus on building different skills and recognizing the importance of perspective, the value of leadership, and how to build resilience in the face of adversity. These inspiring sessions will both motivate and inspire students as they launch launch into a new season..
The Insight Exchange: Mentorship Round Table
Sometimes navigating new experiences can warrant more questions than answers. In this round table, students will connect with each other and their teachers as they contemplate cultural issues, workplace difficulties, conflict management, handle work relationships, knowing how and when to advocate for themselves, understanding the nature of their businesses, and having a reasonable defense for their faith. In addition, each student will work with a personal mentor at their local church to help navigate their biblical understanding and spiritual growth.