Growth Intensives

What are Growth Intensives?

Six times a year, we offer Growth Intensives as a supplement to the Grow Group experience. Growth Intensives are an opportunity for short-term, intensive engagement with a topic that will help people grow to become more like Jesus. They are focused on a wide variety of engaging subjects and are designed for people at all stages of their spiritual journey.

Some intensives meet on Sunday mornings between Grow Group semesters, while others may meet on a weeknight or weekend during a Grow Group semester. Most intensives are one-time events, although some may include opportunities for follow-up conversations. Many involve a bit of advance reading to help the participants be as prepared as possible for the conversation.

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January 2021 Intensives

NAVIGATING THE PANDEMIC

SUNDAY | JANUARY 10 & 17 | 5:00 PM | ONLINE

It’s been 10 months and counting! Who would have ever thought at Easter that we would still be living among the harsh realities of the COVID-19 pandemic? We have experienced isolation, illness, and grief, and have been forced to learn new skills for working, connecting, and just doing life.

In January, we are offering a Growth Intensive designed to help you with the ongoing emotional and spiritual challenges that this strange season has brought. This intensive, offered in two parts, will include conversation with a panel of experts as well as discussion about how the Church has historically responded in such crises.

PART 1: THE EMOTIONAL & PHYSICAL IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC

SUNDAY | JANUARY 10 | 5:00 PM

In Part 1, we explored challenges to our emotional health caused by this season and what we can do to care for ourselves and others. We will hear about initial information on the vaccines and how they work. Click HERE to watch the video for Part 1.

PART 2: THE SPIRITUAL IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC

SUNDAY | JANUARY 17 | 5:00 PM

In Part 2, we visited about the challenges such a season poses for our spiritual life–our connection to God and our connection to others, including our church family. Click HERE for the Zoom recording

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August 2020 Intensives

Parenting Online Learners

Sunday | August 23 | 3:00 pm | Online

Many of our VRBC families are kicking off the school year with virtual learning, and parents and caregivers are stepping into new roles–many while navigating the additional challenge of working from home. We know this is a challenge, and VRBC’s Family Ministry wants to support you and help equip you for success. Our church body has some fantastic educators with experience and training in online education who can help resource you as parents. If you missed the seminar or would like a recap of the discussion, click here for a summary.

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May 2020 Intensive

Dietrich Bonhoeffer: His life and formation – led by John LaNoue

Join us for a look at the life and major works of this German pastor and theologian who was a key member of the resistance against the Nazis before and during their reign of terror. We will be specifically addressing the questions: How was he able to see so clearly when almost everyone else in Germany was losing their mind and soul to Adolf Hitler? How was he formed spiritually and what can we learn from him as we walk with Christ?

Click below to listen to part 1 and part 2 of our Growth Intensive audio, and click here to view the support documents.