ELECTIVES

HSCO 2026

Anxiety/Depression: Am I really just supposed to just “not be anxious?”

Sara Litten

Anxiety might be the defining emotion of our time, maybe even one of the defining words of our time. There are varying degrees in which we might wrestle with anxiety, and yet we see clearly in scripture that Jesus tells us, “do not be anxious.” Is that really supposed to help my anxieties go away? How can Jesus even say that to me if He really knows what is happening in the world and in my own life? Join us as we learn together how listening to our anxieties can help us see how Jesus is the only one who can offer real peace because He is the perfect provider, master, and king.

Attributes of God: Who is God Really?

Anna Terlep

What’s the difference between knowing about God and actually knowing God? They’re not opposites, but there is a difference. Scripture tells us that eternal life is found in knowing God and offers more joy, delight, and contentment than anything else. But how do we get there? We will look at Scripture together to see who God says he is and how knowing that actually enables us to know Him.

Bible 101: How to Study the Bible

Ben Hailey

Do you ever find the Bible confusing to read, especially particular parts of it? And then, how do we interpret the Bible? In this elective we will explore how the literary genres of Scripture, such as narrative, poetry, prophecy, and apocalyptic literature, serve as a guide to interpretation. In doing so, we can better understand God's Word not only to the original audience but also for us today. We'll start with the "30,000 feet view" to get our bearings straight and then dive into some particulars that fit into the overarching themes of the Scriptures.

Calling and Purpose: What does it mean to discern God’s calling on your life—not just someday, but right now?

Mike Wenzler

This seminar explores the biblical vision of vocation, helping you see how faith, gifts, work, and everyday obedience fit together under God’s sovereign purposes. We’ll challenge common myths about “calling,” ground our thinking in Scripture, and consider how following Christ shapes our decisions about school, career, ministry, and life direction.

Christianity 101: The Basics and Questions

Jake Allen

Whether you grew up in the church or are new to this whole Christianity thing, you might be asking yourself, “So, what are the basic things that I really need to know?” In these sessions, we will highlight some foundational aspects of Christianity as we explore the overarching story of Scripture. We will also leave time to talk about YOUR questions. So bring yourself and your questions, and let's talk about Christianity 101.

Church History: Not Your Grandpa's Church History

Jeffrey Clendennen

Look, I get it. Nothing sounds more boring than opening up a dusty history textbook at summer camp. But what if our family history–the Church's history–isn't that drab? Well, come to find out, it isn't. Did Luther really tell fart jokes? Were there really fistfights at Church councils? Come to "Not Your Grandpa's Church History" to answer these questions, learn the story of the Church, and more.

Doubt: When God Feels Far

Sean Walsh

Have you ever prayed and felt like your words just hit the ceiling? Have you ever wondered if God is really listening or even really there? If you’ve ever felt that tension between what you’ve been taught to believe and what you actually feel, you’re not alone. In this elective, we’re going to talk honestly about doubt. What it is, whether it’s normal, and what to do when your faith feels shaky. Instead of pretending Christians always feel confident and certain, we’re going to see how the Bible speaks directly to seasons of confusion, silence, and struggle, and how God meets us there.

Identity: A devouring lion, with an appetite for image bearers, is on the prowl!

Jeremy Houser

By God’s Grace and mercy, you can be at peace in Christ when the lion is roaring in your ear! You may think fighting lions takes guts, but living as an image bearer takes humility, covenant, and faith. If you are interested in not being gnawed on, come be encouraged towards a confident, joyful, and faithful life that brings God glory.

Life After High School

Brent Corbin

Maybe you have been ready for this day for a looooong time, or maybe you feel like you’re not quite ready for what’s next. Whichever one describes you, one thing is certain: your life is about to change, and maybe in some really significant ways. In this elective, we will look at life after High School and how you can not just follow, but live for the Lord in this next phase of your life.

Relationships: Friendships, Dating, Marriage, Oh My!

Josh Holestine

What does God say about these and other relationships or does He say anything at all? Join the conversation as we look at these different relationships with wisdom and discernment.

Theology of the Body

Nathan Duke

God values our bodies so much that Jesus Himself was incarnated in one. What does God have to say about our bodies, what did sin do to them, and what will our bodies be like when all things are made new? In this elective, we will answer all of these questions and consider how we are to love and take care of the bodies God has given us.

Worship 101: You Are What You Worship

Thomas Fitch

We throw the word "worship" around a lot in our world, especially in Christians circles. Worship music, worship nights, worship services, the word is everywhere. To go beyond this, maybe you feel emotions of worship in the mountains or at a concert or when you play your favorite sport. As human beings it is impossible for us to not worship. It is in our DNA, it is how God created us. Even secular writer David Foster Wallace agrees with this: “In the day-to-day trenches of adult life, there is actually no such thing as atheism. There is no such thing as not worshipping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship.”