ELECTIVES

Who am I? What makes me me? And why do I feel so confused about it? In a world where TikTok trends, Instagram aesthetics, and viral challenges tell you to "be yourself," it’s easy to think that self-expression is the key to identity. But what if the search for the “real you” is leading somewhere unexpected? "I Am Not: TikTok and the Quest for the Real You" dives into our desire to find ourselves—and what the Bible says about true identity. Join us as we uncover the difference between self-creation and God’s design, and discover a deeper, more lasting foundation for who you are meant to be.

Are you a Christian? Many of you would answer with a resounding YES! If I were to ask you what you mean by that, what would you say? One student I met with not long ago answered this question with, “I like… believe in God?” Good! That’s a start. But there is more to Christianity than "believing in God." After all, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and countless other religions around the world believe in "a God." In Christianity 101, we will be looking for a more precise understanding of what it means to be a Christian. Back to my earlier question, if you aren't sure how you would answer what it means to be called a Christian, this class is for you. If you aren't a Christian or are new to Christianity, or maybe you have grown up in or around the church but have never given your faith any serious thought, this class is for you.

God created us for community and strong relationships from the very beginning. Knowing this, why throughout history do we see constant struggles among friends, family and even fellow Chirstians? Through this study we will take a deep dive into forming healthy relationships, handling conflicts when they arise and developing a plan to grow lasting relationships in today's world. As Christians we have a calling to live and love others well.

In a world filled with endless choices, how can we make decisions that honor God and reflect wisdom? This class will equip students with a biblical framework for decision-making, drawing from Choose Better by T. David Gordon and other resources. We will explore how Scripture shapes our thinking, the role of wisdom and discernment, and practical steps for making godly choices in everyday life. Whether facing major life decisions or daily moral dilemmas, students will learn to choose not just what is good, but what is best, for the glory of God.

We all face big questions at some point—about God, the Christian life, or ourselves—questions that feel impossible to answer and too scary to ask out loud. Sometimes they are questions that come to us from friends and sometimes they bubble up from within us. When these questions hit us, we often struggle in silence, unsure of the way forward. But what if there’s a better way? What if God really can handle our hardest questions? In this class, our goal will not be to answer every doubt, but to explore our natural responses to uncertainty, whether our own or that of a friend, and whether there might be a better way to navigate doubt– a way that doesn’t push us away from, but actually draws us further into relationship with the God who made us.

Harry has Ron and Hermione. Han has Chewie. Taylor has Selena. They’ve seen each other at their worst, but love one another anyway. What would it be like if someone knew everything about you, the good and the bad, and they still liked you? God wants you to experience that! God made us to be in relationships where we can safely be ourselves without shame. When this happens, you can be free to love others exactly as they are in return. Though it can feel complicated, God promises to be with us as we risk being known and knowing others.

Life is hard. Life is confusing. And it doesn’t always make sense to us or to a lot of the greats of the Bible. But we can learn the art of lament by learning from them and looking into our Father’s face. Join me as we learn to grieve and suffer well together!

Maybe you are someone who has been ready for this day for a looooong time, or maybe you’re someone who doesn’t feel like you’re 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 class we will look at life after High School and how it is that you can not just follow, but live for the Lord in this next phase of your life.

What are the qualities you value most in a friend? Do they help you better understand who that person truly is? God is the best friend we’ll ever have, and just like any friend, He has attributes that describe His character. These qualities reveal how He shows up for us in all seasons—whether in times of confusion, joy, or pain. Join me this week as we explore God’s attributes and discover how they help us better understand His presence and faithfulness in our lives!