2026 NICS classes

We are excited to invite you to this Fall's NICS conference, a journey through the lands of the Bible!
VBC Pastors Chris Martin and Ben Orchard will teach a one-day Northwest Institute of Christian Studies seminar, Lands of the Bible, on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 am to 5 pm.
Both Chris & Ben have traveled to these locations, allowing them to bring both a scholarly and a personal perspective to this course. With maps, photos, and stories from Chris and Ben's recent travels to the lands of the Bible, this seminar will help you understand how the Bible fits together by exploring where the Bible fits together.
- Registration: $10 (waived for high schoolers and VBC members/attenders). Registration opens Oct. 11 here and closes Nov. 9
Lands of the Bible Sessions:
Antediluvian
A look at the biblical description of earth at creation and of the Garden of Eden.
Postdiluvian
Trace from the mountains of Ararat and the landing of the Ark to the plains of Babel to the general movement of mankind as documented in the Table of Nations.
World of the Patriarchs
Follow Abraham from Ur of the Chaldees to his sojourning in Canaan and down into Egypt. Highlight major civilizations present in the Middle Bronze Age and where they had their spheres of influence.
The Promised Land
Use the conquest in Joshua as an outline to show the geography of Israel, and the trans-Jordan nations.
Kings & Kingdoms
Cover the map from Saul through the return from exile in Babylon. Highlight the shift from the Tabernacle and the importance of Shiloh to a temple and the city of of Jerusalem, the subsequent destruction of the temple, and its rebuilding under Zerubbabe
The Life of Christ
Follow the life of Christ from the birth narrative, His baptism and Galilean ministry, His journeys to Jerusalem, ministry in Samaria, and the key locations of Holy Week.
The Journeys of Paul
Follow Paul's 3 missionary journeys and trip to Rome. Highlight the regions, routes, cities, and key events that defined the expansion of the church.
The Churches of Asia Minor
Discuss the 7 cities to which Christ's letters were directed. Explain the geography and significance of Asia Minor and the larger context of the Roman Empire at the end of the 1st century.

