It is often difficult to reconcile that God is love with the tough circumstances that we go through at times as Christians. In this topical study we'll delve into examples throughout the Bible in which God's love takes an unexpected (and sometimes seemingly harsh) form. Join us for an exciting dialog that will challenge us to think deeply about the love of Christ.
Facilitated by Geoff Recktenwald and Tim Condon.

The Psalms are the prayer book of Israel and the early Christians, and they can teach a lot about prayer and about the God we pray to. I've personally found them to enrich my prayers, and it's exciting to have the chance to discuss them in community (because, after all, the Christian life is meant to be lived in community). My vision for the study is to provide some tools for study of the Psalms, and study some Psalms in-depth. I've also planned out a reading guide, for people to read through a few Psalms each day over the summer and thus read through the book together as we study together.
Facilitated by Heidi Par.

This is the first-year study. The stories and poetry of the Bible are threads in an intricate tapestry through which God weaves his love and grace against our failures and apathy. In this study, we will examine several crucial threads that shape our understanding of God - the scriptural accounts of major "turning points" where God reveals himself in a new way, and His people are changed forever. This study is specifically geared toward first year students; however, any student is invited to come, and first year students may attend any study they wish. We'll discuss the book of Acts in the spring semester.
At Crossroads, led by Tim Condon and Geoff Recktenwald.

You are an ancient Israelite.
Your Mission: Conquer the Promised Land
Your Weapons: Spear, Sword, Bow, Sling, Javelin
Your Reward: Milk and Honey

This semester, join us in the Conquest of Canaan, from the second half of Exodus to the end of Joshua. See Moses or your tribal leader to enlist. Oh, did I mention that God is on your side? Try not to make Him angry...
At Phil and Bekah's, led by Brandon Aldinger and Joanna Hinks.

Join us as we dive in to Paul's letter to the church in Rome. Paul addresses in this letter the fundamental (but not simple) concept of Christian salvation, in particular justification and righteousness. We will look at historical and Biblical contexts, impact of the letter on Christian theology, and current applications.
At Robert and Carrie's, led by Robert Bode and Jon Hiller.

The worship of God permeates every aspect of the world, and the word of God has shaped the lives of God's people throughout history. The focus of our study will be on how theology affects Christian practice and daily activities, in our own lives and in the church. In the fall, we will study major documents outlining the basics of the faith (such as the Nicene Creed, the Westminster Confession, etc.) and their biblical basis. From creeds and confessions, we will move on to an intensive study of the book of James and the way that faith and works interact in our lives. In the Spring semester, we'll study a selection of epistles.
At Josh Bowman's (Fall)/David and Rita's (Spring), facilitated by Josh Bowman, Stephen Hicks, and others in turn.

The purpose of this study is to challenge each other from scripture and from what God is teaching us. Different people will lead a study each week on a topic or passage that God has been challenging them with during the year (or longer). We hope to describe and teach God's personal lessons for our lives to each other.
Facilitated by Geoff Recktenwald.

Galatians has many contrasts: Slave vs. free, faith vs. observance of law, Jews vs. Gentiles, etc. As we work through Galatians, we will delve into these contrasts and the other wisdom Paul has for us in this letter with the goal of challenging each other to action and changing our lives accordingly. Everyone will be encouraged to jump in and lead a study or two over the course of the summer.
Led by Jen Lee.

This is a group especially for first-year grads (but open to anyone!). In the Fall, we will be thinking together about what it means to be a Christian and a graduate student and studying a variety of Bible passages on a topical basis. In the Spring, we will study through Paul's letters to the Ephsians and Philippians. We will be firm on our ending time of 9pm.
At Crossroads, led by Jen Lee and Geoff Recktenwald.

We aim to spend time in study, reflection and honest discussion in order to let our daily lives be shaped by God's presence; we plan to begin by considering the Ten Commandments in the Fall. The agenda for Spring is the creation story.
At Steph and Amara's house, led by Steph Gehring and Josh Bowman.

This book provides instruction on problems facing an early church, as well as Paul's exhortations to stand firm in the hope brought by Jesus Christ. We will see how the former applies to the modern church, and how the latter under-gird the central tenets of Christianity.
At Heather and Heidi's apartment, led by Brandon Aldinger, Steve Kirby, and Joanna Hinks.

Ezekiel prophesied both the destruction of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of God's temple to the Judean exiles. We will study his numerous visions, object lessons, and analogies both in their historical context, as well as in their relevance to the church today, as Ezekiel predicts the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.
At Steve's apartment, led by Steve Hicks and Robert Bode.

In this study we will try to determine the meaning (or meaninglessness) of life through the eyes of the teacher and author of Ecclesiastes. We will try to understand his view of life and God. We will also keep an eye on the new knowledge we have gained through the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Led by Steve Kirby

In this study we will be discussing the purpose of spiritual disciplines and how to practice them. Each of the classical disciplines will be covered, approximately one per week or perhaps every two weeks. We will be guided by appropriate scripture passages and Richard Foster's "Celebration of Discipline".
Led by Erin Recktenwald

This is a group especially for first-year grads (but open to anyone!). We will be thinking together about what it means to be a Christian and a graduate student and studying a variety of Bible passages on a topical basis. We will be firm on our ending time of 9 pm.
At Crossroads, led by Amy Richter, Robert Bode, and Geoff Recktenwald.

In this study, we will seek to grow in our knowledge of Jesus' kingdom, ministry, and teachings via a detailed study of the book of Matthew. There should be plenty of stimulating discussions, so come join in!
At Heather and Heidi's apartment, led by Ray Fertig and Steve Kirby.

In the fall, we studied the books of Amos and Micah, with strong themes of social justice, Messianic expectations, and a flair for the dramatic! This spring, we will study Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Malachi.
At Chris and Heather's house, led by Jason Slinker, Joe Kirtland, and Jen Lee.

Lauren F. Winner, Real Sex: The naked truth about chastity.
At Anabel Taylor Cul-de-Snac, Fridays at noon, led by Thea Sircar.

We will look at the letters to Titus and Timothy.
Led by Steve Kirby

We will study the books of Ezra, Nehemaiah, and Haggai.
Led by Ray Fertig

This is a group especially for first-year grads (but open to anyone!). We will be thinking together about what it means to be a Christian and a graduate student and studying a variety of Bible passages on a topical basis. We will be firm on our ending time of 9 pm.
At Crossroads, led by Christian Anible, Amy Richter, and Atsushi Maekawa.

We will be studying 1 and 2 Kings. Beginning with the death of King David, we will be looking at the history of Israel through the division of the kingdom and exiles of Israel and Judah.
At Steve and Geoff's apartment, led by Dan Johnson, Steve Kirby, Josh Bowman, and Jason Slinker.

Why can we have a steadfast faith? Why can we approach the throne of grace with boldness? How was the New Covenant foreshadowed by the Old? Come find out as we carefully examine the book of Hebrews!
At Joe's apartment, led by Ray Fertig and Rebecca Geiger.

Gal 5:22-23 But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Come join us as we examine, through God's Word and personal experiences, how being led by the Spirit can result in each of these fruits and the impact they have on our hearts and actions toward others.
At Chris and Heather's apartment, led by Chris St. Amand, Geoff Recktenwald, and Jen Lee.

Each week, a different person will prepare a short talk on a topic of his/her choice, then lead a discussion about that topic.
Led by Ray Fertig and Geoff Recktenwald, and others in turn

A topical study of the book of Psalms.
Led by Kevin Hamlen and Dan Johnson, and others in turn

A study covering the life of King David from childhood to his ascension to the throne of Judah. This study should not only shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of David, but more importantly on the character of God.
At Joe's house; led by Ray Fertig, Joe Kirtland, and Andrew Yeo.

The Wednesday study will be studying the book of Romans. Often cited as the most systematic of Paul's letters, Romans candidly addresses such timeless questions as, Why does evil exist?, If all we need is Jesus, what's the point of the Ten Commandments?, and Do people believe in God because they choose to or because God predestines it? Come and be amazed at Paul's answers!
At Geoff & Steve's house; led by Kevin Hamlen, Kwang Taik Kim, and Matthew Smith

This is a group especially for first-year grads . . . but open to anyone! It's co-led by Christian Anible (InterVarsity campus staff) and three students, Jason, Erin & Jen. We will be thinking together about what it means to be a Christian and a graduate student and studying the gospel of Luke. We will be firm on our ending time of 9:00 p.m., so you'll still have prime study time when we're done!
At Crossroads Life Center; led by Christian Anible, Jason Slinker, Jennifer Lee, and Erin Peterson

Led by Ray Fertig, and others in turn

Led by Kevin Hamlen and Geoff Recktenwald, and others in turn

Looking at Paul's letters from prison, Philippians and Colossians.
At Crossroads; led by Kevin Hamlen, Rebecca Geiger, and Joern Seigies

A straight-through study of Mark, the "action narrative" gospel, with discussion and applications.
At Leah and Jeff Chock's house; led by Jason Bode and Jason Slinker

Fall semester, a series of studies from Genesis through Revelations called "Be Not Afraid", specifically focusing on what it means to be Christian and a grad student. Spring semester, Gospel of John, with chances for different students to lead particular weeks. Led by Christian Anible and Geoff Recktenwald

Fall semester, "Be Not Afraid". Spring semester, the Book of Daniel, with chances for different students to lead particular weeks. Led by Dan Johnson

Led by Dan Johnson and ?

Jonah, 2 Chronicles, Nahum. Led by Kevin Hamlen

At Crossroads; led by Kevin Hamlen and Joern Seigies

At Leah and Jeff Chock's house; led by Dan Johnson

Led by Kelly Saikonen and ?

Led by Kevin Hamlen (at Crossroads)

At Crossroads; led by Joern Seigies, Karl Ecklund, and Dan Johnson, and others in turn

At Leah Chock and Kathleen Vogel's apt; led by Jenny Hampton and Troy Richards, and others in turn.

At Alan and Tina Demlow's apt. (Maple Hill); led by Kevin Hamlen and Alan Demlow

Led by Alan Demlow and Troy Richards. Combined with Holy Spirit study in Spring semester.

Led by Rachel Nguyen and Jenny Hampton

This study followed the story of Moses, his successful rebellion against the Pharaoh, and the resulting exodus of the ancient Hebrews to the mountain of God. During the second semester we looked back at the story of Joseph to see how the Hebrews originally came to reside in Egypt.
At Elaine's apt; led by Elaine Howard, Karl Ecklund, and Kevin Hamlen.

Met early (6pm for soup, 6:30 for study) to accomodate families with children. At Saunders' apt (and maybe Sharps' house later?); led by Jeff Saunders and others. OT references in the Fall, NT in Spring.

Led by Jeff Saunders and Greg Sharp

Gospels in Fall, Acts and 1&2 Peter in Spring.
At Saunders' apartment; led by Jeff Saunders and Derek Gingerich?

At Elaine Howard's apartment; led by Karl Ecklund, and Brent and Susan Brower-Toland

At Edith Johnson's house; led by Rachel Nguyen, Derek Gingerich, and Kevin Hamlen

At Greg and Ellen's apt; led by Rachel Nguyen and Greg Voth

At Maplewood; led by Jeff Saunders and ?

At Greg Voth's apt; led by Rachel Nguyen and Greg Voth