Unit 1: God’s Good Story: Grace and Truth (8 Lessons)

In this introductory unit, learners will review the timeline for the restoration of all things. They will explore atonement theories and the significance of blood in the sacrificial system. Additionally, learners will reflect on the concepts of grace and truth, and the tension that arises in living them out.

Unit 2: Hebrews (4 Lessons)

Learners will reflect on their previous studies of the grand narrative of God’s people in the Older Testament while looking forward to the promised new creation through the letter of Hebrews. They will examine how the author claims Jesus’ superiority over Moses and the ancient priests, emphasizing his ultimate sacrifice as superior to all sacrifices made by ancient Israel.  

Unit 3: Is the Bible True (Archeology) - (4 Lessons)

In this virtual reality unit, learners will “visit” an archeological site and learn what’s been found at that site and how it helps us better understand the biblical narrative. Archeologists will share about the importance of “digging” up history and how recent finds help confirm the authenticity of the Bible. 

Unit 4: John and His Gospel (4 Lessons)

This introduction to John and his Gospel will provide context on the intended audience, who John was, and the themes presented in his biographical account of the life of Jesus. It will set the stage for learners to explore John’s theme of “light” and why it was important for John, John’s audience, and for us. 

Unit 5: The Seven Signs of Jesus (8 Lessons)

Through the seven miracles of Jesus in John’s Gospel, learners will explore how John communicated these events, relating them to the cultural norms of his Jewish audience. Learners will explore Jesus’ identity through the connection John makes with the Older Testament.

Unit 6: I Am (8 Lessons)

Learners will examine the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus through a literary contextual lens, analyzing how each instance points back to Older Testament prophecies and passages. These statements are rich with deep meaning, and learners will reflect on their significance to the ancient audience.

Unit 7: The Theology of Missions (8 Lessons)

Inspired by John 20:21, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you,” learners will contemplate what it means to be “sent.” They will study the Shema and other key passages to understand God’s intent for missions. Through practical exercises, learners will explore and internalize their theology of mission.  

Unit 9: Revelation (8 Lessons)

As learners study John’s revelation through the contextual lens, they will begin to see how powerful and dangerous this book was for John’s first century audience. As a juxtaposition to the Emperor’s claim that he is God, John brings much needed hope to his audience by claiming that the God of the Bible is the one true God and that Caesar is not. In this unit, learners will study the references John uses to Older Testament prophets like Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel. Rather than interpreting Revelation as a secret code for future events, learners will explore these references to find themes of hope, challenge, and the tension between history’s pattern and God’s promise.

Unit 10: Churches of Revelation (12 Lessons)

To better understand the intended readers of John’s letter, learners will explore the churches of ancient Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. This immersive study, with optional virtual reality resources, will provide context to the rich imagery and symbolism present in Revelation.

Unit 11: Letter of John 1,2,3 (8 Lessons)

Learners will conclude their study of John’s writings by investigating the literary, linguistic, and cultural context of his three letters. They will uncover who John may have been writing to and how the letters point to a God of light and love.

Optional Unit: Healthy Conversations (8 Lessons)

In this unit, learners will learn practical skills for having healthy conversations with people who think differently than they do. This unit will build on the themes of grace and truth introduced at the beginning of the year, teaching learners how listening well and asking respectful questions can bring honor and dignity to interactions, serving as a tangible way to bring light to those around them.

Optional Unit: Shepherd Leadership (8 Lessons)

By investigating the leadership styles of Moses, Aaron, and David, learners will discover the kind of leadership God calls God’s followers into. In contrast to the power-wielding, influence-seeking leadership styles of today’s culture, learners will explore what it means to lead like a shepherd.

Optional Unit: Our Community (8 Lessons)

John depicts Jesus as the light of the world, extending that opportunity to Jesus' followers. In this optional unit, learners will learn from people who have been a light in their community, gaining insight from others' lived experiences while articulating their own faith journeys.

Optional Unit: Mission In Action (8 Lessons)

In this project-based unit, a follow-up to the Easter unit on generosity, learners will have the opportunity to "be the light" by creating an original nonprofit organization addressing a local, real-world problem. They will present their projects to a panel of local nonprofit workers to request pretend funding, with the "winner" receiving actual funds from their generosity drive.

Optional Unit: The Case For Christ (12 Lessons)

In this optional unit, learners will explore big questions of faith based on Lee Strobel’s "The Case for Christ." They will find a safe community to ponder the mysteries presented in the gospel and investigate evidence through archaeology and history that points to a risen savior.

Unit: The Great Cloud of Witnesses (8 Lessons)

To conclude their 8th-grade year and reflect on their faith journey, learners will revisit Hebrews 11 and 12. They will note that the "heroes of faith" listed in Hebrews 11 were imperfect, flawed people used by God to bring light to the world. Learners will have the opportunity to reflect on who has been part of their “great cloud of witnesses” and consider their role in cheering others on in their faith journeys.

Unit 8: Christmas: The Light Has Come (8 Lessons)

Learners continue to explore the theme of light presented in John’s Gospel by celebrating the birth of Jesus. Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness. Learners will dig deeper to unearth how Jesus is the light and how the darkness responds.

Easter Unit: Generosity (4 Lessons)

Learners will reflect on the Easter story and the resurrection of Jesus by meditating on God bringing life out of death and light out of darkness. To be the hands and feet of Jesus, learners will create a class generosity fund for a local cause, with an optional extension into the “Mission in Action” unit.