Virginia Institute of Theology

Virginia Institute of Theology (VIT) is a ministry of JPBC that offers instruction and training for those who desire to grow in their faith and be better equipped to help others grow in Christ. We believe churches have the primary responsibility to make disciples and train pastors. To that end, we cooperate with other faithful ministries that come alongside churches to help train disciples for ministry.

FALL 2025

first principles teaching workshop

This course serves as a great introduction for learning how to study the Bible and teach it to others. The goal is to equip believers to teach in a number of different possible settings: Bible studies, children, women’s ministry, or men for preaching ministry. This course is offered in partnership with Simeon Trust.

The Monday night hour together is a workshop for students to discuss the assigned passage and grow in practicing the different tools for studying and teaching the Bible. There will be 9 total workshops. For each workshop (excluding the first which is the course introduction), students will watch a video lecture and complete a worksheet beforehand. Students will grow more confident to study and teach God’s Word through the lectures and workshops.

Anyone interested is welcome to attend and preview the class at no cost on August 25.

Instructor: Dr. Keith Goad (Pastor of Jefferson Park Baptist Church)
Location: JPBC Downstairs (2505 Jefferson Park Avenue, Charlottesville VA)
Dates: August 25 - November 10
Time: Mondays 6 - 7:15pm

Recommended reading: David Helm, Expositional Preaching (available on bookstall)

Syllabus

Christian preaching

This course is a seminary level study in preaching offered in partnership with the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Students may transfer the course for credit to SBTS at no additional cost. The course is built on the Simeon Trust First Principles with the addition of extra reading, writing sermons, and preaching for feedback. 

Instructor: Dr. Keith Goad (Pastor of Jefferson Park Baptist Church)
Location: JPBC Downstairs (2505 Jefferson Park Avenue, Charlottesville VA)
Dates: August 25 - November 24
Time: Mondays 6 - 9pm

Syllabus

commitments

God - Doxology. Grow disciples to love the Lord their God with all their heart.

Scripture - Authority. Train disciples to hold firm to the trustworthy Word as taught.

Church - Community. Equip disciples to grow together toward Christ under his Word.

World - Missional. Encourage disciples to proclaim Christ faithfully.

Registration

To Register

  • Fill out this Google Form

  • Pay via PayPal or check (payable to Jefferson Park Baptist Church with course name in memo)

Cost

  • First Principles Teaching Workshop: $100.

    • Includes access code for Simeon Trust; cost should not keep anyone from participating and scholarships are available.

  • Christian Preaching: $300.

For more information or questions, contact Josh Gong (josh@jpbc.org).

Recorded Lectures

partnerships

Partner church Residency

Description

One of our goals is to partner with and bless other churches in our area. To that end, VIT offers a partner church residency program where residents serve on part-time staff at another local church while participating in part-time residency training at JPBC. This program provides the opportunity to gain practical ministry experience in a church while also pursuing an MDiv.

Positions

If this residency sounds of interest to you or if you have any questions, please contact Keith Goad (keith@jpbc.org).