Virginia Institute of Theology
Training disciples in Charlottesville to hold firm to the trustworthy Word as it was taught, in the church, for the church.
At a glance
- Class
- Biblical worship (Fall 2026)
- Dates
- August 24 – November 9
- Time
- Mondays, 6:00–7:30pm (Foundation) and 7:30–9:00pm (Seminary)
- Where
- JPBC downstairs fellowship hall, 2505 Jefferson Park Avenue
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.
Four 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.
Biblical worship
We were created for worship. As Augustine once said, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” In this class, we will explore the topic of biblical worship by considering how God calls and instructs us to worship him, how we were designed and redeemed for worship, and how all sin ultimately relates to idolatry. Together, we’ll also grow in understanding how the goal of worship is growing in love for God and neighbor and how the church’s liturgy and priorities shape us as worshippers.
All are welcome to attend the free Foundation Class open lecture from 6 – 7:30pm where we will look at different texts relating to worship and various aspects of worship. The Seminary Class is an advanced study from 7:30 – 9pm with additional reading, discussion, and homework. The class is offered in partnership with The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, allowing students to transfer the seminary credit to SBTS at no additional charge.
- Instructor
- Dr. Keith Goad (Pastor of JPBC)
- Dates
- August 24 – November 9
- Time
- Mondays, 6:00–7:30pm (Foundation) and 7:30–9:00pm (Seminary)
- Where
- JPBC downstairs fellowship hall, 2505 Jefferson Park Avenue
Registration
- Fill out this Google Form.
- Pay via PayPal or by check, payable to Jefferson Park Baptist Church with the course name in the memo.
Cost
Foundation class
Free, and open to anyone. An open lecture from 6:00 to 7:30pm.
Seminary class
$300. An advanced study from 7:30 to 9:00pm with extra reading, discussion and homework, offered in partnership with The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary so credit transfers to SBTS at no additional charge.
If cost is an issue, please say so, because scholarships exist so that cost is not a barrier. To audit the seminary class without credit, contact Keith Goad. For more information or questions, contact Josh Gong (josh@jpbc.org).
Partnerships
- The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Center for Serving Together
- Brite Ministries
Partner church residency
VIT offers a partner church residency where residents serve on part-time staff at another local church while training part-time at Jefferson Park; practical ministry experience alongside an MDiv.
Residency questions go to Keith Goad, keith@jpbc.org.
Listen to past classes
Lectures are recorded, so you can work through earlier terms wherever you are.
General questions about VIT go to Josh Gong, josh@jpbc.org.
The Foundation lecture is free
Anyone can sit in from 6:00 to 7:30 on a Monday evening. No registration required to listen.