2 Timothy 3:16
Hebrews 4:12
John 5:39
Colossians 3:16
Psalm 1:2
Ezra 7:10
Nehemiah 8:8
Heb 5:14
Romans 10:17
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UC Santa Cruz Chapter
Home / Faith / Bible Study
Why we study

The Word is not just information — it is transformation

We believe Scripture is the living, breathing voice of God to His people. Our Bible studies are spaces where curious minds wrestle honestly with the text, ask hard questions, and discover that faith and intellect were never meant to be rivals. From the lab to the lecture hall, we equip students to read deeply, think critically, and live faithfully.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching" — 2 Timothy 3:16

Choose your path

Four Study Tracks

Hover any card to see what each track involves.

Inductive

Observe, interpret, apply.

Inductive Method

Read a passage in three movements — what does it say, what does it mean, how do I live it. Pen, paper, and the Spirit.

Tue · 6:00 PM · Stevenson College Hall

Topical

Themes across the canon.

Topical Study

Follow a theme — anxiety, identity, calling, justice — through the whole of Scripture and into campus life.

Thu · 7:30 PM · University Center

Book Study

Verse by verse.

Book Study

Walk through an entire book of the Bible — currently the Gospel of John — chapter by chapter with full context.

Wed · 7:00 PM · McHenry Library Hub

Apologetics

Faith meets reason.

Apologetics

For the thinker and skeptic alike — science, philosophy, and history in conversation with the Christian faith.

Mon · 5:00 PM · Lecture Hall 2
Every week

Weekly Study Schedule

M

Apologetics Lab

5:00 PM

Lecture Hall 2 · Faith & reason for the inquisitive mind.

T

Inductive Method Circle

6:00 PM

Stevenson College Hall · Hands-on observation & interpretation.

W

Gospel of John (Book Study)

7:00 PM

McHenry Library Hub · Our flagship midweek gathering.

Th

Topical Deep Dive

7:30 PM

University Center · Themes that meet you where you are.

Sa

Saturday Brunch & Word

10:00 AM

University Center · Coffee, community & casual study.

How we read

Study Methods We Teach

Slow down and notice. We train students to mark repeated words, contrasts, lists, and cause-effect — reading the text closely before rushing to conclusions.

Context is king. We consider the historical setting, literary genre, and the author's intent so that the meaning we draw is the meaning that was meant.

The Word changes us. Every study ends with a concrete step — a habit, a confession, a conversation — so Scripture moves from the page into a lived life.

Scripture was written to communities. We read in circles where questions are welcome, doubts are safe, and every voice sharpens the others.

Find your circle

Small Study Groups

STEM & Scripture

Engineers, scientists & pre-meds reading the Word through the lens of discovery.

Stevenson College · Tue 6PM

Women in the Word

A warm sisterhood digging into Scripture, identity & calling together.

Cowell College · Thu 7PM

Men of the Word

Brothers pursuing courage, integrity & faithfulness through the text.

Cowell College · Wed 8PM

International Students

Multilingual study welcoming students from every nation on campus.

University Center · Fri 5PM

Grad & Postgrad

Deeper, slower study for graduate students balancing research & faith.

McHenry Library · Mon 7PM

New Believers

Starting from zero? This group walks you through the basics, no pressure.

Unit 3 · Sun 4PM
Lead a group

Become a Study Leader

Our four-step pathway equips you to guide others into the Word.

1

Apply

Tell us your story and your hunger to grow.

2

Train

Six weeks of hands-on facilitation coaching.

3

Apprentice

Co-lead alongside a seasoned mentor.

4

Launch

Start your own circle and multiply.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Psalm 119:105

Coming soon

Upcoming Studies & Series

series
New Series · 8 weeks

The Gospel of John

Encounter Jesus in the most personal of the four Gospels.

Starts Mar 18 · Wed 7PM
series
Topical · 5 weeks

Anxiety & the Peace of God

What Scripture says to the most stressed generation in history.

Starts Apr 3 · Thu 7:30PM
series
Apologetics · 6 weeks

Does Science Bury God?

A bold series for the lab bench and the lecture hall.

Starts Apr 7 · Mon 5PM
series
Intensive · Weekend

How to Study the Bible

A weekend bootcamp on inductive method, free for all.

Apr 19-20 · McHenry Library Hub
In your pocket

Study Tools & Tech

Watch Altars App

Notes, plans & group chat synced across devices.

Cross-Reference Engine

Trace any verse across the whole of Scripture instantly.

AI Study Companion

A thoughtful guide for context, language & questions.

Changed lives

What Students Say

AO

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Not at all. We have copies for everyone, and you can read along on the app. Bring whatever helps you engage.

Absolutely. Many of our students started as skeptics. Honest questions are welcome — this is a place to explore, not perform.

Most groups meet for about 75 minutes — discussion, the text, and prayer — with time to hang out afterward.

Yes — jump in anytime. Each session stands on its own, and a leader will help you catch up.

Who guides us

Bible Study Leadership

JM

Joshua Mensah

Director of Bible Study

PhD candidate in Bioengineering; leads the apologetics track.
RL

Rebecca Lin

Women's Study Coordinator

Senior in Cognitive Science; founded Women in the Word.
DO

David Okafor

Inductive Method Lead

Trains all new leaders in close, careful reading.
SP

Sarah Park

International Outreach

Coordinates multilingual studies across the campus.

Your next chapter starts in the Word

Join a group this week — no experience required, just an open Bible and an open heart.