On Aug. 11, 2024, Foothill Technology High School’s (Foothill Tech) alum Alex Lawson ’25 created his own Bible study with eight of his personal friends and family. The Bible study evolved into a weekly backyard gathering of approximately 75 people and became a well-established Christian community known as VTA Bible Study.

The VTA Bible study follows the same schedule for every weekly meeting. People of all ages arrive starting around 6:15 p.m., and the first half of the event consists of chatting, games, and food. After Lawson welcomes each guest, the chatter of conversations begins to slow down, and guests come together to join a large group circle. After a Bible study leader opens with a prayer, the people begin discussing a certain chapter of the Bible that would become the focus of the study and everyone takes turns trading opinions of the reading and how the text can be analyzed.

“Worship at the end leaves people with a sense of connection and spiritual fulfillment. We all know the same songs, and [how to] live our lives but living it through God —we’re all just learning together,” Gabby Decean, a VTA Bible study guest, says. 

Although the group is not affiliated with a specific church or pastor, some attendees belong to Our Lady of Assumption, Reality Christian Church, or City Church. After starting VTA Bible Study, Lawson looked for another way to share his beliefs with the Ventura community and launched his ongoing podcast, “Coffee and Jesus”. When asked about members’ feelings on the fact that the Bible study is not connected to a Church, most attendees agreed that it helps people feel more welcome. 

Decean described the Bible study’s atmosphere as open and welcoming, saying it felt, “very come as you are. We’re all here for the same purpose.” Other participants agreed, stating that they appreciated the group’s environment.

Over the last year, the VTA Bible study has grown significantly and became a place for community and worship. Alex Lawson first hosted a Bible study with friends and family, gathering around two pizzas and a circle of dining chairs in his backyard. The group has since grown into a large gathering, with attendees donating substantial amounts of food for potlucks. Ventura students interested in exploring scripture can attend VTA Bible Study, which welcomes participants of all backgrounds.