Grow 2026

An Intense
Pursuit of God

MARCH 22-24, 2026

Grow is a three-evening gathering where our church family sets aside focused time to seek God together through biblical teaching, worship, fasting, and prayer. We'll slow down, open God's Word, and ask Him to deepen our hunger for Him—not just our activity for Him.

What to
Expect

Main sessions
Main Sessions

Christ-centered teaching and responsive worship. These evenings are designed to lift your eyes from the noise of everyday life and renew your awe of God.

Fasting and Prayer

Step into a church-wide fast with simple guidance, daily prayer prompts, and room to hear from God. Whether you've never fasted before or haven't in years, you'll find clear, practical ideas for how to lay something down so you can seek God with greater focus.

Fasting and prayer
Shared pursuit
Shared Pursuit

You won't be doing this alone. Members, attenders, students, and families gather side by side, asking God to move in us as a people. The atmosphere is expectant, honest, and encouraging—like a family coming together to say, "We want more of Him."




Schedule

Sunday, March 22

3:30 pm
Doors Open
4:00 pm
Main Session 1: The God Who Speaks | Jeff Dodge

Monday, March 23

9:00 am
Auditorium Open for Prayer
12:00 pm
Auditorium Open for Prayer
6:30 pm
Main Session 2: The Aseity of God | Drew Stevenson

Tuesday, March 24

9:00 am
Auditorium Open for Prayer
12:00 pm
Auditorium Open for Prayer
6:30 pm
Main Session 3: The Infinite Happiness of God | Mark Arant



The Speakers

Three Main Sessions. Three Attributes of God.

Veritas Church · Iowa City, IA

Jeff Dodge

The God Who Speaks

Jeff Dodge

Redemption Church · Minneapolis, MN

Drew Stevenson

The Aseity of God

Drew Stevenson

Veritas Church · Iowa City, IA

Mark Arant

The Infinite Happiness of God

Mark Arant

3 Ways to Fast

Option 1
Traditional Fast
  • Fast for 48 hours (consume no calories).
  • Start Sunday, 3/22—eat your final meal before or after the evening worship service.
  • Drink water (or lemon water), zero-calorie electrolytes, black coffee, or tea.
  • Use your normal mealtime to sing, pray, and read Scripture.
  • End fast Tuesday, 3/24 before or after the evening worship service.
Option 2
Partial Fast
  • Fast from a specific type of food.
  • Fast for one meal or one day.
  • Eat only what is necessary for health—vegetables and water—while abstaining from foods like sweets, meats, or luxuries.
  • Use your normal mealtime to sing, pray, and read Scripture.
Option 3
Media Fast
  • Consider signing out of social media apps, putting away TV remotes, or setting aside video games for the week.
  • Break patterns that eat up your time.
  • Use that time instead to sing, pray, and read Scripture.

Prayer & Fasting Resources

More Than a Diet: Why Fasting is a Spiritual Necessity

More Than a Diet: Why Fasting is a Spiritual Necessity

In a modern culture obsessed with wellness, it is not uncommon for fasting to be part of the discussion. We see it everywhere: intermittent fasting for weight loss, metabolic resets for longevity, and "dopamine fasts" for mental clarity. But for the follower of Jesus, fasting is not a bio-hack, a...

A Beginner's Guide to Biblical Fasting

A Beginner's Guide to Biblical Fasting

And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by yo...

Why Fasting Might Be the Discipline You Need Most

Why Fasting Might Be the Discipline You Need Most

If fasting feels intimidating, outdated, or optional, you’re not alone and Scripture has more to say than you might think. In this episode of the Veritas Equipping Podcast, Sam, Michael, Richard, and Jake talk through what fasting is, why it matters, and how Christians can practice it with clarit...

Preoccupation: A Prayer For the New Year

Preoccupation: A Prayer For the New Year

You made it to 2026! Some of you are counting the blessings of last year, and some of you are thankful a nightmare of a year has ended! Some of you are worried about the unknowns of this next year, and others of you are already burdened by the fullness of this year’s calendar. I’m starting this ...

A New Year’s Call to Prayer and Fasting

A New Year’s Call to Prayer and Fasting

As we step into a new year, I hope you’re feeling the fresh breeze of new beginnings. Whether you’re a New Year’s resolution enthusiast or someone who’s a bit skeptical about setting goals, there’s something we can all agree on: the need for rhythms that draw us closer to God. On Sunday, we talke...

Prayer Sermon Series Recap

Prayer Sermon Series Recap

We recently completed a sermon series and an intentional time of prayer as a church. Now what? Find out where we go from here and what we do with what God taught us during this time. Listen as Jake, Michael, Matthew, and Jordan spend some time unpacking the takeaways from their messages and issue...

Rhythms | Prayer

Rhythms | Prayer

My heart aches for God to do great things in our midst, to be glorified in our land and to change the circumstances of our broken world. What might it look like if God did these things? How would it feel to experience the fullness of life as He intended it?


Frequently Asked Questions


We’d love for you to be part of all three nights—Grow is meant to be a shared pursuit as a church family. If you can’t make the whole thing, come to what you can. You may miss some of the unique benefit of doing this together, but you can still participate in a meaningful way.
  • Watch the main sessions online: We’ll livestream the main sessions only.
  • Pray along during the week: Opt in to the daily prayer prompts so you can join the church-wide prayer rhythm even if you can’t be in the building.
  • Drop in for prayer when you’re able: The auditorium will be open for prayer on Monday and Tuesday during the daytime windows listed on the schedule.
If you’ve never fasted before, you’re not behind—just start simple. The best way to learn is to take a first step.
  • Start small: Consider fasting from one meal, one day, or one type of food before trying something bigger.
  • Pick a plan you can sustain: Choose a fasting approach that fits your season of life, work demands, and health realities.
  • Use the resources we’ve provided: We’ve put together practical guides to help you think through your approach and prepare well.
Yes—childcare is available for infants through 2nd grade during the evening main sessions only.

Kids 3rd grade and older will join their parents in the main sessions.
Kids can absolutely participate in Grow—at their level and as part of what our church family is doing together.
  • Main Sessions: Bring a notebook and encourage them to write or draw one thing they learned about God each night.
  • Prayer: Use the daily prayer prompts as a family at a set time each day—or bring them with you during the open-auditorium prayer times.
  • Fasting: Keep it age-appropriate. For most kids, a great option is a non-food fast (screens, sweets, treats, a favorite activity) and using that moment to pray.
Yes—we’ll livestream the evening main sessions only.
On-Street parking is enforced Monday-Friday from 9 am–5 pm $1.25/hour with time limits posted, and free on nights after 5 pm. You can also park in the ramps for $.75/hour.