Weekend Wrap Up and More…

on April 21st, 2009

This past weekend we kicked off a two week series on Global Missions/PEACE (Saddleback’s missions strategy). Two weeks on missions isn’t the easiest junior high topic, but I think we got it started on the right foot.  A few big picture reminders from this weekend’s program:

1) While the band we had was REALLY good musically and vocally, they lacked anybody who really wanted to “lead” the crowd in singing. As a result, music really lagged this week because interaction from stage was pretty much non-existent. It was a great reminder that junior high kids really do need somebody to lead them in worship and singing.

2) Video is still tough to beat. Yes, it can be over-used but pound for pound, I’m convinced students still enjoy video elements in a program as much or more than anything else. We had two fun (and super cheesy) videos this weekend, and both of them stood out as highlights.

3) The jury is out concerning seating around tables. As much as I love the concept, having junior high students sit around tables is really problematic. I think the only way it truly works is if there is an adult at every single table. The biggest problem for me is this: While it makes conversation, interaction etc. really easy for connected kids and outgoing kids, it is brutally painful for a shy or loner student if he/she has to sit around a table and there is no adult there help facilitate a healthy experience.

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Share Discuss (1)

trav at 6:21am April 22

I agree with the video comment. Tough to beat.

I have also tried the table thing and while some students really enjoy it / prefer it many of the students can’t control their conversations. The last time I tried several of the boys couldn’t pay attention while another one liked using the table and bible as a pillow.

Too bad – some of the discussion was really good.