Why Wonder, Discovery and Passion shouldn't be your mantra, and dispelling other XP3 Students Myths
Tim Walker
As the lead editor of XP3 Students, it's my job to make sure that what we communicate is clear, concise and, well, true. So when I got a chance to use this space to clear up some of the myths of XP3 Students, I took it and ran. (Insert evil laugh here.) So let's dive in . . .
Myth #1: Wonder, discovery and passion should be the mantra of my students.
Even though these words are tattooed on each of our team members, make up the "3" in our name and are written on most of our apparel doesn't mean that they have to be memorized by your students. In fact, unless you're teaching the Rhythm series, these words should never even come up. We want to students to experience these three organically and personally, not just know the words as information. That's why we write our series through one, two or all three of those lenses.
Myth #2: Jared Herd, the creative director for XP3, makes up the stories he tells.
Not true. He really does have those crazy experiences. Seriously.
Myth #3: When teaching our scripts, you should memorize every word.
No way. We want to do the hard work of putting the information together, but we want you to come in and add your own personal touch to it. Tell your stories, not ours. Communicate the points in a way that feels natural to your own personal speaking style. We love words, but we don't think that how we say every single sentence is how you need to communicate it to your students.
Myth #4: The reThink team is obsessed with Orange.
Now it is true that we love the strategy, it isn't true that we drive orange cars, wear orange clothes all the time and only eat orange foods (carrots and cheetos 24/7). Yeah, my kids do see a shirt in the store and tell me, "Dad, you should get that. Mr. Reggie would like that." But I don't wear Orange every day—only on days when I know Reggie will be in the office.
Myth #5: XP3 STUDENTS is just for high school students.
No way. In fact, we believe that middle schoolers need to experience wonder, discovery and passion as well. Sometimes they need to arrive at the truths in the series in a different way because they think differently and process information in a different way. That's why we provide ideas for illustrations tied to points we think may be a little more challenging for middle schoolers. We also provide small group questions just for middle school because they think more concretely, are less introspective and tend to answer more "we" and "us" kind of questions and less "me" ones. And our goal is to continue to find ways to connect with middle schoolers more in the coming year.
Myth #6: The XP3 Orange Specialist, Kristie McCollister, has mad golf skills.
Actually this one is true . . . on the Wii all the time, on the course some of the time.
Myth #7: XP3 Students provides less parent resources than the other Orange curriculums.
Connecting with parents is a challenge in middle school and high school. In fact, it's the age bracket in the church where you may have the least amount of parents represented in your congregation. And while we feel the role of the parent is very important during the teen years, the role of a significant other adult—like a small group leader—becomes vitally important as well. That's why our curriculum is built around small group leaders who provide both community and a safe place for students to process the application of the biblical truths we convey. However, we have upped our game a bit by starting to provide parent cue questions with each new series so that parents can have a point of conversation about what is being discussed in each week of a series. Also, we give you content to post or e-mail to encourage parents and let them know you want their relationship with their child to succeed.
Myth #8: XP3 Students is set in stone.
We rethink everything around here. We are constantly evaluating our words, our structure, our components. We want to continue to grow and evolve to equip you with the resources you need to be strategic to reach this generation. We value your input in the process. In fact, many of the changes we've implemented over the past three years have been the direct result of input from our subscribers.
Well I hope I've busted some myths for you. Maybe I've answered some questions that have been nagging you. Then again, maybe you didn't have any at all. But just know this—we love serving you. We love providing you with the tools you need to do ministry, tools that allow you to be strategic and relational. And we are huge fans of you and your ministry!
Notes From The Editor:
Tim Walker
We're excited to release our latest series for one specific reason—you. We wanted to create a set of single week messages that you could use in your student ministry throughout the year, messages that would stand alone and help you during times of transition.
The One Week Series Volume 1 is now available in your series downloads. This volume collects three single messages: Playing the God Card, The Prodigal and What Happens Here. (A description of each of these single sessions is in your Available Series.) Video is not available for these series, however we have created supporting art, podcast, parent cues and an XP for each message. Also there is a devotional to follow-up with each message.
