The Disconnected Generation Video Curriculum

Authors - Josh McDowell & Dave Bellis
Publisher - Word Publishing

Favorite Features:

• typical Josh McDowell video resource - extremely well done!
• reproducible resources
• five video sessions to help parents learn to connect with their teens

    I also appreciate how this resource not only identifies the problem, but goes on to clearly explain some real, do-able steps parents can take to connect with their teens.  I am sure most parents really want their teens to feel secure and connected, so if they know what to do, how to do it and have the support to follow through with the steps to take, I am convinced we genuinely can make a lasting impact in helping to build strong, connected families.

    I would like to encourage churches to commit to develop a priority of strengthening families - and while there are certainly many excellent resources available to utilize in parenting classes . . . many of which we have reviewed . . . "The Disconnected Generation" is definitely one to begin with.  I highly recommend, "The Disconnected Generation".  Extremely well done Josh, Dave and Word Publishing!

Boundaries in Dating Video Curriculum

Leader's Guide         Participant's Guide

Making Dating Work, Boundaries in Dating book     Video

Authors - Drs. Henry Cloud & John Townsend
Publisher - Zondervan Publishing

Favorite Features:

• clearly explains seven values and benefits in dating
• five topics for leading group discussion - excellent
• each session includes:
• key points
• synopsis
• lesson times out
• welcome
• prayer
• overview
• video to view
• time for small groups to talk over what they are learning and to answer questions
• summary
• video formatted to involve conversation between Drs. Cloud and Townsend and singles as they talk through each topic
• workbook guides participants through each session and provides opportunity for them to truly think through each issue and how they relate to them
• workbook includes the following for each session:
• overview with goals for session
• outline of video segment
• questions for participants to work through to see where they are at
• questions for small groups to work through
• additional points to focus on and think about
• additional reading to work through on your own
• activities to help with application

    I asked Pastor Nate Wagner what he particularly liked and found effective about this curriculum and he said he liked how it takes a different approach to teaching about dating with a more thorough look at the core issues rather than just focusing on the problems of teens dating.  It has a more balanced perspective with focusing on preventing problems by helping people understand the issues involved as they relate to relationships and presents a quality handling of the whole issue of dating from a Christian World View rather than just provide pat answers.  Pastor Nate went on to say he thought the videos did an excellent job of explaining the issues with a balanced approach between holding to high standards and not "throwing out the baby with the bath water".  This curriculum shows how dating is a healthy part of growing up and doesn't need to be avoided.  Pastor Nate found the questions facilitated discussion - even in kids who were closed to participating and encourages discussion with the parents.  While Pastor Nate found the curriculum was better suited for older teens and young adults he believes it can be adapted for younger teens.  He would love to see a curriculum geared for these young teens that would deal with these same issues because if we are successful at helping teens learn to develop healthy relationships before they begin dating, when they begin dating they will experience far fewer difficulties from making poor choices.

    I would like to thank Pastor Nate for taking the time to review this curriculum and for sharing his insights.  I highly recommend Boundaries in Dating Video Curriculum - extremely well done Henry, John and Zondervan Publishing!