Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Resource Review: E|Merge

It can often be very hard to find good theologically sound youth resource material to use to instruct youth and young adults in a relevant and interactive way within our denomination. However, I came upon a good resource that I would like to recommend entitled "E|Merge." Developed at one of the largest United Methodist churches in our denomination, Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City, Ohio, this curriculum sets the standard for a learning style where there is a large group teaching and small group discussion.

At its core, it uses relevant everyday TV shows, movies and experiences to explain how you are to live the Christian life to develop you as fully devoted disciples. There are a total of three resources numbered 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0. While a lot of the literature says that they should be used in concert with one another, after further review I could see you taking one unit as a stand-alone piece if you thought it would be appropriate. Each unit ranges from 3-5 lessons and is very easy to follow and use. The curriculum includes: the directors guide, younger youth guide, older youth guide and an interactive DVD/CD-ROM that includes the clip, handout and PowerPoint presentations use in the large group teaching.

In critique of this resource, it is very hard to find either at Cokesbury bookstore or on Amazon.com. I'm not sure if that is because it is out of print or not, but if you are looking to purchase this you're going to have to do some research. Also, it is slightly dated with a publication date that is approximately 5 to 7 years old, however, the units are well written, easy-to-follow and most importantly theologically in line with the United Methodist Church.

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