Group 2008 Power Lab Vacation Bible School – My First Look Preview

[ad#ad-1]Full Disclosure: I’ve never used Group’s VBS themes in my church. But every year I am more impressed with their packaging and content. I’ve even bought the outdated music DVD to use for our children’s church worship time.

My first look at the Power Lab VBS Theme left me wanting to find out more. Again, Group has put together an engaging and innovative Vacation Bible School program. This post offers my first impressions of Group 2008 Power Lab Vacation Bible School. All opinions are based off their promotional website. I’ll write a more in depth review once I see the real materials this winter. If Power Lab VBS is not your style you can seen the dozens of 2008 Bible School themes on my VBS preview page.

What I Like About Group Power Lab VBS 2008

• The Power Lab VBS website delivers the WOW factor. The introduction page was cool, even though it took me a minute to figure out. I loved the video clips from their “field test” of the curriculum. Group is ahead of the curve on innovations.
• The DVD led music is a winner for “wired” kids. The DVDs give you lyrics, virtual song leaders and instant atmosphere. This is a major benefit for smaller churches.
• The cartoon characters are the kind of graphics that will relate will with your Cartoon Network kids.
• Their VBS 2008 forum is already very active. This kind of peer support is what makes Group standout.
• An online registration package is included. If you don’t do web based registration you are working too hard.
• I like the focus on Jesus’ power rather than our moral abilities. As most of my readers will know I can’t stand the typical Children’s ministry message, “Be a good boy so God will love you.” Group avoids this and focuses on Jesus as the power to live right.
• The music is a mix of contemporary praise songs, classic hymns and original VBS music. This means your kids will learn songs that will be around for years to come. The full track list is not available yet. But the sample videos look like they’ve picked a great mix of songs.

What I Didn’t Like About Group Power Lab VBS 2008

• What’s wrong with the Old Testament? I may sound like a broken record but the whole Bible is God’s Word – even for children. The Power Lab VBS has only one 1 of 5 memory verses from OT. And none of the stories are from OT. This is not acceptable. If we end up buying this curriculum I will have to substitute at least one story from the Old Testament. Note To Group Publishing: There is plenty of Jesus’ power in the Old Testament too.
• The only day that seems to focus on the Gospel is Thursday. I think this is a mistake. Even church kids need to hear the Gospel more than that. I would be afraid that unbelievers would not have enough exposure to the Gospel in only one session. I’ll wait to see more on this. But if Power Lab goes light on the Gospel then they’ve missed the “power of God for salvation.” (Romans 1:16)
• The “WOW, ZAP, BAM, POW, ZING” stuff is a little weird. It would be a mistake to go overboard with it. I can just imagine my boys going into Batman mode.
• The theme song will sound like the an Oldies radio station to the children. The lead song may please your church volunteers but I can’t imagine the typical kid in my church getting excited about the 50′s sound. The good news is that the other songs seem to be better. I would like to see more VBS programs exploring modern rock or hip hop sounds.

More Details About Group Power Lab VBS 2008

• Starter Kit: 129.99
• Day 1 – Bible Point: Jesus gives us the power to be thankful.
  Bible Story: WOW! Jesus heals 10 lepers (Luke 17:11-19).
  Power Verse: “Always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).
• Day 2 -Bible Point: Jesus gives us the power to help others.
  Bible Story: Jesus gives sight to a blind man (John 9:1-41).
  Power Verse: “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them” (Romans 12:13).
• Day 3 – Bible Point: Jesus gives us the power to be brave.
  Bible Story: Jesus gives Peter courage to walk on water (Matthew 14:22-33).
  Power Verse: I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me” (Psalm 23:4).
• Day 4 – Bible Point: Jesus gives us the power to live forever.
  Bible Story: Jesus dies and comes back to life (Luke 23:26-24:53).
  Power Verse: “Since I live, you also will live” (John 14:19).
• Day 5 – Bible Point: Jesus gives us the power to tell others about God.
  Bible Story: The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-47).
  Power Verse: “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone” (Mark 16:15)

I hope this short preview was helpful to you. If so, you might like all my 2008 Vacation Bible School reviews. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Related posts:

1. My Preview Of LifeWay Outrigger Island VBS 2008
2. Example Vacation Bible School Report