The concepts and principles which guide The reThink Group are best described as a color -- orange. Orange represents the idea that two forces working together will have exponentially more influence than either entity alone. For us, that means parents and church leaders working together to make a difference in the lives of children so that we can do more together than we do alone.

The reThink Group encourages churches to rethink the way they minister to families. We help people reconsider why they do what they do, the way they do it -- partnering with churches as they partner with parents. We'll help you revolutionize the way you teach children, students and their parents through innovative Internet-driven curriculum and companion resources for the church and home.

First Look is a cornerstone element of that strategy. Companion elements include 252 Basics for K-5th Graders, XP3 for teenagers, and corollary studies for parents (coming soon).

Each of the curriculum approaches has a specific objective in mind. Through First Look, younger children discover that God made them, that God loves them, and that Jesus wants to be their friend forever.

Older children begin to implement specific virtues through a comprehensive approach to exhibiting the character of Christ. 252 Basics draws from the model of Jesus expressed in the Gospel of Luke. Luke 2:52 says, "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." The kind of growth modeled by Jesus happens by intention, not by accident. So children learn wisdom ("I need to make the wise choice."), faith ("I can trust God no matter what.") and friendship ("I should treat others the way I want to be treated.")

An extended element of 252 Basics is the Family Experience, an interactive entertainment and teaching opportunity designed to put children and parents in the same room to learn these principles together.

As the young person grows into a teenager, the emphasis becomes putting these traits into active practice. Through the XP3 curriculum, students experience the wonder of who God is, a discovery of their own place in His plan, and a passion for being involved in the lives of others.

Each of these three components is distinct in structure, designed to best complement learning styles for each age. For example, 252 Basics is designed around the three principles (wisdom, faith and friendship) but expanded into 36 timely lessons highlighting virtues that illustrate the three principles. XP3 is structured more independently, with flexibility for student ministries on the move.

In addition, parents understand their place as their children's primary spiritual leaders more fully through monthly Family Times virtue packs, small-group studies and more.

More than three thousand churches partner with The reThink Group through 252 Basics, First Look, XP3, the Orange Conference, Amber Sky Records and additional events and resources. We're committed to one guiding idea: Two combined influences make a greater impact than just two influences alone. Parents partnering with churches. The reThink Group partnering with you. Orange.