Head to the Heart + Frequently Asked Questions
If we use the Head to the Heart journals, do we have to buy all three versions at once?
No. A church using H2H and the journals would typically buy only one version--the specific thirty-lesson book they would be covering that year. This would give you more than enough material for a year in confirmation, as well as extra summer material for parents at home.
Head to the Heart membership grants me access to all 90+ lessons. How in the heck am I going to use all this stuff?
Get used to a world of abundance. Chances are very good that you won’t be able to use all of it. Access to all the great resources of H2H allows churches the maximum flexibility to teach what they want when they want. It also provides you with options for summer programming, retreats, and maybe even a little secret, remedial adult education!
If we use the Head to the Heart Journals, do I still need to print out the standard H2H Thought-Time sheets?
No. The journals cover several bases at once, but from a traditional H2H perspective, think of the journals as the Thought-Time sheets on steroids. In other words, users of the journals would no longer need to print out Thought-Time sheets each week. Each journal lesson contains all of the elements of the standard Thought-Time sheets plus extra materials for the parent-child discussion at home.
What comes with my standard H2H order?
Your Head to the Heart order comes with theme set CD-ROMs containing your lessons (master lessons, PowerPoint files, and MP3 theme music), a Support CD-ROM with documents getting you rolling with H2H (how-to articles, our Member Manual set-up guide, Tech Manual, Guide Training manual, and more). You’ll also receive a H2H binder to keep the materials you print together for future reference. Please note: Audio CD’s are not supplied with H2H membership. However, all of the music is available for download from iTunes.
Where are the “brain notes” in the PowerPoint files?
The brain notes are embedded in the PowerPoint files as a small colored rectangle in the upper left-hand corner of the slides while in normal view (small vertical slides on the left, bigger slide to the right).
What is available on the data DVDs and what is available online?
All of the files on your H2H data DVDs are backed up and accessible online. You can even assign accounts to your volunteers so they can access the materials too.
Why do you send out Head to the Heart on data DVDs?
Not everyone has high-speed access to the Internet or time to wait to download a bunch of stuff. Authoring our materials on data DVDs effectively brings the Internet to you, allowing more time for ministry and less time for prep work. Of course, all of our materials are backed up on the web in case you need them.
Is it okay to combine themes?
Based on experience, we strongly advise against it. If you want to cover the information and make sure it sticks, you’re best served with a focused presentation twice a month. Special retreats, fifth Wednesdays, or summer camps can be planned each year to cover additional topics.
How many themes do I need to cover in a year?
Most churches run Head to the Heart from September through May. With nine months of events, that averages out to 18 themes a year during the confirmation schedule.
Do I need to prepare different topics for each confirmation grade?
Why would you want to do twice as much work? Because H2H takes multi-faceted brain-based learning theory into account, the same theme can be processed by kids at their own level. In H2H, the “rubber meets the road” when small groups care, share, and process the main teaching presentation together. Small groups allow kids to ask questions and explore the topic at their own pace.
How would I plan a one, two or three-year program?
With H2H offering 90+ lessons, you can plan whatever you want whenever you want.
The system looks pretty involved. Do I need a lot of training?
Short Answer: No. H2H is more than just a toolbox of resources for confirmation. If you realize this, are willing to recruit parents in the process, and generally are comfortable in giving ministry responsibility away (freeing yourself to do the things you do best) you’ll be fine. Long Answer: If you want more, Faith Inkubators offers a variety of training opportunities to get you going and keep you fresh. We offer everything from three-day advanced courses for serious change agents to half-day special focus courses for presenters, musicians, Guides and senior high youth who want to excel in their volunteer roles.
Why don’t I cover a lesson each week?
Head to the Heart is more than curriculum. It is a ministry system designed for learning, service, and fellowship. If you don’t take the time to implement the other tried-and-true elements of the system (service events, fellowship events, and home devotions), you’re just cramming a square peg (H2H) into a round hole (traditional confirmation).
More Information
To learn more about Head to the Heart and the new Head
to the Heart Journals, follow the links to the left. For deeper
details on the theology, philosophy and tools behind H2H, download our "Head
to the Heart Details" pages. If you have any questions, please
contact Monty Lysne, National Director of Youth and Family Ministry, at mlysne@faithink.com or
toll-free at 888.55FAITH.