Thursday, November 12, 2015

 

Next Step 2015 - Mankato Review


We had ten student participants and three staff in Mankato for an incredible 5 days. Eight states were represented. We began with a performance by the Next Step staff - Ben "Hopper" Christensen, Randy "Micah" Christensen, and Jeff "JB" McMullen.  This "family service" was a great way to start the workshop by allowing our host church families and our students to observe many of the principles and processes that we would be learning during the rest of the workshop.

Here are some of the photos and some of the student responses following the workshop:
Barb from Georgia said:  "Next Step was an indescribable experience; one of stretching growth,  making lasting friendships and spiritual leadership targeted for clown ministry.  My prayer is that God will open doors for us and we can reflect God's love to all we encounter..."

 Greg began clowning 32 years ago and he shared:  "I loved The Next Step Workshop. It wasn't what I thought it would be but it was still spectacular.... it was a mighty stretch.I loved the religious aspect of it. I wish there was another one next year. 

Deborah from Missouri stated,  "The "Next Step Workshop" was everything and more than I expected.  Meeting all of you was a JOY!  I have realized that Clown friends are the best!!   ...Randy, Jeff, and Ben, thank you for taking an interest in us and helping us grow and stretch so we can use the tool of clowning to help spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I believe that clowning is a wonderful tool that can be used to connect with others. I really enjoyed the time  with you all. (Also would like to thank Karen for her hospitality. The food was GREAT!)"

Colleen from Indiana said, "Next Step Workshop with Randy Christensen, Ben Christensen and Jeff McMullen was.....how do I say this??? Perfect? Inspiring? Wonderful? Mind-stretching? Body stretching? Soul and Spirit stretching? Hum.....what word to use....well, why squabble over words, let's just say it was ALL of the above and more! I loved meeting my new clown friends/family. I loved learning and yes, being critiqued. I loved that the Spirit of the Lord was there to help and refresh. I loved the fact that it was a time for even CLOWNS TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. The stuff I learned (and I will find out just how much I learned when I review my notes. lol) was professional and fun with the focus of doing our best for the Lord. I am so thankful the Lord gave me the opportunity and means to attend. Thanks to our instructors.....wow! May God bless every bone in your bodies! (especially the ones that may hurt after our stretches. LOL)


Sessions on character development, attitudes and principles for growth, mime movement and mime concepts, writing comedy clown material with a theme (approached from five different models), teaching scripture and/or themes with creative visuals, and numerous other topics were shared.







 Also, the cooking by Karen Christensen was non-stop fabulous.  

We enjoyed an evening of sharing and learning at Randy & Karen's house as part of our schedule too.


The Next Step Workshop concluded with the participants performing three full Sunday morning programs plus visiting the preschool children at Hillside Church in Mankato.








# posted by Randy @ 7:43 PM
Comments:
Right,Good to see these helpful information here..Thanks lots for sharing them with us. Orlando House Blessings

# posted by Blogger Unknown : 3:37 AM
 
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