“Behind The Scenes” Youthworker Guideinterlinc-online.com/media/nondatabase_files/hoovey/hoovey_yw_gui… · we generally try to load you up with great resources that you can

“Behind The Scenes” Youthworker Guide

Opening Nationwide January 31, 2015

Page H2 “Behind The Scenes” Youthworker Guide

HOOVEY

INTRODUCTIONA sports movie that’s not just about sports. Afilm with so many teaching points, you couldrun a month-long series from it. A movie thatwill engage the guys and the girls in your group.

Sound too good to be true? Hoovey could wellbe all that. And more.

Hoovey could be one of those “undiscoveredgems” that you keep your eyes out for—anindependent film that proves to be a hit withteenagers. It won’t wow your young friendswith explosions, or 3D effects, or computer-generated animations. It’s a movie based on atrue story about a teenaged basketball player,and how he and his family/school/townrespond to adversity.

And, it won Best Feature Film at the recentSunscreen Film Festival West!

A key line from the film is when Hoovey’s dadtells him, “Bad things happen, but what makesa man is what he does with it.” When you takeyour group to see Hoovey, you’ll have an

excellent setup for a month-long series basedon the themes in the film. We’ve put together allthe resources you need to use Hoovey as animportant piece of your youth ministry efforts.

The FilmWhen promising high school basketball playerEric “Hoovey” Elliott collapses on the court,doctors discover a life-threatening brain tumor.Hoovey will survive the high-risk surgery, but atwhat cost? Can he relearn to walk, read, evento see clearly? The road is long, and meanwhileoverwhelming medical bills threaten to undoeverything his parents, Jeff and Ruth, havetaken a lifetime to build.

With seemingly no one to turn to—but withtenacity and love born of faith—an entire familyregains its footing. Hoovey learns to read again,to dribble and shoot a basketball and, finally,stepping out in faith, he’s back on court foranother shot at his dream.

The StrategyWhen we let you know about an upcoming film,we generally try to load you up with greatresources that you can use in the weeksleading up to the film’s opening weekend.Using that strategy works well for getting your

group excited about the film and generatingsome momentum leading up to seeing it.

This movie is different.

Hoovey is taking a different approach to gettingthe film in front of audiences. Instead of a big,flashy opening in thousands of theaters, theproducers are planning on using theauditoriums, sanctuaries, and worship centersof churches and schools instead. We think thatwill lend a cool “underground” vibe to thismovie—something that every teenager likes.

In addition, there are so many teaching themesin this film that using it as the starting point fora month-long series makes total sense.

So, what you have here are the resources youneed to take your young friends to see Hoovey,and then follow up that experience with fourBible studies that use scenes from the film toteach Biblical truth. With the “Hoovey Event”Bible study and clip, you have FIVE youthmeeting plans! We know that you’ll make good use of these materials. Our prayers arewith you!

Ken McCoy

INTERLINC-ONLINE.COM / 800.725.3300

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A YOUTHWORKER’SPERSPECTIVEI look forward to taking my family and mystudents to see this movie.

Life can change in an instant, turning yourwhole world upside down. That is exactly whathappens to firefighter Jeff Elliott and his wifeRuth who are living their dream in the goldenMidwest. They are high school sweethearts,married, with two beautiful and healthychildren, a family farm, horses, sports, andchurch groups – the whole American Dreamcome true. And then one winter’s day, teenageson Eric “Hoovey” Elliott collapses at highschool basketball practice. He is rushed to thehospital, where the doctors find a tumor the

size of an orange at the base of his brain.Unless a surgery that risks the boy’s ability towalk, talk, and perhaps even survive isperformed immediately, Hoovey’s young life willend before it truly even begins. In a gruelingeight-hour procedure, the tumor is removed.Hoovey survives. But for the Elliott family, lifeand dreams will never be the same.

I’ve been taking my youth groups to movies forwell over a decade. Believe me, I have satthrough my share of “bad” mainstream films.I’ve also sat through my share of bad“Christian” films. I’ve been critical of somepopular Christian films, and trust me – I’veheard about it. It’s been my experience thateven with recognizable actors, there is toomuch cheese and too little money to make ahigh quality movie.

To my surprise, Hoovey is different.

While the production of the film is not on parwith summer blockbusters or the list of thisyear’s Oscar nominees, it is much higher thanthe straight-to-DVD movies that are out there.The score is well done and the edits makesense. It was clear to me that Director SeanMcNamara knew what he wanted, and made it happen.

The cast features some familiar faces (PatrickWarburton and Lauren Holly) and some newer

faces like Cody Linley (unless you are a fan ofthe Disney Channel and/or Dancing With TheStars.) And while Patrick Warburton is knownfor his hilarious, wisecracking, dry sense ofhumor, he brings an authentic, heart-feltperformance as the dad, Jeff Elliot. Cody is alsobelievable as a typical small-town teenager.These kids actually look like kids!

Then, there is the story. I loved the story ofHoovey! Now, I will readily admit that I’m asucker for true stories—especially true storiesinvolving sports. I’ll watch Miracle, Rudy, Radio,or When the Game Stands Tall anytime,anyplace. Hoovey drew me in and kept meinterested the entire time. Besides being veryrealistic (even the scene involving the three“strangers”), this story shows us the power of aloving family who sticks together through somevery difficult days.

We get to experience the relationship between Hoovey and his dad. We get to seethem play together, talk to each other, hug, andpray together.

I realize that Hoovey probably won’t win manybig awards this year, but it won me over. And Iam looking forward to taking my group.

Todd Pearage


HOOVEY

TIMELINEHere’s a suggested timeline that you can followas you prepare to make the most of thisHoovey opportunity to reach kids and buildmomentum for your group.

NowRead through this material – You need tofamiliarize yourself with the “Scope andSequence” of what has been provided for you.Then you can customize this material to fit yourspecific situation.Determine when you’ll take your group to themovie – January can be a “dead month” on theyouth ministry calendar. Recovering from all theChristmas activities, and planning for winterretreat can make January kind of dull. So,Hoovey comes to your rescue! The plan is forthe movie to show for three weeks beginningJanuary 31st. If you’re up for it, how cool wouldit be to have a ton of youth groups see the filmon that first Saturday night?!

Six Weeks OutForm a Hoovey Team – You’ll need help ifyou’re going to make the most of this ministryopportunity. Pull together a team of adults whocan help you with the various needs of this kind of program. Put different people in chargeof Prayer, Publicity, Transportation, Ticket sales, and Programming. Have them start work immediately.Have a Parents’ Meeting – Show the movietrailer to the parents, talk about your plans,answer questions, get feedback, sign upvolunteers, and PRAY!Show the Trailer – Let the excitement beginby showing the trailer to your youth group and talking about the ministry potential of this opportunity.

Five Weeks OutCelebrate Christmas – Concentrate on havingthe best Christmas season your youth groupand your family have ever had!

Four Weeks OutBegin Promoting – In addition to your regularpublicity methods, consider doing some of these:• Texting – Start by sending “What’s a‘Hoovey’?” texts to your students.• Ringtones/Themes – Have a “Who Has The

Coolest Basketball Phone?” contest each weekduring your youth meetings, with the winner ofthe previous meeting taking on the challengers.Judge phones on the basis of coolest desktop,ringtones, etc. Award the final winner two freetickets to the movie, one for him or her and onefor a pre-Christian friend.Initiate Prayer Effort – Unfortunately, manyyouth leaders make great plans and thenmerely pray that God will bless their efforts. Youneed prayer team members who will each takeon one or two students from your group andpray for them daily – that those students will bebold and invite their friends to the film.Show the Trailer – Keep building theenthusiasm for this film.

Three Weeks OutKeep Praying – Ask your students to identifytwo “I wanna ask ‘em” friends that your prayerteam can start praying for.Keep Promoting – Get creative with basketball-themed ideas that you can use at youthmeetings. For instance, you could have abasketball bounce across the stage (or screen)just before announcements. Also, you couldhave a smell-off, where you bring in somestinky/sweaty jerseys from the schools’ teams(both guys and girls) and have blindfoldedcontestants take a whiff and guess whether thejersey is from the guys’ team or girls’ team. Weare sure your creativity will go wild with thesekinds of ideas.Place the movie posters in the best places andhave lots of flyers available.


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Start Selling Tickets – Do what someprofessional football teams do and sell onlypairs of tickets. That way you’ll encourage yourstudents to bring an unchurched friend withthem to the movie.

Three Weeks OutKeep Praying – Your Prayer Team could plan aprayer chain to be in action during your Hooveymovie showing and event.Keep Promoting – Keep sending out thosetexts and emails, and handing out those flyers.Have a Hoovey insert about your event placedin your church’s bulletin, and ask to make anannouncement from the pulpit during yourchurch’s services.Keep Selling Tickets – By now you should havean idea if you need to snag even more seats inthe showing.

Two Weeks OutPhone-chain – Initiate a program to call eachstudent on your list, talk to them about going tothe movie, and ask about the friends they’rebringing with them. Report any new names offriends to the prayer team. Show the Trailer – You never know who will beseeing it for the first time!Finalize Transportation – Make sure you have

enough vehicles and drivers. Gather all thematerials that you plan to have in each vehicle.Confirm Tickets – Make sure you have enough ordered to handle inevitable last-minute additions.Keep praying for the kids, promoting the movie,and selling tickets.

Movie WeekUse the Hoovey Event guide (that featuresCoach Wilson’s “We” speech from the movie)for your Sunday morning or midweek program. Five-Senses – A teenager’s Hoovey movieexperience does not start when they sit in thechair at the cinema; it begins when they pullinto the parking lot at the church. Plan for whatthe “arrival and check in” area at your churchwill be by asking the “five senses” questions:what you want kids to SEE when they get to thechurch? What do you want them to HEAR?TOUCH? TASTE? SMELL?Reconfirm Transportation – Make sure you haveone or two cars on standby in case you have alot of “walk ups” – kids who just “show up” tosee the movie and who you had no idea were coming.Reconfirm Ticket Count – See “ReconfirmTransportation” – You’re better off having a fewtoo many tickets than too few.Sign-In – Prepare “Hoovey’s Team” (cards thatthe kids fill out) so you can get the contactinformation on each student attending themovie with your group.

For Four Weeks AfterFollow Up – Have someone personally contacteach student who attended the movie with youryouth group. Invite each student to the follow-up Hoovey series of youth meetings.Hoovey Series – Use the four additional Biblestudy plans in the weeks after seeing the film.They are built around important clips from themovie, and use the film as a hook on which tohang spiritual truth.Send Reports to Interlínc – We would LOVE tosee photos and videos of you and your groupattending a screening, or from the follow-upseries of Bible studies! Send your files and linksto [email protected].

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HOOVEY

“WHERE DID ICHOKE?”Two scenes from Hoovey are crucial tounderstanding the experiences of the Elliottfamily—and for making sense of the turmoil inour own experiences. The first comes asHoovey realizes that he may never playbasketball again. Hoovey sits in a chair in frontof Coach Wilson’s desk and asks, “Why is thishappening, Coach? What did I do wrong?”

Coach takes a long breath, and tells a story.“So, uh, the good Lord was having a talk withthe devil one day, bragging on his man, Job.‘See how he loves me? Serves me?’ ‘Well,’says the devil, ‘Why wouldn’t he? You’ve givenhim everything. Money. Power. Land. Children.Let me take it away from him, and watch himcurse you to your face.’ And God said, ‘Uh,okay.’ So, the devil does. He takes everything.Leaves old Job with nothing—sitting in the dirt,covered with boils. Finally, old Job had hadenough. What do you reckon he said?”

Hoovey thinks for a moment, and responds, “Itwas all His to begin with.” Then, a realizationcomes to him. Hoovey says, “He didn’t doanything wrong.”

“Neither did you,” says Coach.

The second scene occurs when Jeff comes tothe end of his endurance. He lists for Ruth allthe losses they’ve endured, and then says, “Iplayed by the rules this whole way. I’ve doneeverything right, and this is what I’ve got toshow for it? To just watch everything slipaway?” Then he asks, “Where did I screw up,Ruth? Where did I choke? Tell me—you gottatell me, because I need to know.”

That’s our knee-jerk, immediate reaction totragedy, difficulty, stress, problems, and crisis.We innately believe that we have somehowearned this situation by doing somethingwrong. We ask, “What have I done to deservethis?” We wonder, “Why is God punishing me?”It’s the oldest pagan belief in humankind. Thebook of Job is the oldest one in the Bible. Itpresents the common misconception that wedeserve the difficulty we experience, and weearn the blessings we receive.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

If you talk with Jeff and Ruth Elliott (and wehave), the Biblical account of Job soon comesinto the conversation. They totally relate tohaving lost so much that they ask thequestions, “What did I do wrong?” and “Wheredid I choke?” They’ve been there, done that.

Job wanted to ask God those same questions.After maintaining his innocence while enduringthe subtle (and downright blatant) accusationsof wrongdoing by his three friends, Job finally

admits that he wants to ask the “Why?”question of God. He confesses that he’d beable to handle his adversity much better if hecould just know why it was happening.

Job never gets to ask his question. When Godappears to him and challenges him, Job neverdoes ask the “Why?” or “Where did I choke?”questions. Instead, he says, “Before now I’donly heard about You. But, now I’veexperienced You myself. And you know what?I’m good. Really. It’s all good.”

Job, and Hoovey, and Jeff, wanted to knowwhat they’d done to earn God’s wrath. But theanswer to their question was God’s presence.

Experiencing God, even in the middle of (orespecially because of) excruciatingcircumstances, is what we all long for. Hooveyis a movie that will allow you to teach this hardlesson to your teenaged friends.

“The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away.Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Ken McCoy


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ROLE MODELSIn 1993 Charles Barkley declared, “I’m not arole model… just because I dunk a basketballdoesn’t mean I should raise your kids.” Astatement like that begs the question, “Whoshould be our role models?” The Hoovey filmaddresses that question head on—and I, forone, agree with their answer.

Let’s unpack Sir Charles’ statement a bit.Webster’s defines a role model as someonewho another person admires and tries to belike, or a person whose behavior in a particularrole is imitated by others. The simple yetprofound truth is that just because someonehas a title or position it does not necessarilymake him or her a role model. I personallynever wanted to be like Charles Barkley. Notbecause I didn’t want to dunk a basketball—I still dream about that—but becausepersonally I think he’s a “knucklehead” (to usehis word). I understand what Barkley was tryingto say—if there were kids in 1993 that admiredhim and wanted to imitate him, then he WAS arole model—he just wasn’t the best role model.My guess is he knew that, and that’s why hesaid what he said.

Hoovey has several very positive role models inhis life: his parents, coaches, friends, andpastor. But instead of looking at the who, let’slook at why these people make good rolemodels.

FaithfulnessIn the film, Hoovey’s parents, particularly hisdad, have a huge influence in him. Time aftertime we see his parents supporting,encouraging, and loving their son. There is ascene in the hospital that is especially touching.Right before Hoovey’s surgery, we see momand dad praying with him. Then we hear hismom narrate, “It is the one thing every parentfears the most. Something happening to ourchild—something we are powerless to stop,and there is nothing you can do, but pray.”Their example of faithfulness is both inspiringand encouraging to see on the big screen.

In order for us to be good role models, we tooneed to be faithful in our prayers. We need toregularly be praying for our students. I onceheard Jason Ostrander say, “We need to spendless time talking to our students about God andmore time talking to God about our students.”

We also need to be faithful with our presence.We need to be there in good times and in bad.Over the years, I’ve have had the privilege ofsitting with students for laughs and crazy bigcelebrations. I’ve also sat with students atfunerals and with them as they processed thenews that their parents were splitting up. It’snot always easy, but we need to be faithful inorder to be good role models.

Tough LoveAnother role model in the film is Coach EdWilson. I love how Coach Wilson is portrayedas a tough-as-nails, no nonsensekind of guy. He demandsexcellence from his playersand expects them to giveeverything they haveto accomplish their

best. He also does not tolerate his playersmisbehaving. One of the reasons why I foundthis so encouraging is because we live in aculture where everyone thinks we need to be“friends” with students. Often times we expecttoo little and avoid correcting bad behaviorbecause we want to “be relatable” with theteenagers. Nobody wants to be the “bad guy.” Ithink Coach Wilson was okay with being the“bad guy”—and that made him a great manand an even better role model.

I would encourage you to set the bar high, anddo whatever is required to help your studentsdo great things for God.

Love and SupportFinally, we see that Hoovey has adults andpeers in his life that are loving and supportive.Everyone—from his family and girlfriend to hisdoctor and the fans there to see a greatgame—showers him with affirmation.

Imagine how our students would feel if theysaw their youth leaders as their “biggest fan.”Imagine how they would feel if every time theywalked into church or to youth group they feltgenuine love and support. You and I both knowthat we have students who have no idea whatthat is like in their home.

As youth leaders, we have an extraordinaryopportunity to be role models. In fact, like it ornot, we are role models. The question is, “Whatkind of role models are we?”

Todd Pearage


HOOVEY

HOOVEY EVENTLeader Guide

ThemeSelflessness

ObjectiveStudents will learn that laying aside their own desires in order to serve the needs ofothers is the only way to achieve success and satisfaction.

Warm UpPlay some games that require the participationof each team member to succeed. Here is oneactivity you can try.

Helium Stick – You’ll need a tent pole or similarlong, thin, and light rod. Line up teams in tworows facing each other. Introduce the HeliumStick – a long, thin, light rod. Ask participantsto point their index fingers and hold their armsout. Lay the Helium Stick down on their fingers.Before you let go, get the group to adjust theirfinger heights until the Helium Stick ishorizontal and everyone’s index fingers aretouching the stick. Explain that the challenge isto lower the Helium Stick to the ground. Thecatch: each person’s fingers must be in contactwith the Helium Stick at all times. Pinching orgrabbing the pole is not allowed – it must reston top of fingers. Reiterate to the group that ifanyone’s finger is caught not touching theHelium Stick, the task will be restarted. Let thetask begin.

Particularly in the early stages, the Helium Stickhas a habit of floating up rather than coming

down, causing much laughter. Ham it up, actsurprised, and ask what are they doing raisingthe Helium Stick instead of lowering it! Foradded drama, jump up and pull it down!

The secret (keep it to yourself) is that there isno Helium in the stick! The collective upwardspressure tends to be greater than the weight ofthe stick. Often, the more a group tries, themore it floats.

Some teams or individuals may be inclined togive up after several minutes of trying—theymight believe that the task is not possible orthat it is too hard. In response, suggest that theteam stop the task, discuss their strategy, andthen have another go. If a team seems to besucceeding too fast, be particularly vigilantabout fingers not touching the pole. Also, makesure participants lower the pole all the way ontothe ground. You can add further difficulty byadding a large washer to each end of the stickand explain that the washers should not fall offduring the exercise, otherwise it’s a restart.Eventually the group needs to calm down,concentrate, and very slowly and patientlylower the Helium Stick. Easier said than done!

TransitionDebrief the group about the activity bydiscussing these questions:• What was the initial reaction of the group?• How well did the group cope with thischallenge?• What skills were required to be successful asa group?• What creative solutions were suggested andhow were they received?

• What would an outside observer have seen asthe strengths and weaknesses of the group?• What roles did people play?• What did each group member learn abouthim/her self as an individual?• What other situations (e.g., at school, home,or work) are like the Helium Stick?

Movie Clip #1 – WeSet up the situation so that your students willknow what’s going on in the film before youshow the clip: Eric “Hoovey” Elliott is a highschool basketball player. The scene you’reabout to show happens on the first day ofVarsity tryouts. Coach Wilson is about to givehis famous opening day speech. Here’s themost important part of that speech from themovie script:

COACH A team is defined as a group,comprised of individuals, united inthe pursuit of a singular goal. Thisdefinition is summarized best in atwo-letter pronoun, and that wordserves as the foundation and code ofthis team. The word is: WE.

(Camera tracks down the line of players,settling on each face as the coach speaks thewisdom of a life well lived—shaping, moldingand leading young men in the most criticalyears of their lives.) COACH Five men represent fifteen, every

second of every game. Fifteenrepresent a school of over athousand. That thousand representsa thousand families, their town, andnation... WE!


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TransitionFollow up the film clip with these discussion questions:• What differences are there between a teamsport and individual sports?• Which virtues does a person learn by beinginvolved in team sports?• How would you describe the virtues of anindividual sport athlete?

Bible StudyHand out the Student Guides. Explain that theconcept of “We” is very important, andreinforced by what God has shown us in HisWord. Living for “We” is upside-down andbackwards from what everyone else is doing—living for “Me.” Donald Trump said, “Show mesomeone without an ego, and I’ll show you aloser.” Our “selfie” world certainly does not helpus to have a “We” focus. Let’s see what we canlearn from the Bible about this subject.

Ask for volunteers to read the verses. Then,discuss what was read by using the samediscussion questions under each Scripture. Besure to add in your own questions too!

Philippians 2:2 – …make my joy complete bybeing like-minded, having the same love, beingone in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out ofselfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, inhumility value others above yourselves, notlooking to your own interests but to theinterests of the others.• How would you describe being “like-minded”?• Since this verse tells us to have the “same”love, we probably tend to have “different”loves. How could you tell if a group like ourshad different loves?

• How could you tell if a group like ours had thesame love?• Obviously, being “one in spirit” doesn’t meancheering for the same team—but what comesto your mind when you think of that phrase?

Philippians 2:3-4 – Do nothing out of selfishambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humilityvalue others above yourselves, not looking toyour own interests but to the interests of theothers.• Describe, if you dare, a situation in which youwere motivated by selfish ambition. How did itwork out for you?• How can you tell if “vain conceit” is behindsomeone’s actions?• Note the word “nothing” in that first sentence.It seems pretty all-inclusive, right? What wouldbe so wrong about tolerating a little ambition orselfishness?• What’s your definition of “humility”?• The phrase “value others above yourselves”seems to be completely opposite from what weare otherwise taught. Does this phrase meanthat we are supposed to be “doormats” forothers to wipe their feet on? If not, why not?• Have you ever observed a friend looking tothe interests of others rather than his or herown interests? If you have, what made younotice what was happening?

Luke 9:23-24 – (Jesus speaking) “Whoeverwants to be my disciple must deny themselvesand take up their cross daily and follow me. Forwhoever wants to save their life will lose it, butwhoever loses their life for me will save it.”• An athlete knows all about self-denial. How?• What do you think of when you consider thephrase “take up their cross”?• How often are we to figuratively shoulder thatinstrument of torture and death?

• How, really, does a person “follow” Jesus?Put the second sentence into your own words. Make sure you pay attention to the “forme” clause.• What did you learn from paraphrasing Jesus’ comment?

Wrap UpSummarize the discussion that you’ve had withyour group. Be sure to point out that what Godrequires of us might seem impossible, but thatHe has given us completely new capabilitieswhen we gave our lives to Him and the HolySpirit indwelled us.

Finish by explaining about going to see theHoovey film. Talk about the uniqueness of theexperience (going to see a movie, but not goingto a theater—that kind of thing), and theimportance of bringing an unchurched friendalong to see the film too. Then, close in prayer.

The reproducible Student Guide for this session is available at interlinc-online.com/hooveyresources

Check out ONE WORD "We" on Page H11

Ken McCoy


HOOVEY

Movie Clip #2Motive

ObjectiveStudents will learn that WHY they dosomething is often more important than WHAT they do.

Warm UpPlay a few rounds of “Would You Rather?” Hereare some ideas to get you started. Would yourather…• Go back in time to meet your ancestors, or goforward in time and meet your great-grandchildren?• Go on a dream vacation for two weeks, orspend five days with anyone in the world whilestaying in your hometown?• Be able to fly (without a plane), or have theability to read minds?• Be extremely famous, or extremely wealthy? • Be fluent in any language, or a master of anymusical instrument? • Have more time, or more money?• Have free Starbucks for a year, or free iTunesforever? • Watch a movie with no sound (or subtitles), orlisten to a movie without picture?

TransitionAfter a few rounds ask:• What was the hardest “Would You Rather”question? Why?• How did you determine your answers?

Let’s discuss one of my favorite scenes in theHoovey film. As a teenager, Hoovey is popular,athletic, and well liked. But he is about to betested in ways he never could have imagined.

The VideoThis scene happens early in the film, whenHoovey is getting ready to try out for the varsitybasketball team. His dad gives him a crossnecklace that belonged to Hoovey’sgrandfather. Hoovey asks him if it will help andJeff jokingly says, “You’ll never miss anotherthree again.” Then he says, “It’s to remind youof what’s really important.” Here’s how thescript reads:

Jeff pulls into the school’s main drive, stops atthe main entrance. He reaches into his jacketpocket, and produces a tiny, and tarnished bythe years sterling silver cross on a chain. Hehands it to Hoovey. JEFF I want you to have something. It was

your grandfather’s. HOOVEY You think it’ll help? JEFF You’ll never miss another three. It’s to

remind you of what’s really important. Hoovey examines it closely, and puts it aroundhis neck. HOOVEY Thanks, Dad.JEFF Sure thing, Poindexter.

Jeff laughs it off as Hoovey gets out and slamsthe door good-naturedly, “sneering” at his Dad. Jeff taps his heart with his fist, and points to his boy. Hoovey returns the sign, and headsinto school.

TransitionFollow up the film clip with these discussion questions:• What is Hoovey’s dad saying by giving him a cross?• Do you agree with his dad that how we play(our testimony) is more important than the score?• So, would you rather win a championship bycheating, or lose a championship knowing youplayed with integrity?

Bible StudyTaking this conversation off the basketball courtand into everyday life, discuss…• What is the most important “thing” in your life?• When are we challenged to compromise onthat belief?• How does knowing what is most important tous help us make the better choices?

Ask for volunteers to read the verses below.Then, discuss what was read by using thediscussion questions. Be sure to add in yourown questions too!


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James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, let himask God, who gives generously to all withoutreproach, and it will be given him.• According to this verse, why is asking God forwisdom a good idea?• When was the last time you really neededwisdom to make a decision? What happened?

Matthew 6:33 – But seek first his kingdom andhis righteousness, and all these things will begiven to you as well.• When God truly is most important in our lives,what does He promise?

Wrap UpSummarize the discussion that you’ve had withyour group. Let the students know that youunderstand how difficult it is to keep God inthat “most important” position. Share anexample of your own struggle of when youhave put yourself or your own plans in that position.

Then remind them of the truth in Proverbs

3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, anddo not lean on your own understanding. In allyour ways acknowledge him, and he will makestraight your paths.

Close in prayer.

The reproducible Student Guide for this session is available at interlinc-online.com/hooveyresources

Todd Pearage


Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I havefor you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfareand not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Isaiah 55:8 – “For my thoughts are not yourthoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord.

Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious aboutanything, but in everything by prayer andsupplication with thanksgiving let your requestsbe made known to God. And the peace of God,which surpasses all understanding, will guardyour hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.• Why does it make sense to ask God to helpus make better decisions?• When God is more important than anythingelse, how do we respond to His plans?

One WordEach season, hundreds of coaches motivateand inspire their athletes to excel bydiscovering One Word for their team. This OneWord gives them purpose and power thatreminds them of their mission, whilemaintaining focus and keeping their passionalive throughout the season.

That is exactly what Coach Wilson did with hisplayers on the Olympia High School basketballteam. Their One Word was simply…WE. Itbecame the foundation to everything they did,and the team became unified as they lived outWE on and off the court.

The local FCA representative, Josh Carter,worked closely with Hoovey and his teammatesthroughout the season, and he saw God doamazing things with the Olympia basketballteam that discovered WE is more importantthan ME.

getoneword.com

Dan BrittonExecutive Vice President of Fellowship of Christian Athletes


HOOVEY

Movie Clip #3Self-Image

ObjectiveStudents often feel “stuck” with their reputation(our “name”), and with a “new name” they cansee themselves in a new light.

Warm UpNicknames – Put this list on the screen andhave the kids work in pairs to identify the realnames associated with the nicknames. Onlygive the group a couple of minutes, or they’lluse their smartphones to look up the answers.• Che Guevara (Ernesto Guivara; nicknamemeans “Hey!”)• Pocahontas (Matoaka; nickname means,umm, “a small, ‘loose’ woman.”)• Wild Bill (James Buter Hickok; his nicknamestarted out as “Duck Bill” because of his huge nose and protruding upper lip – hereplaced “Duck” with “Wild” when he became a showman.)• Billy the Kid (Henry McCarty? Nobody knowsfor sure. Nickname was either because he wasyoung, or small, or because a bartenderinsulted him by saying he looked like a scared little goat. Also, he had a wispy littlegoatee beard.)

• Plato (Aristocles; nickname was given to himby his wrestling coach – it means “broad” or“really fat.”)• Caligula (Gaius Julius Caesar AugustusGermanicus; nickname means “tiny boots.”)

TransitionAsk for volunteers to share their nicknames.Ask about the nicknames of some famouscelebrities. Then say something like,“Sometimes, a nickname is really appropriate.But, it still isn’t really who the person is. Let’slook back at a few short scenes from Hooveyand start thinking about how we see ourselvesand others.”

The VideoWe’ve put together three quick glimpses fromHoovey that deal with “gravitas” – the wordAnnie used to describe why she liked “Eric”better than “Hoovey.” Here’s the script for your reference.

ANNIE Why does everybody call youHoovey?

HOOVEY I got my arm caught in a Hoovervacuum cleaner when I was three

Annie giggles. HOOVEY (CONT’D) Oh you laugh! Do you how

traumatic that was? And then gettingstuck with that name like that. I’mdamaged goods, kid.

ANNIE I think I like “Eric” better. It’s gotgravitas. See ya around, Eric.

She heads to class. HOOVEY (smiling) Gravitas.

SCOOTERSlam! It was the new guy’s first day atScooter School!

ERIC That’s not how I saw it, Scooter.Annie walks past with some friends.ANNIE Hi, Eric!SCOOTER“Eric” huh?! ERIC Gravitas, Scooter. Gravitas.SCOOTERYou’re welcome.

ANNIE Hey.ERIC Hey.ANNIE Be careful.ERIC Why? I’ve got gravitas.

TransitionFollow up the film clips with these discussionquestions:• What does “gravitas” mean?• How did Annie’s preference for “Eric” over“Hoovey” make him feel?• Have you ever wished you could change yourname?• How do we let names and nicknames affectus?


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– and might have been a mark of humility to gofrom a great Hebrew kingly name to a self-effacing Gentile name. In both cases, the namewas changed to show a new identity.

All of us who have accepted Jesus and followHim faithfully will receive a new name as well.(Revelation 2:17) So, one thing to get from thename changes of famous believers (and thefact that we shall all eventually follow suit) isthat we are not citizens of this world, but of theone that is to come (Philippians 3:20) whereour true everlasting names are written.(Revelation 21:12; 21:7)

Wrap UpSay, “Do you feel ‘stuck’ with your reputation—with your ‘name’—among the people youknow? With a ‘new name’ you might be able tosee yourself in a new light. A name with‘gravitas.’ Let’s see what kinds of new nameswe can come up for each other.” Have thegroup gather in small clusters, and then goaround the circle to determine a “new name” ornickname for each person. Of course, the newnicknames should be positive, and reflect anexcellence that the others in the group see ineach person. After enough time has gone by foreveryone to get a new name, encourage thegroup to start using those new nicknames!Then, close in prayer.

Ken McCoy


Bible StudyExplain that during biblical times, a person’sname was totally more significant than namesare today. Back then, a name not only denoteda person’s identity, but also job, homeland, orancestry. And, a name told you somethingabout the person’s character and standing.

A name is also used in the sense of authority.You’ve heard, “Stop, in the name of the law!”That’s why we often end our prayers with “InJesus’ name…”

Two of the people in the Bible whose nameswere changed because of significant lifechange are Simon/Peter and Saul/Paul.Mark 3:16 – These are the twelve he appointed:Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter)…Acts 13:9 – Then Saul, who was also calledPaul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straightat Elymas and said…

When Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter,He did so to give him a new identity. No longerwas he to consider himself an uneducated poorfisherman. He now had a new name and a newidentity: a ROCK! (That’s what Peter means.)

We aren’t told why Saul changed his name toPaul. Saul was the name of Israel’s first king.Even though he was a flawed character, he wasvery tall, he was royalty, and he was a foundingfather of the nation. The name “Paul” on theother hand is a Greek word that means “small”

Talking WithHoovey’s ParentsWe had the chance to have a conversation withJeff and Ruth Elliott about their family, theirstory, and this movie. They wanted us to makesure that we convey to you these importantpoints:

Faith Without Action Is DeadJames 2 says it clearly. They commented, “We prayed for Eric’s healing, and he prayed foran answer. But, he didn’t just wait for ananswer. He didn’t just sit around and expectGod to heal him. He spent two grueling years in physical therapy. Faith without action is useless.”

Bad Things Happen To EveryoneJeff said, “We cannot control whether badthings happen to us or not. They ARE going tohappen. What we have control over is ourattitude and being ready to handle difficultieswith a positive mindset.” Ruth relayed, “I reallystudied the book of Job when it seemed thateverything went south on us. We tried to figureout why everything was going wrong for us.Every day something new happened that tookour savings account away. I realized that whileeverything can go wrong, everything can alsogo right! We needed to be of a frame of mind, apositive outlook, so that we’d be able to receiveGod’s blessing if it came.”

Give Compassion To The HurtingThey said, “When you go through situations likeours, you can feel isolated. You have difficultyrelating to ‘normal’ people and their ‘normal’problems. When someone is hurting like wewere, they don’t need advice. They don’t needyour wisdom about what’s going on. What theyneed to know is that you care, that you’repraying for them, and that you have their back.”


HOOVEY

Movie Clip #4Faith

ObjectiveBy the end of this session, your studentsshould be able to define the difference betweenintellectual assent and life-changing faith.

Warm UpIn advance: Get a blindfold, some foul smellingfood item (limburger cheese, KimChee etc.) 2plastic spoons and some good tasting odorlessmorsel,• Then gather your group and ask whether yourstudents believe you to be a trustworthyperson. Most will respond affirming you to be atrustworthy person.• At this point, select a student who hasindicated you are trustworthy and ask them toput on the blindfold and open their mouth whenasked because you want to give themsomething delicious to eat.• Have an assistant pull out the foul smellingitem, put some on the spoon and run it bysome of the kids before putting it under thenose of the blindfolded student.• Then on the second spoon, put the goodtasting (but odorless) item and ask them toopen their mouth so you can drop the deliciousmorsel into it.

TransitionSay, “This was an easy gamble of faith—something that not all of you had. Listen to thisactual test of faith from the movie Hoovey andconsider what you would do.”

The VideoRoll Movie Clip #4. Here’s what the script hasfor this clip:

As Jeff tells this story, he pulls a straight line oftape out, and presses it to the floor. JEFF One day he decides to go big, and

strings a line across Niagara Falls.Now nobody has ever attempted thisbefore, so a huge crowd gathers. Hewalks right across, with a twenty knotcrosswind. No problem. The nextday, he puts on a blindfold. No net,no parachute, no nothing. If he slips,he’s gone.

HOOVEY Let me guess. He makes it. JEFF He does. So on the third day, Irving

brings a wheelbarrow. And asks thecrowd, “how many of you believe Ican walk across this rope pushingthis wheelbarrow? And they all shout,“we believe, we believe!” Then heasks... “Okay, so who’ll get in thatwheelbarrow and go with me?”

He rips the tape off the roll, and stands up. JEFF Crickets. Coulda heard a pin drop.

See, believing he could do it waseasy. They’d seen it. But getting inthe wheelbarrow, letting somebodyelse do the walking with no netunder? That’s faith.

HOOVEY (wearily) I have faith, Dad. JEFF It’s not you that has to get in that

wheelbarrow. It’s me. (Powerfully)Stand up. Take your eye-patch off.You’re a point guard, not a pirate.

Hoovey obeys his dad. Blinks to meet his eyes.They’re still weak, and wander easily.

JEFF I don’t know whether you’ll play againor not. But I’m not gonna stop youfrom dreaming, especially if God putthat dream there to begin with. Icouldn’t live with myself. For all weknow, this thing’s gonna come back.We can’t control that, so we’re notgonna sit in fear of it. In fear ofgetting up in the morning becausesomething bad might happen. Badthings happen. That’s life. Justbecause we love God we don’t getan easy road. It’s usually harder.

Hoovey stares at his father like his best friendhas come home at last. And nods.

JEFF We’re gonna do it just like old Irving.One step at a time. And see whathappens.

XT. RAILROAD TRACKS Hoovey walks with thewheelbarrow, slowly, step by step,concentrating mightily... and walks…and walks… now trots, feet perfectlyon the rail.

HOOVEY YESSSS!!!!! ANNIE Hold it! She runs up to Hoovey.

Smiles, and climbs in. HOOVEY You sure about this? ANNIE Are you?And he pushes... first with feet on the gravel,getting the feel then he steps on the rail. HOOVEY You’re really sure...? ANNIE You mean, do I have faith?

And he begins. Step by careful step.Teetering... almost falls... ANNIE Come on, Eric. You can do it! Agonizing concentration, he steps faster,


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JEFF Fear not. JEN We were never afraid before. Now...

we are. (shrugs) I’m just sayin’. Jeff sips his iced tea in silence, knowing hischild has just reminded him the wisdom of the universe.

TransitionFollow up the film clip with these discussionquestions:• Okay, honestly, let’s see how many of youwould have gotten into the wheelbarrow? Raiseyour hands if you would have taken thechallenge?• Does faith believe in something or aboutsomething? What is the difference?• Since the concept of “faith” is central toChristianity, let’s see what God’s Word has tosay about it.

Bible StudyBreak your students up into groups of 4-5. Giveeach group at least one of these famous storiesof faith.• Gideon’s Army – Judges 7:1-22

• Abraham’s Sacrifice – Genesis 22:1-18

• Peter’s Watery Walk – Matthew 14:22-33

• Joshua and Jericho – Joshua 6


and faster, and breaks into a trot-- CLOSE ON: THE TRACK - a rail spike stickingup, Hoovey doesn’t see it. The wheelbarrowhits it -- Annie and wheelbarrow rear up,Hoovey SLAMS into the back of it. And they rollinto a pile, and down the embankment. Thisdoesn’t look good. Annie lies still. Hoovey hascut a gash into his leg. He rises to his knees. HOOVEY Annie... Annie! He dashes to her, rolling her over gently. AndAnnie... Laughs. And laughs some more. Asdoes Hoovey now. Relieved beyond relieved.And the laughter stops. ANNIE Yes, Eric Elliott. I do have faith.

JEN What did you always say when I’d getscared? You’d always ask me thesame question: what’s the first thingthe Angel always says when heshows up?

Ask them to read the story and then answer thefollowing questions:• Why are these stories considered classicexamples of faith?• A lot of people say they have faith; what is theproof that someone truly does?• Do you know of anyone who seems to be agood example of Faith in Action? If so, whatmakes their faith seem real?• We are not asked to walk on water or performother examples from the stories we have heard,but what are some ways that believers your ageare asked to demonstrate faith in action?

Wrap UpHand out 3x5 cards and ask your students towrite down (anonymously) one area that theystruggle to put their faith into action. It may bechoosing the right friends, controlling theiranger, dealing with disappointment, cleaning uptheir language, etc. Collect the cards. Tell yourstudents that you will commit to pray for themto have the courage and strength to act ingenuine faith in that one area.

Rick Bundschuh

Movie Clip #5Friends

ObjectiveBy the end of this session, your studentsshould be challenged to be a true and better friend.

Warm UpAsk your students to imagine that they’vegotten into a terrible car accident that left themparalyzed from the neck down. Ask:• Which of your friends do you think would stillhang with you?• If it were your friend paralyzed, would youstick by him or her, or drift away?• Why would it be hard to have a friend in this condition?• What would this show you about your friends?

TransitionIn the Hoovey film, Eric discovers that he has atumor in his skull. The effects of its removalturn him from a star athlete into a semi-invalid.He no longer can play basketball with hisfriends, and his life is upside down. But in thesescenes he discovers who his real friends are. Watch.

The VideoHere’s the script for these short clips.

Hoovey opens Annie’s note. As he reads... ANNIE (Voice Over) Dear Eric. Well, when I

said “gravitas” I sure didn’t mean thisgravitas. I always just thought of youas the kid down the road who wasone grade ahead and playedbasketball all the time. Now I knowdifferent. You’re my friend. You’vealways made me smile, alwayslooked out for me, always there whenI needed somebody to be there.

As he reads her words, we see a MONTAGE ofHoovey’s first weeks out of the hospital, and it’snot great... Changing his eye patch from rightto left. Forcing himself to walk with the cane.He seems to have no control of his left side atall. Kev and Scooter bring his homework by.Talking hoops. Hard for Hoovey to hear this.Visiting Jeff and the other FIREFIGHTERS atthe station. ANNIE (V.O.) I want to be that for you now. Taking a shot or two in the barn basketballcourt... missing (very) wide to the either side.Jeff watching from the side. Helpless. ANNIE (V.O.) Your courage inspires me and

makes me stronger. Come backsoon. I miss you. Your friend, Annie.

Hoovey closes the letter, and holds it to his heart.ANNIE How are you? Really? HOOVEY This kinda sucks eggs to be honest

with you.ANNIE I know it does. HOOVEY It’s not all this, it’s everybody here.

They pretend not to notice that I looklike a freak. I can hardly walk withoutfalling over, even with this ridiculouscane. I can’t remember any schoolthing after fifth grade, like, mycombination... and I just had a braintumor cut out of my head. I mean, Iwould notice!

ANNIE They’re not as strong as you, Eric.They don’t know what to say.

Her look is serene, way past her years. Itinstantly disarms him. He sighs. HOOVEY I don’t know about that. I guess I

can’t blame ‘em. Gotta be a little...awkward?

ANNIE (smiles) Not for me. I like pirates. HOOVEY Pirates. With gravitas. Arrrgh. Donovan Oakes walks by. He and Hooveyshare a blank look, rivals still. Unsettling. HOOVEY Annie. I read your letter every single

morning when I get up.They share a long, meaningful look. ANNIE You know, I’m not much at

basketball, but I kinda got this schoolthing down. I can help you get caughtup, if you’d like.

HOOVEY Okay, but will you help me withsomething first?

ANNIE SureHOOVEY Will you help me get this stupid

locker open? I can’t read thenumbers!

TransitionFollow up the film clip with these discussion questions:• What makes a true friend?• Why can true friendship be challenging or difficult?• What do people mean when they say “He’s afair weather friend?”

Bible StudyHave a white board or large piece of butcherpaper posted on the wall along with pens towrite with. Take the following verses and writethem on individual slips of paper and put theslips in a bowl.

John 15:12-13; Proverbs 11:14; 12:26, 13:20,

16:6-7, 17:17, 22:24-25, 27:6, 27:17; 1

Corinthians 15:33; Luke 6:31; Romans 12:10;

Ephesians 4:29-32; Colossians 3:12-14

Say something like, “The Bible is not silent onwhat being a friend means. I will pass around abowl that has a teaching from Scripture onfriendship. Please take one slip, read it, andthen go to the board and write a sentence inyour own words that sums up God’s teachingon friendship from that verse.”

After students have written on the board askthem to give examples from school life thatmight show how these ideas work out in action.

Wrap UpHand out blank paper. Ask your students towrite the initials of one of their friends on thepaper and then, by studying the responses on the white board, choose at least oneresponse that they need to display more in that friendship.

Ask them to write a prayer to God that asks forHis help in making them into the kind of friendthat shows that attribute to the friend whoseinitials are on their paper.

Rick Bundschuh


Youthworker Guide Written By

Ken McCoyJumpStart MinistriesCharlotte, North [email protected]

Rick BundschuhKauai Christian FellowshipPoipu, [email protected]

Todd PearageCalvary ChurchSouderton, [email protected]

Opening Nationwide January 31, 2015

Documents

“Behind The Scenes” Youthworker Guideinterlinc-online.com/media/nondatabase_files/hoovey/hoovey_yw_gui… · we generally try to load you up with great resources that you can