Learning As a Team

Sword Keepers is a great way to wake up both mind and body to start the day. Work through a series of lessons at your own pace until everyone feels confident, then move on to another playlist to keep the rhythm of Bible memory alive in your routine. Don’t forget to circle back for review from time to time—it’s a great way to keep God’s Word fresh in your mind and heart. Consider reciting the passage together as a group—it’s a meaningful way to share God’s Word and encourage others in their faith. Whether at a senior living home, with your co-op group, or during a church service, sharing God’s Word in this way can be both meaningful and fun. Wearing matching t-shirts helps a team feel united and fosters a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose.

If you have access to a screen, you could show one lesson each week during your gathering and provide families with the link so they can review it at home. If a screen isn’t available, someone could learn the passage in advance and lead the weekly lesson, while participants continue reviewing at home using the online video between gatherings. For an at-home learning model with group review, assign a lesson for the group to study over a week or two, then come together to review it during your regular meeting time. 

Some lesson playlists are shorter, naturally fitting a four or five-day learning format, such as Ephesians 6:10-18 or Psalm 138. One church used an Armour of God VBS curriculum supplemented with Sword Keepers. A leader studied the passage and created costume pieces representing each part of the armor, introducing them throughout the week as the verses were taught with actions. On the final day, parents were invited to a special presentation featuring songs and lessons learned, culminating with the entire group reciting the passage together.

Scheduling

Plan to allow your group members three months to learn a passage at home before a public recitation. Ask members to schedule their lessons at home so the passage is fully memorized at least two weeks before the first rehearsal. This allows time to review and build confidence with the passage before practicing as a group.

Schedule at least two in-person rehearsals before the performance. After the first rehearsal, provide the group with a list of areas that need work. Then, use the second rehearsal for a final review and refinement.

Staging

Arrange the group in a formation that gives everyone enough space to move their arms freely. You can order Sword Keepers shirts to enhance the team atmosphere and create a more unified look when reciting together. If you have two or more rows, stagger each person so they stand between two people in the row in front—this creates a clear “window” for everyone to see through. It can help to map out the stage in advance and mark each position with a small piece of colored tape. Then, a simple cue like “Toes on your tape!” makes it easy for everyone to find their spot. 

Leading

Stand at the front as the “conductor,” and once everyone is settled, offer a big, encouraging smile. Bring your hands together in the shape of a Bible, as demonstrated in the videos. Take an exaggerated breath so they can follow your lead, and begin the recitation together. Because everyone has learned using the same method, there’s an immediate united sound! Keep your nerves in check and maintain a pace slow enough for clear enunciation, so the group can match your rhythm (as modeled in the videos) and sustain a unified sound throughout. 

Rehearsing

Bring a printed copy of the passage to the rehearsal. After running through it a few times as a group, mark any “mumble points” — spots where words get jumbled or the group stumbles. Focus on these areas with attention to enunciation and pacing to achieve unity. You can also ask someone else to mark the mumble points for you while you lead the group.

Email the group a list of specific areas or words to practice before the next rehearsal. This helps everyone focus on the spots that need improvement and ensures a polished, cohesive group recitation.

Reciting

On recitation day, be sure to rehearse together, pray together, and give everyone plenty of time for a bathroom break before taking to the stage!