Kintsugi is a 500-year-old Japanese art with an interesting philosophy. In kintsugi, broken pottery is valued as a treasure rather than a piece of trash. The art treats breakage and repair as part of the esteemed history of an object—something of a redemptive beauty—rather than something to disguise, cover up, or replace altogether. That’s why in Japan, people will pay big money for the elegance and aesthetic appeal of “golden joinery,” the kintsugi method of mending a vessel after it has been fractured.

The brokenness of our past is an integral part of our unique story, and God’s glorious art of making beautiful things out of broken pieces. When you consider all the people in Scripture who God used in redemptive ways, there is hope for anyone. God never sanitizes the stories of people in the Bible. Our modern church curricula and publishing agencies often “clean up” the stories of these “heroes,” especially when teaching them to children in Sunday School classes. Yet God gives the entire account for a reason. He gives the whole story—the good, the bad, and the ugly. The flaws and failures of others are canonized for a purpose. This is so that we would not glorify their successes or their failures, but that we would always make much of the God who is gracious enough, and faithful to love them despite themselves.

Abraham’s brokenness could be seen in the apparent biological flaw of being too old for God to use. Timothy’s brokenness could be seen in the opposite—being timid in the face of people who thought he was too young for God to use. Peter’s brokenness was exposed in his temperament, his impulsive behaviors, and his rash words at times. Plus, he denied Jesus three times when so much was on the line. The brokenness of Ruth and Naomi was felt in the grief of widowhood, the loss of loved ones. Hagar’s brokenness was rooted in a love triangle manifesting itself in jealousy, bitterness, and rejection. Hosea’s broken marriage was an embarrassing adulterous object lesson for an entire nation. Jephthah’s mother was a prostitute. Samson had a real problem with womanizing and revenge. Gideon was fearful and insecure. Martha was a chronic worrier. Elijah got suicidal. Jacob was a conniving, scheming cheater. Jonah was a prophet who ran from God because he didn’t like the people God sent him to minister to. Paul was persecuting Christians… before he became one. Noah got drunk… after doing something heroic for God. Joseph, well he came from a dysfunctional family that would’ve been typecast for a Netflix drama involving sibling rivalry, parental favoritism, abuse, and betrayal. These are the “elite” characters of that number one bestseller of all time—The Holy Bible.

Each of these characters are a picture of kintsugi—the way God views and values broken people, uses them for His glory, and redeems their stories for other broken people like you and me to be inspired with hope. Broken people are a treasure to God, and He has proven that throughout the ages.

If Jesus were the one telling our stories to others, what would the narrative sound like? If He was the one sharing your testimony, how would the story be told? What would be included? Imagine how pure, raw, and unrefined that would be.

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VBS Curriculum: LIT (Genesis 1-11)

This Genesis VBS theme or children’s Bible curriculum (Genesis 1-11) is based on the Old Testament origins of creation, fall, and redemption. We look at how God created the earth, gave light over the darkness, and formed mankind in His own image. We also see how humanity turned from God’s wisdom, evil became rampant, and God ultimately destroyed the earth with a flood and later scattered people from the Tower of Babel. Each session has a New Testament gospel connection that points to Jesus Christ as the “Light of the world.”

This resource was designed as a camp curriculum for 8-12 years of age but can also serve as a VBS theme, a 5-week Sunday morning children’s ministry teaching series, Sunday School curriculum, Backyard Bible club, or kids’ sports camp curriculum.

• (DAY ONE) God Lit the World With His Goodness
  
• (DAY TWO) Breaking God’s Rules Leads to Broken Lives
  
• (DAY THREE) Sibling Rivalry and Pleasing God
  
• (DAY FOUR) God Saves Noah From The Flood
  
• (DAY FIVE) The Tower of Babel
  

Includes:

• Lesson Guides (5 Sessions)
• Inductive Bible Study Questions
• Group & Team Building Activities
• Object Lessons & Illustrations
• Craft Ideas & Music Playlist (*Links)
• Printable Booklet for Handouts (Talk Sheets)
• Logo Files & 4K Media Graphics
• T-Shirt Logo Design

*Contents does not include craft supplies or music audio files, just craft ideas with links to suggested materials as well as a short playlist of ideal songs to go with each daily lesson theme.

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SUMMARY

God creates a good world and commissions humans to rule it, but they choose rebellion again and again. When God looks at the world he made, he declares it good. He installs humans as his partners in ruling creation, but the humans choose to do what is good in their own eyes, leading ultimately to death.

The first eleven chapters of the Bible record God’s goodness and humanity’s repeated rebellions, which introduce violence, disorder, and the founding of Babylon. It’s these first chapters that set the plot in motion for God to respond to human evil with his redemptive plan.

Translated as “origin” from Greek, the book of Genesis sets the stage for the redemptive storyline of the Bible.

The story opens with God confronting chaos and disorder to bring order and beauty in creation. Humans are formed and appointed to participate in God’s divine rule of the universe. As his representatives, humanity can choose to trust God for wisdom to rule, resulting in blessing for the entire world.

However, the humans choose to define good and evil on their own, which begins a destructive cycle that reintroduces chaos and disorder back into God’s good world. The first eleven chapters of Genesis show a repeated theme of rebellion, from the garden to Cain and Abel, the “sons of God,” the flood, and finally Babylon.

God continues to give humanity the chance to bring blessing into the world, and they continually choose their own way. Yet God promises, even in our rebellion, that a wounded victor will come to defeat evil at its source. It’s this plan that God sets into motion beginning in Genesis 12.

The post Bible Camp Theme or VBS Curriculum: LIT (Genesis 1-11) appeared first on Outreach and Ministry Resources.

In a survey of American churchgoers, 49% say their church needs to become more ethnically diverse, including 18% who strongly agree. At the same time, nearly 7 in 10 say their church is doing enough to be ethnically diverse (69%).

Age and gender are also factors in a person’s perception of ethnic diversity in the church. The youngest adult churchgoers—those age 18-34 (63%) and 35-49 (63%)—are more likely than those 50-64 (46%) and over 65 (33%) to agree their church needs to become more ethnically diverse. And females (65%) are less likely than males (73%) to say their church is doing enough to be ethnically diverse.

Younger pastors—18-44 (47%) and 45-54 (47%)—and those in the West (54%) are among the most likely to say that in the last week they’ve had a meal with a small group that included someone of a different ethnicity. Pastors with no college degree (29%) and pastors of churches with attendance fewer than 50 (32%) are the least likely to say they’ve done so in the last week. And pastors of the smallest churches (11%), African American pastors (15%) and mainline pastors (10%) are the most likely to say it’s been more than a year since they’ve had dinner with someone of a different ethnicity in a small group setting.

The post Churchgoers Want More Diversity, Racial Reconciliation in the Church appeared first on Outreach and Ministry Resources.

• PowerPoint and ProPresenter background slides
• PPT templates (HD/SD)
• HD 1080p videos: 5-min countdown, motion background loops
• PDF exterior shells for church bulletins and worship guides
• Hi-res master logo/graphics for banners, flyers, inserts, and promos

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Summary:

The Bible has many very important ‘buts’ in it. A big ‘but’ can change everything. Here are some of them:

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, BUT the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 5:8 “BUT God demonstrates his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. BUT perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

1 Peter 3:13-14 “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? BUT even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear what they fear, do not be frightened.”

Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, BUT God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Proverbs 17:9 “He who covers over an offense promotes love, BUT whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”

1 John 3:18 “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue BUT with actions and in truth.”

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him, BUT God has revealed it to us by His Spirit.”

Matthew 6:33 “BUT seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Galatians 5: 22-23 “BUT the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, BUT God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

John 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, BUT whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”

2 Peter 1:16 “We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, BUT we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.”

Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, BUT be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is… His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Proverbs 18:24 “A man of many companions may come to ruin, BUT there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Matthew 6:19-20 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. BUT store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’, will enter the kingdom of heaven, BUT only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

Ecclesiastes 10:12 “Words from a wise man’s mouth are gracious, BUT a fool is consumed by his own lips.”

The post Biggest BUTS of the Bible appeared first on Outreach and Ministry Resources.

• PSD and PNG logo file for custom editing
• PDF exterior shell for church bulletins and worship guides
• PowerPoint template and ProPresenter slides
• 4K hi-def graphics for banners, flyers, inserts, and promos
• Cutsom banner for website and/or social media platforms
• Sample teaching outline with message titles/themes (Book of Judges)

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• Super high resolution logo image
• Graphics banner
• Separate background image
• Lower third slide for presentations

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In life it’s easy to get caught up in playing for the approval and the opinions of others, but in the end, it’s not our scoffers or critics by whom we will be judged, only God. This book offers 52 weekly devotions for what it looks like to play for an audience One—to seek first the approval of God over all other voices and influences in our lives.

This doesn’t mean you have no affinity or accountability to your teammates, coaches, family members, or neighbors. Playing for the audience of One means those relationships will be more deeply impacted by the fact that you are playing for a bigger purpose—the chief aim being to please your God and bring Him alone the glory in your life. Playing for an audience of One means you will bring honor to your godly leaders, while ignoring the critics, the haters, and those who are not in your corner. It will even entail overcoming your most difficult opponent: yourself (your fears, your insecurities, your doubts, your lack of confidence). None of these need to get the final word in your performance or the spiritual marathon you are running. By playing for an audience of One, you choose to put God first over all others, including those inner voices that speak contrary to God’s best intentions and His ultimate reign over your life.

Each devo comes with a prayer and questions for personal reflection or group discussion, fitting for athletes, coaches, parents of athletes, and sports ministry leaders who work with athletes. The format of the devos also work well for fostering devotional times and gospel sharing at sports camps/clinics during mission trips.

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The post Playing for an Audience of One: Sports Ministry Devotional appeared first on Outreach and Ministry Resources.

Throughout scripture we find God calling out “Playmakers” to make a difference in their world. Nowhere in the Gospels do we see Jesus calling his disciples to partial obedience or halfhearted devotion. Playmakers are those who give everything they have and leave it all on the field to change the game for others.

This graphics kit is fitting for a sports camp theme, sports ministry teaching concept, youth camps, VBS theme, Bible camp theme, young adult Bible study theme, Super Bowl outreach, or church sermon series theme.

Contents:

• PSD and PNG logo file for custom editing

• PDF exterior shell for church bulletins and worship guides

• PowerPoint template and ProPresenter slides

• 4K hi-def graphics for banners, flyers, inserts, and promos

• Cutsom banner for website and/or social media platforms

Download

The post PLAYMAKERS: Sports Ministry Theme appeared first on Outreach and Ministry Resources.

Summary: BE THE GAME CHANGER graphics kit is fitting for a sports camp theme, sports ministry teaching concept, youth camps, VBS theme, Bible camp theme, young adult Bible study theme, or church sermon series theme.

Contents:

• PSD and PNG logo files for custom editing
• 4-K PowerPoint template and ProPresenter backgrounds
• Hi-res graphics for banners, flyers, inserts, and promos
• Custom internet graphic for website and/or social media platforms
• 2-color T-shirt template

Download

The post GAME CHANGER: Sports Ministry Theme appeared first on Outreach and Ministry Resources.

VBS Curriculum: KING DAVID “A Different Kind”

This Bible camp theme and VBS curriculum is based on the Old Testament story of David. His story teaches us that when God wants to use someone for a great purpose, He doesn’t choose them based on outward appearances, He looks at their heart. David was a “different kind” of teenager, soldier, musician, friend, servant, and leader. Though he was imperfect and made many mistakes in his life, he sets an example of overcoming evil with good. This curriculum focuses on his early life and how it ultimately points to a “different kind” of love and the new life we find in Jesus. 

This resource was designed as a camp curriculum for children 8-12 years of age but can also serve as a VBS theme, a 5-week Sunday morning children’s ministry teaching series, Sunday School curriculum, Backyard Bible club, or kids’ sports camp curriculum. Each lesson has a “Gospel Connection” connecting David to Jesus and what that means for us.

• (DAY ONE) A Different Kind of Heart
  
• (DAY TWO) A Different Kind of Courage
  
• (DAY THREE) A Different Kind of King
  
• (DAY FOUR) A Different Kind of Love
  
• (DAY FIVE) A Different Kind of Life
  

Includes:

• Lesson Guides (5 Sessions)
• Inductive Bible Study Questions
• Group & Team Building Activities
• Object Lessons & Illustrations
• Craft Ideas & Music Playlist (*Links)
• Printable Handouts (Talk Sheets)
• Logo Files & 4K Media Graphics
• T-Shirt Logo Design

*Contents does not include craft supplies or music audio files, just craft ideas with links to suggested materials as well as a short playlist of ideal songs to go with each daily lesson theme.

Download

David is one of the Bible’s most powerful characters… flawed, incredibly human, yet called “a man after God’s own heart.”

We can learn a lot from the life of David. In Hebrew, the name David means “beloved.” David was born in 1040 BC, and was the youngest son of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:10-11). He is described as handsome and ruddy with beautiful eyes (1 Samuel 16:12). He was anointed as a boy to be God’s chosen king by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel. 16:13), and from that day forward, the Holy Spirit remained with him for the rest of his life.

David started life as a shepherd-boy. He quickly grew into a brave teenager who protected his flock from hungry lions. He defeated a giant named Goliath when all the King’s soldiers were too scared to fight. He was very musical, playing a harp, the nearest thing they had in those days to a guitar. His psalms are masterpieces, capturing human guilt, longing, joy, hope and faith.

David was kind and respectful to King Saul, even though Saul was jealous and tried to kill David numerous times. David wasn’t overcome by evil, but overcame evil with good. Like other flawed human beings, David made some big mistakes in his life, but he knew how to say sorry and put things right. He became the most famous King that Israel ever had!

His story teaches us that when God wants to use someone for a great purpose, He doesn’t choose them based on outward appearances, He looks at their heart.

The post KING DAVID: Bible Camp Theme or VBS Curriculum appeared first on Outreach and Ministry Resources.