People Who Came Close… But Never Stepped In

What does it mean to be close to Jesus — but not surrendered to Him?

In a culture where faith can become casual, inherited, or performative, many students find themselves near Christianity without fully stepping into relationship with Christ.

Christian-ish is a 5-week youth curriculum designed to confront that tension with clarity, theological depth, and gospel-centered hope.

This isn’t a guilt-driven series.
It’s an invitation.

An invitation to move from almost… to all in.

What’s Inside the Curriculum Bundle

This is a complete, ready-to-lead teaching kit for youth workers, student pastors, campus ministers, and young adult leaders.

5 Fully Developed Teaching Sessions

Each session focuses on a real biblical figure who came close to surrender — but stopped short.

1. The Rich Young Ruler — When Good Isn’t Enough
2. Judas — Close to Jesus, But Never Surrendered
3. Demas — In Love with the Present World
4. Pontius Pilate — When Conviction Meets Fear
5. King Agrippa — Almost, But Never Stepped In

Every Lesson Includes:

Theological Background & Overview

• Historical context
• Biblical theology
• Cultural background
• Clear doctrinal grounding

Leaders don’t just teach stories — they understand them.

Leader Devotional

Before leading students, leaders are invited to examine their own hearts. Each lesson includes a pastoral devotional reflection with guided leader reflection questions.

Because transformation starts with the shepherd.

Pre-Lesson Team-Building Activity

Purposeful, engaging activities designed for older teens and young adults. These aren’t filler games — they reinforce the core theme of the night.

Icebreaker Questions

Thoughtful conversation starters that open discussion naturally without forcing vulnerability.

Real-World Illustrations

Each lesson opens with a powerful, real-world event or historical story that connects emotionally and intellectually with students before moving into Scripture.

Inductive Bible Study Questions

Structured in three movements:

• Observation
• Interpretation
• Application

Students don’t just listen — they learn to read Scripture deeply.

Clear Gospel Connection

Every lesson moves toward Christ.
Not behavior modification.
Not pressure.
But grace-filled clarity about what it means to step in.

Guided Prayer

Thoughtful, theologically grounded closing prayers that model honest surrender.

Printable 5-Day Student Devotional (For Each Lesson)

Each week includes a printable 5-day devotional guide students can take home.

Every devotional includes:

• A focused Scripture reading
• A reflection question
• A journaling prompt

Up-Front Games & Interactive Activities

The kit includes high-energy, room-engaging games that align with the theme of decision, courage, surrender, and drift — without feeling cheesy.

4K Graphics Included

You’ll receive high-resolution 4K visuals for:

• Social media promotion
• Slide backgrounds
• Teaching screens
• Series branding

Professionally designed. Modern. Youth-ready.

Who Is This For?

• Youth ministries (middle & high school)
• Young adult gatherings
• Retreat settings
• Campus ministries
• Discipleship intensives

Why This Series Matters

Students today don’t reject Christianity loudly.
They drift.
They delay.
They hesitate.

Christian-ish helps them name that tension — and respond to Jesus with clarity.

Not almost.
Not someday.
Not when it’s convenient.

Now.

Why Youth Workers Trust Breakaway Resources

Youth workers and children’s ministry leaders trust Breakaway resources because they are built on both a firm biblical foundation and real-world ministry experience. Every curriculum, ministry resource, and outreach tool is rooted in Scripture—handled with theological care, missional awareness, and a clear gospel focus. We are committed to sound doctrine, faithful interpretation, and Christ-centered teaching that aligns with biblical Christianity.

Our resources are forged in the field—tested in a myriad of ministry contexts across the U.S. and around the world. They’ve been used in churches, Bible camps, backyard Bible clubs, sports ministries, trauma-informed outreach settings, and cross-cultural partnerships. That means they are not only biblically solid, but also practical, adaptable, and effective with real kids in real-life situations—where ministry actually happens.

The post Christian-ish: Teen Bible Study Curriculum appeared first on Outreach and Ministry Resources.

A complete package of 15 Bible study sessions + graphics bundle designed for youth and young adults, highlighting the courage and resilience of some of the many inspiring women of the Bible.

This series traces the stories of women from the Old Testament to the New, showing how God meets us in our fear, guilt, grief, shame, hardship, and more — and calls us into courage, resilience, and grace. From Eve’s struggle in the garden to Phoebe’s faithful service in the early church, these 15 sessions invite youth to discover:

• Finding Your True Identity in Christ – moving beyond labels, mistakes, or cultural pressures.
  
• Breaking away from fear, guilt, shame, and more – seeing how God’s grace restores and redefines.
  
• Living Courageously in Faith – learning resilience from women who trusted God in hardship.
  
• Serving with Purpose – following the example of New Testament women who followed Jesus and served the church.

It’s not just Bible study — it’s a journey of identity, resilience, and calling that points to Christ at every step.

Session 1: Eve, Grace and Redemption
Session 2: Sarah, Faith Rewarded
Session 3: Miriam, Bold but Broken
Session 4: Rahab, No One’s Too Far
Session 5: Deborah, God’s Girl Boss 
Session 6: Ruth, Loyalty, Love, and Legacy
Session 7: Abigail, Courageous Peacekeeper
Session 8: Esther, The Queen Who Risked it All
Session 9: Mary, Courage in the Unknown
Session 10: Samaritan Woman, From Shame to Strength
Session 11: Forgiven Woman, Courage to Come Close
Session 12: Mary Magdalene, Faithful When Others Fled
Session 13: Martha of Bethany, Resilient in Grief
Session 14: Priscilla, Teacher of Truth
Session 15: Phoebe, Faithful in the Shadows

This brave and resilient women of the Bible curriculum is designed to fit seamlessly into a variety of ministry settings, including:

• Youth Groups – engaging lessons, games, and graphics that connect with teens.
• Bible Studies – in-depth, inductive study sessions for young adults or families.
• Camps & Retreats – ready-made content for themed weekends or week-long series.
• Girls’ Retreats – empowering stories of resilience to inspire courage and faith.
• Family Bible Studies – adaptable sessions that spark meaningful conversations at home.
• Mentoring Sessions – helpful tools for one-on-one or small group discipleship.
• Women’s Ministry Gatherings – intergenerational studies that highlight God’s faithfulness.

Whether used in a weekly series, a one-time event, or a long-term discipleship track, this bundle gives you everything needed to inspire, equip, and empower.

What’s Inside the Studies

Each session includes:

• Backgrounds & Summaries – clear overviews of each woman’s story.
• Leader Guides – step-by-step help to teach with confidence.
• Leader Preparation Questions – reflection prompts to prepare hearts before leading.
• Icebreakers – fun, easy activities to kick off discussions.
• Inductive Bible Study Questions – guiding youth into observation, interpretation, and application.
• Gospel Connections – showing how each story points to Christ.
• Journaling Prompts – personal reflection opportunities.
• Creative Prompts – short activities to engage imagination and faith.
• Suggested Weekly Challenge – practical faith steps to live out the lesson.
• Fun Group Games – themed, youth-friendly games and activities tied to the story.

Graphics Bundle

• High-Resolution 4K Title Slide for presentation screen.
  
• Lower Third Graphic Slide  for powerpoint, teaching or video presentations.
  
• Logo Graphic for branding your study series.
  
• T-Shirt Graphic for group identity and momentum.

This curriculum equips leaders to run engaging, Scripture-centered studies while giving students creative ways to connect with God’s Word and live it out.

The post Girls, Grit & Grace: Brave and Resilient Women of the Bible appeared first on Outreach and Ministry Resources.

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.

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

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.

The post God Uses Broken People: 33 People God Used Who Were Broken appeared first on Outreach and Ministry Resources.

A Parkour Athlete’s Faith and the Art of Falling Safely

As a child Coach Valley was adopted and gravitated toward crime, gangs, drugs, and violence. He was expelled from school and shipped to a “psych” hospital. After struggling with the meaning of life, he found hope and chased the dream of influencing youth and adults through coaching and the athletic training discipline of Parkour. Learn about Ukemi, and the art of falling safely in Parkour and in life.

Youth Discussion Questions

1. 1. What stands out to you about “Coach Valley’s” story?
   2. Why is it important to have a dream, or inspiration?
   3. Coach Valley shared that when he was growing up, all of his influences were pushing him down the wrong path. He stated that choosing to be around the right people is the most important thing for a person’s success because you become like the people you spend time with. What has been your experience with this?
   4. Can you relate with Coach Valley’s take on feeling like he never fit in anywhere as a child?
   5. Having the understanding that life is like a vapor, Coach Valley pointed to a question that changed the trajectory of his life: “What do I want to be remembered for?” Why do you think that is a worthy question to ask yourself?
   6. Coach Valley had a spiritual experience that shaped his faith as a young person. In what particular ways was that faith challenged?
   7. In Parkour, there is a thing called Ukemi, which is the art of falling safely. How did Coach Valley liken that to falling into the arms of God in our Christian walk?
   8. What might you need to surrender to fall safely into the hands of God today?

DOWNLOAD the Discussion Guide PDF

The post Dale Smith | Parkour and the Art of Falling appeared first on Outreach and Ministry Resources.

A K-Pop Artist’s Voyage to Purpose

Former K-Pop idol Euna Kim welcomes us into her “Euna-verse” to talk about the ups and downs of her entertainment career, and reveal where she ultimately found meaning to life.

Euna Kim appeared as a contestant on the South Korean survival reality shows Superstar K 3 (2011), Unpretty Rapstar 3 (2016), and The Unit (2017). She made her solo debut in 2014 with the single “Without You Now” featuring Yoon Mi-rae, Tiger JK, and Bizzy, and in 2015, she joined the girl group The Ark.

On May 24, 2021 Kim announced her retirement from the entertainment industry as she began a new chapter in life. This is her story of HOPE and journey of faith

Youth Discussion Questions

1. 1. 1. In what ways can you identify with Euna’s desire for “freedom” in pursuing her dreams, and being free from restrictions that had been put on her?
         
         
      2. Euna talked about making unwise decisions and getting into toxic relationships in pursuit of her freedom. Have you ever made unwise decisions in the name of “freedom”?
         
         
      3. Though Euna was going after her dreams, she drifted further and further away from having anyone she could depend on? Have you ever felt that kind of loneliness or shallowness of relationships?
         
         
      4. Being constantly judged in the entertainment industry led her to think of herself as “trash.” Have you ever struggled with that kind of dignity-loss in your life?
         
         
      5. Euna says that people want to be famous to be known and loved. Do you think that being fully known and fully loved has more to do with quantity of relationships or quality of relationships? Explain.
         
         
      6. We live in a world where people’s opinions of us can go from “good to terrible in a matter of minutes,” says Euna. “Being famous means your self worth comes from what people say your self worth is rather than something that’s consistent.” How do you think it would change your life if you amassed your self worth from God alone?
         
         
      7. Though she had thoughts about suicide, Euna had a sister who prayed faithfully for her and constantly reached out to her. Have you known someone like that, who might even annoy you with Bible verses at times, but you know they are in your corner and will be there for you no matter what?
         
         
      8. Euna came to a place where she realized she was living a selfish life. When have you had that kind of revelation about yourself?
         
         
      9. Euna talked about how her life was changed when she surrendered to Christ, and how her “self worth” now comes from God and knowing that she will always be loved in His eyes. Can you think of any Bible promises or passages that reveal the boundless love that God has for you?
         
         
      10. Euna said, “God works with every degree of faith that you may have.” She spoke of a powerful prayer when she said, “Ask God to work with you in your unbelief.” What if you did that right now?

DOWNLOAD the Discussion Guide PDF

The post Euna Kim | A K-Pop Artist’s Voyage to Purpose appeared first on Outreach and Ministry Resources.

Fight the Good Fight of Faith

Ralf Santiago is a husband, father, boxing coach, mentor, and business owner. Listen to his story as he talks about being held at gunpoint, overcoming street life and finding new life in Christ, dealing with depression, and how he keeps on fighting the good fight of faith..

The apostle Paul coached young Timothy that he was here for a greater purpose than to just mind the things of this world. His life was a state of warfare as he took on the role of a spiritual fighter, and was not to entangle himself with the things of this life (2 Timothy 2:4) but to occupy himself with a godly vision and worthy mission. It was referred to as fighting the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12).

In 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, Paul said, “So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” The apostle understood the importance of faith, focus, training, and spiritual disciplines in the daily life of a Christ follower.

From Queens, New York, Ralf Santiago was introduced to boxing at 9-years old when his father wanted to protect him from being a target of gangs and other pitfalls for local youths. In 2003, Ralf met martial arts legend, Shidoshi Nathan Ingram, who trained and mentored him and eventually hired him as an assistant trainer. After graduating from Nyack College in New York, he worked with the New York Board of Education and one of his boxing mentors to start the DAS Boxing Center in downtown Manhattan. Later, connections with Lee University led him to Cleveland, Tennessee, where he opened Five Point Boxing.

Ralf’s passion is to give back to a diverse community combining his two loves of helping troubled children and teaching authentic boxing. He trains youngsters, teenagers—even adults—who have never boxed, and introduces them to challenging authentic boxing training. In this “Stories of HOPE” episode, coach Ralf shares his personal testimony of “fighting the good fight of faith.”  

Youth Discussion Questions

1. 1. Ralf used the word “war” to describe his upbringing? In what ways can you relate to his story?
   2. Ralf was exposed to drugs, street life, and criminal activity early on in his childhood, but spoke affectionately about how his mother constantly “fought” to influence him with the Gospel. Have you had anyone like that in your life?
   3. In what ways has the Gospel proven to be more powerful than the negative things you grew up around?
   4. Like Ralf, perhaps you have tried to prove yourself to others in different ways. For him, that process led to fear. What has trying to prove yourself to others produced in you at times?
   5. After getting involved with illegal drug activity, which nearly cost him his life, Ralf had an epiphany about the value of his life. “Am I just worth $350?” What comes to mind when you think about the value of your life? How do you measure the worth of your life?
   6. Have you ever prayed a prayer like Ralf prayed? “If you save me from this, I will stop living like this and I’ll try to do better.” Did that yield anything fruitful in your life?
   7. Ralf’s journey from street life to new life in Christ and serving in ministry leadership was a step-by-step process that he described as an orchestrated “mystery.” In what ways has God mysteriously worked in your life through simple steps of faith that you have taken?
   8. Speaking about the grace of God, Ralf said, “I didn’t deserve it. I didn’t do anything good to impress God to save me, but He did.” He described it as God taking a bunch of messy “ingredients” and working His “Chef magic” in it all. How would you describe God’s grace in your life?
   9. Seeing the “fruit of God’s goodness” is something Ralf has experienced through family, being a husband, a father, a coach, a business owner, and a part of God’s family—the church. Are there fingerprints of God’s goodness in your life that you haven’t necessarily taken time to pause and reflect on?
   10. He confessed that he “used to think that anyone dealing with depression was selfish themselves,” but now speaks of depression as a real fight for people with real faith. The way he chooses to fight that battle is by being in community with other believers. Why do you think that is important?
   11. “God continues to love me and continues to bring me closer to him even though sometimes I feel so far,” he said. Are you able to have trust in God’s faithfulness even when happy feelings are not present? Explain.
   12. Coach Ralf shared that our society has embraced the idea of quitting and starting over, because dealing with the old isn’t worth it. But a life lesson he has learned through the sport of boxing is that if you quit you can’t be a champion. “As a fighter there comes the time when you can get hurt. You feel like you’re tired and you can’t continue anymore,” he said. In what ways has God sustained you in moments of weakness, discouragement, or exhaustion with life?

DOWNLOAD the Discussion Guide PDF

The post Ralf Santiago | Fight the Good Fight of Faith appeared first on Outreach and Ministry Resources.

Chad Buckner’s story is one of redemption, healing, and restoration. Abuse. Abandonment. Suicide. Cancer. Divorce. Loneliness. Despair. Watch this video to hear how God’s faithfulness redeemed Chad’s story and gave him a new hope and a “second chance” at life. This is a fitting video resource with discussion questions for youth and young adult ministries, small groups, mentors and leaders, juvenile center and prison chaplains, domestic violence support groups, and many other ministry and outreach contexts.  

Youth Discussion Questions

1. Chad prayed for his story to be used for the glory of God. Why do you think that is important?
2. Chad said that he grew up in a “functioning dysfunctional family,” where anger, abuse, and domestic violence had an effect on his upbringing. In what ways are you a product of your upbringing?
3. The spiritual leader in Chad’s home was his mother. She modeled faith for him in distressing circumstances. Do you know someone like this?
4. When Chad lost his father to suicide, he said that trying to work through pain got him “sideways” with his faith, and confessed to making bad choices as a result. Have you ever struggled in this way?
5. During the biggest crisis of his life, Chad felt like the people who should’ve been there for him were not. Can you relate to this tension?
6. When diagnosed with cancer, he likened it to a death sentence, in which fear tormented him. When has fear or anxiety hijacked your life to such an extent that it felt like a death sentence?
7. While going through radiation treatment, someone handed Chad a piece of paper with the Bible verse Isaiah 41:10. It read “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” What promise is attached to this scripture that can encourage us when going through a crisis?
8. Though being healed of cancer, Chad still went through a painful divorce. How did God give him a “second chance” and show Himself faithful and good in Chad’s life?
9. In what ways do you think God wants to take your “mess and turn it into a message,” like Chad suggested?
10. In what ways do you sense that God wants to meet you right in the middle of your mess? How can you respond to His love and kindness in this moment?

DOWNLOAD the Discussion Guide PDF

The post Chad Buckner Story | Youth Discussion Questions on Faith appeared first on Outreach and Ministry Resources.

SESSIONS:

1. The Inner Battle

2. No Condemnation

3. Discouragement, Depression, Suicidal

4. Worry and Anxiety

5. Dysfunction, Rejection, and Loneliness

6. A Better Struggle (Struggling for Growth in Others)

Download

The post The Struggle Is Real: Youth and Young Adult Bible Study Series appeared first on Outreach and Ministry Resources.

The leader guides come with background summaries and overviews, and include group discussion questions in a format of ice-breaker, inductive, instrospective, and application. Comes with printable handouts (Talk Sheets), high resolution logo/graphics/backgrounds for banners, visuals, and presentations, as well as a PowerPoint template.

SUMMARY:

What can an ancient Jewish exile teach us about living with courage in a world growing increasingly hostile to people of the Christian faith? Just like the Old Testament story of Daniel, Christ-followers today find themselves in a changing world where “cancel culture” runs rampant, social bullying has become the norm, and Christian persecution is on the rise. These are times of hostility and uncertainty. Apart from the grace and abiding presence of Jesus, our hearts would surely faint. But we are not alone, and that makes all the difference in our lifetime.

Living as a captive in a land far from home, Daniel didn’t conform to his world but transformed it. It wasn’t easy, but it was all part of God’s redemptive plan. We too, have been divinely placed and positioned in a broken world for such a time as this. God has a plan, and we are part of His purposes to be light in the darkness around us. To be faithful to that calling we will need courage. Fortunately, this kind of boldness doesn’t come from our human strength, or something we must manufacture on our own—God wants to give it to us! He is all-sufficient to do that just as much as He is all-sufficient to save us from our sins. God wants to equip us with courage.

In Deuteronomy 31:6 it says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them…” Yet it also tells us why we can be bold and fearless… “for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” That’s an awesome promise for each of us today. Because our strength and courage come directly from the God Who is mighty to save, even the most timid person can be clothed and equipped to live with boldness in the face of the most intense persecution.

Lesson 1: Courage to Remain Pure

Lesson 2: Courage to Stand Up

Lesson 3: Courage to Speak Out

Lesson 4: Courage to Trust God

Download

The post Among Lions: Daniel Youth Bible Study Series appeared first on Outreach and Ministry Resources.