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.

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.

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.

VBS Curriculum: JONAH

This Bible camp theme and VBS curriculum is based on the Old Testament story of Jonah. Jonah’s story as a runaway prophet getting swallowed by a “great fish” resonates with children in many ways. Jonah had to learn the hard way that God loves those we might not like, and calls us to demonstrate mercy in the same manner in which we have received mercy.

Jonah’s story is about someone being rescued by God. Yes, the Ninevites were spared God’s wrath, but the story also shows that God did not give up on Jonah. God gave Jonah a second chance (and more). He didn’t let him run away, and he didn’t let him drown. He could easily have called someone else more faithful to go to Nineveh, someone who had some compassion and mercy toward others. Maybe he used Jonah because Jonah needed God’s rescue―not just from drowning, but from his hard heart.

This resource was designed as a Bible 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 lessons, Backyard Bible club, or kids’ sports camp curriculum.

• (DAY ONE) Jonah Runs From God
  
• (DAY TWO) God Rescues Jonah From a Dark Place
  
• (DAY THREE) God Gives Jonah a Second Chance
  
• (DAY FOUR) Jonah Points to a Real Superhero (JESUS)
  
• (DAY FIVE) Jonah Learns About Compassion and Mercy
  

Includes:

• Lesson Guides (5 Sessions)
• Group & Team Building Activities
• Object Lessons & Illustrations
• *Craft Ideas & Music Playlist
• Printable Handouts (Talk Sheets)
• Logo Files & 4K Media Graphics
• HD PowerPoint Template
• T-Shirt Logo Design
• Staff Devotions

*Contents does not include craft materials or music files, only links to craft ideas and short playlists with suggested songs to go with each daily lesson theme.

Download

The post JONAH: Bible Camp Theme or VBS Curriculum 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)

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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

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

VBS Curriculum: Gideon “God Over All Things”

This Bible camp theme and VBS curriculum is based on the Old Testament story of Gideon. This resilient “overcomer” story will resonate with kids in many ways—Gideon was born into family hardship, his future looked bleak, he struggled with injustices, his people were forced into “social distancing” due to Midianite oppression, he had feelings of insecurity and inferiority, he faced insurmountable odds, and yet he saw God come through despite those odds. Gideon came to see that His LORD was the GOD OVER ALL THINGS (G.O.A.T.).

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. It’s also a fitting resource for parents facilitating their own Vacation Bible School during times of “social distancing” due to Covid-19.

• (DAY ONE) God Has a Plan Even When Life is Hard
  
• (DAY TWO) God Wants Us to Worship Him Alone
  
• (DAY THREE) God Is Bigger Than Our Doubts and Fears
  
• (DAY FOUR) God Wants Us to Trust and Rely On Him
  
• (DAY FIVE) Jesus is The One True King
  

Includes:

• 5 Bible Lessons with Leader Guides
• Group Activities, Games, Object Lessons
• Craft Ideas and Crossword Puzzles
• Printable Talk Sheets (handouts)
• 4K Hi-Res Graphics and Logo Files
• PowerPoint & ProPresenter Images
• 2-Color T-Shirt Logo (ready for your printer!)
• *Song Playlist

*Contents does not include actual music files, only a short playlist with suggested songs to go with each daily lesson theme

Download

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

The leader guides come with background summaries and overviews, pre-lesson activities, icebreakers, student exercises, discussion outlines, team building activities, and printable handouts (Talk Sheets). Includes high resolution logo/graphics/backgrounds for banners, visuals, and presentations, as well as a PowerPoint template.

Lesson 1: God Has a Plan Even When Life is Hard. Though Gideon’s people had turned their back on God and were reaping the consequences, the Lord still heard their cries of distress. No matter  how ugly our circumstances get, no matter how far we have wandered, God is still faithful, and He still has a plan for our good and our future.

Lesson 2: Confronting Our Idols and Insecurity. God calls us to worship Him alone, with uncompromising devotion. Before Gideon could lead his people to bravely face their oppressors, he first had to confront his people’s idolatry and his own insecurities.

Lesson 3: Our Doubts and Fears Don’t Disqualify Us From God’s Plan. Through Gideon’s story, we see that God is much bigger than our weaknesses, and He takes great and gracious measures to overcome our trepidation and our fears, so that we can serve Him with a brave heart.

Lesson 4: The Dark Side of Success and Power. The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat people’s weaknesses; it gives us the good, the bad, and the ugly, so that we might learn to “guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

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VBS Curriculum: Esther “MADE For Such a Time as This”

This Bible camp theme and VBS curriculum is based on the Old Testament story of Esther. The biblical story of Esther is a fascinating story of faith, courage, and redemption. A minority Jewish orphan girl becomes the unlikely queen of Persia and must risk everything to save her suffering people from annihilation.

The key passage is found in Esther 4.14 when Mordecai says to Esther, “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther realizes she has been made for this moment and her bravery shines as she goes on to save many people from destruction and harm.

YOU were made for such a time as this! God shaped you to be able to overcome insurmountable odds in your generation.

This resource was designed as a camp curriculum for children 8-12 years of age. Can also serve as a 5-week Sunday morning children’s ministry teaching series or Backyard Bible club.

• (DAY ONE) God Is Near Even When He Seems Far Away
  
• (DAY TWO) God Created Us For a Time and Purpose
  
• (DAY THREE) We Can Be Brave Because We Don’t Stand Alone
  
• (DAY FOUR) God Makes All Things Good Because He Is Good
  
• (DAY FIVE) God Wants Me to Know My Identity in Christ
  

Kit includes:

• 5-Daily Bible Lessons with Leader Guides
• Group Activities, Games, Object Lessons
• Craft Ideas and Printable Talk Sheets
• *Song Playlist
• Logo and Graphic Files
• PowerPoint Backgrounds and Template

*Contents does not include actual music files, only a short playlist with suggested songs to go with each daily lesson theme.

Download

From Amazon, order the book “Esther Now: Made and Positioned for Such a Time as This” as a leader devotional or supplemental study. (download the first chapter for FREE!)

Table of Contents

Chapter 1
God is On the Move: Even When Humanity is at its Worst

Chapter 2
Beautifully Flawed: You Were Made For This Moment

Chapter 3
Seize The Day: It’s Now or Never

Chapter 4
Prayer and Fasting: Power to Make a Difference

Chapter 5
The Scepter of Grace: Come Boldly to the Throne

Chapter 6
Finding Your Identity: On This Your Life Rises and Falls

Chapter 7
It’s All Good in the Hood: Increasing Our Faith

Chapter 8
How to Change the World: It Doesn’t Have to be Overwhelming

Summary: Esther is the last of the historical books of the Bible. This story gives us powerful lessons about God’s relentless love for His people no matter how far they have wandered from His covering; it shows us how to live with courage in uncertain times, helps us to recognize divine appointments and to seize those God-given opportunities to make a difference with our lives, and to trust in the sovereignty of God over all things that are happening in our world today—good and bad.

Esther reminds us there are no accidents with God. He is always at work, especially behind the scenes in our lives. Through this study you will see that every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for something that’s meant to come. Everything in your life—the good and the bad, the pretty and the ugly, the blessing and the bleeding, the pleasant and the hurtful, the laughter and the tears, the privilege and the under privilege, the joy and the regret—has been working together to shape you for what God is up to right now in this very hour.

You have been uniquely designed and divinely positioned to live with purpose for such a time as this.

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

This summer camp theme and VBS curriculum (“I GOT THIS”) is based on the Old Testament story of Moses and the Exodus (Exodus 1-14). Moses is one of the most prominent figures in the Old Testament. His name means “drawn out,” signifying how Moses would later “draw out” God’s people from Egyptian slavery. In this series, we will study Moses’ rise to leadership and see how he led God’s people out of suffering and hardship. We will see his faith tested as he is challenged to overcome his feelings of inadequacy. And we will see God showing up in big ways. Our goal with this teaching is to show that the great “I Am” can be trusted with our past, present, and future. Most importantly, we will come to know that God says to everything in our lives: “I GOT THIS.” It was designed as a camp curriculum for children 8-12 years of age. Can also serve as a 5-week Sunday morning children’s ministry teaching series or Backyard Bible club.

• (DAY ONE) Abandoned for a Purpose: A Drifting Baby Was No Accident
• (DAY TWO) Called to Make a Difference: Don’t Ignore That Burning Bush
• (DAY THREE) Courage to Face the Bully: Following God When it Get’s Hard
• (DAY FOUR) Nothing But The Blood: A Deadly Night and God’s Protection
• (DAY FIVE) God Will Make a Way: I Can Trust Him When I’m Afraid

Kit includes:

• 5-Daily Bible Lessons with Leader Guides
• Group Activities, Games, Object Lessons
• Craft Ideas and Talk Sheets
• Logo and Graphic Files
• PowerPoint Backgrounds and Template

Download

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