My latest resource, a four week teaching series, went live over at Download Youth Ministry! I’m pretty excited about it; it was selected as an ‘Editor’s Choice’ AND Doug Fields gave it a recommendation. You can find it here.

I had a LOT of fun putting this one together and teaching my way through it. On a whim, I connected it to illustrations from The Wizard of Oz … and it really seemed to work. When I was young I used to read all of the classic Oz novels, so it was an entertaining challenge to find quotes and examples that fit. Exodus is an important book and the story is a powerful one. Here’s the description from DYM for the resource:

Editor’s note: This is a really solid resource! It’s well-written, well-themed, and fun. It also dives deep into topics that students won’t normally hear about (like free will vs. predestination), but it handles those topics in a way that’s relevant for students.

Doug’s note: Love it! So creative!

This four-week series walks students through the book of Exodus, using The Wizard of Oz and the yellow-brick road as a launching point for looking at the narrative of the book as well as the ways in which it applies to our lives today. Students will finish the series having a better understanding of this important Old Testament book, as well as being challenged to courageously follow the leading of God.

Week 1: “Be a Lion, Not a Mouse”
Looking at the opening stories of the midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, and their refusal to obey Pharaoh’s command to kill Hebrew baby boys, and the story of Moses killing an Egyptian in secret and fleeing to Midian, students are challenged to have the courage of a lion in following God and standing against what is wrong.

Week 2: “How About a Little Fire?”
In Exodus 3–4, Moses speaks with God at the burning bush, giving five excuses for why he cannot do what God says. Students will be challenged to both follow God’s leading, as well as find hope in God’s encouragement to Moses.

Week 3: “If I Only Had a Heart”
Ten times Exodus records that Pharaoh hardened his heart against God. Ten times Exodus records that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. In this lesson, students explore the concepts of free will and predestination.

Week 4: “There’s No Place Like Home”
The second half of Exodus is focused on giving the law and creating the tabernacle. Exodus closes with God dwelling in His new “home,” the tabernacle. Students will explore God’s holiness, His sovereignty, and His presence with us.

This Resource Includes:
• 4 Complete Message Manuscripts
• Small Group Discussion Guides
• Title and Background Slide
• Social media images and story graphics for each week
• PowerPoint presentations
• Student Handouts