Strange Things - New Series

A new 3-week youth ministry series about what to do when life feels strange and upside down. Using themes from Stranger Things, students will see how God’s truth cuts through the noise, gives them a solid foundation for navigating friendships, and turns what tries to break them into what shapes them. How is this teaching series different than our other ones? Stranger Things Trivia - A fun screen game to play with students before the lesson. It's an "everyone plays" kind of game. All slides included. Reflection Activities - Each lesson includes a personal activity that helps students process the message through reflection and prayer. Does not include opening games with every lesson. This series was released in early December 2025 and draws primarily from themes in Season 5, with additional elements from other seasons as well. You can order this series individually here on this page or get it as a part of the 2026 New Year's Bundle.  2026 NEW YEAR'S BUNDLE The bundle saves you 83% on $602 worth of youth ministry lessons and games for New Year’s and beyond. Get 5 bonus series if you order by December 18. Series Overview Lesson 1: From Upside Down Lies to God’s Truth Stranger Things Connection:  In Season 5, Holly Wheeler is being deceived by Mr. Whatsit. She thinks he is friendly and harmless at first, only to discover he is actually leading her into danger. Bible: Jesus in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11) Big Idea: Not every voice you hear is true. God’s truth cuts through the noise. Main Points: Lies pull you toward unhealthy choices. Think about what lies hit you the hardest. Use Scripture as a filter for truth. Lesson 2: When Friendships Feel Upside Down Stranger Things Connection:  In Season 4, Lucas gets pulled between his old friends and the basketball crowd, leaving the group feeling abandoned and everything between them turned upside down. In Season 3, Mike and Eleven proved how fast things can blow up when miscommunication, fear, and hurt feelings collide. Bible: Psalm 62:5-8 and Romans 12:17-18 Big Idea: Friendships can feel upside down, but God gives us the foundation and wisdom we need to navigate them well. Main Points: When your friend circle shifts, your foundation has to be God, not your friend group. Good friends don’t run from conflict. They work through it with wisdom. Lesson 3: Shaped in the Upside Down Stranger Things Connection:  In Season 5, Will learns his past hurt was part of a bigger story, not the end of it. Bible: The Story of Joseph (Genesis 37-50) Big Idea: With God’s help, the hurts and life challenges you face don’t define or break you, they shape you. Main Points: Your life challenges and hurts don’t define you. What breaks you can also build you. God is still working even when you can’t see it. This series is only available as a download. What’s Included? Series artwork for promotional purposes (cover slide and blank text slide) Social media graphics Lessons come in both Word & PDF format. Edit as needed and easily share with volunteers. Stranger Things Trivia Screen Game Creative, relevant teachings Reflection Activities Engaging small group discussion questions