I attended Breakaway in the mid-90s and it was a wonderful activity that my friends were able to do together. Gregg Matte was a fantastic speaker and very relevant. The two worship leaders (just keyboard, acoustic guitar and a drum machine) did an amazing job.

I know it's a much bigger production now in Reed arena. Big band, different speakers...

What's the current thought and feeling about this ministry? I brought my daughter to new student conference and they were passing out t-shirts so I know they are still a big part of campus ministries.

Is it still recommended or is it completely different that I need to pay attention to?

Numbers-wise, searches show it ranged from 1,700 to 9,000. That a big difference. 1,700 is very small considering they averaged 4k+ in the mid-90s. Anyway, just some curiosity.

My info is obviously out of date, but I was at A&M from 2008-2014 and it grew progressively over my college tenure. My last couple of years, they were gradually outgrowing backup venues for when Reed was booked with other events; often necessitating a move to Kyle or Olsen. Also, it would typically have its largest attendance during the first few weeks of each semester and then would drop over the course of the semester as people were occupied with studying, tests (particularly common exams that would be scheduled at the same time), other organizations, etc. it would typically fill around 3/4 of Reed at the start of the semester, then would work its way down to probably around 1/3-1/2. Ben Stuart was the lead teacher during my time, I know that he is now pastoring in DC.

I'm even more out of date, class of 05.

I'd go occasionally. It was good opportunity for worship and a good message and to see other Christians beyond my circle.

Probably the most impactful night was September 11, 2001. Was a Tuesday. Sure didn't feel like much worshipping thay night, but went. Greg had us pray in small groups, giving us different topics. The victims, survivors, first responders, national leaders, military, then the last one was tough, the terrorists and their families. Left that night feeling better about God and our country.

I would say it is a good support ministry, but should not be viewed as ones church. I think they would agree.

My church was Grace Bible Church. I was there every Sunday, plus involved in their Bible studies. They had a freshmen only on campus Bible study called doulos, then growth group Bible studies for other classes.

Learned a lot, grew a lot. They have a big focus on missions and teaching how to study the Bible.

Unless being Baptist is really important to you, like your grandparents wonder why you've abandoned your faith if you visit a different church, then Grace Bible Church is a great place to check out.

Grace Bible and Breakaway was the go-to combination in the 90s to!

Viewed a couple of sessions and it kind of just feels like a normal trendy non-denominational Sunday service. Big band, similar style preaching. Nothing against it but I can see student using it as a replacement for Sundays.

94chem said:

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Unless being Baptist is really important to you, like your grandparents wonder why you've abandoned your faith if you visit a different church, then Grace Bible Church is a great place to check out.

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Agree. We like Brazos Fellowship.

Breakaway was a vital lifeline for me and my faith development at TAMU. This was in the mid 2000s and I will be forever grateful for Ben Stuart and The Smith Band.

I would obviously question it or any religious group your kids may be interested in today. I know it can be mostly a social club for a lot of students, but that's the truth with any faith based organization or even church.

For a mature Christian, it may not be something to be heavily relied on, but for the younger Christian I hope it is having the impact on them like it did me.