Are you the youth leader who loves games or the one who detests them? Either way, I think we’d all agree they’re something we need to think through as we’re strategically planning to impact the lives of youth.
Despite what some may say, games are not a youth group necessity—but you can use them to help grow three vitally important things in youth group. Here they are:
1. Relational connections
Relationships are hugely important to helping students grow in their faith. When we study how Jesus led his 12 core disciples, we can see that He prioritized relationships. He spent time with them—going fishing with them, taking them on trips, praying with them, eating with them, and generally “doing life” with them.
Similarly, as youth leaders, you spend time with your students, but likely not as much as Jesus did. So how can we accelerate the process of making those connections? Through games! Games can foster interactions that wouldn’t happen any other way and encourage students’ to put their guard down.
For some fresh ideas, check out our ultimate games list here.
2. Biblical understanding
If you’re trying to paint a picture of a biblical principal, the article youth group games with a purpose, can be a great place to start.
This web page has seven fun games that help students understand biblical principles, including:
- helping students know that God has given them a mission.
- teaching students how to hear what God wants from them.
- helping students learn to wait on God amid their busy lives.
- teaching students to understand how important the Bible is.
- and more!
Another great resource is the article games with spiritual applications. You’ll find five game options, and although several are classics, this article helps you see how to tie the game into a spiritual perspective and provides transition paragraphs you can use to segue into a lesson.
3. G.O.S.P.E.L. memorization
Last, but certainly not least, games are a fantastic way to help your students memorize a clear way to articulate the Gospel using the Life in 6 Words acrostic. This acrostic can have a powerful impact on a student’s life—both for their own understanding and when they share it with others. In fact, it’s so crucial that every student should get it memorized.
And what better way to achieve that than through a game? Check out our Gospel Games resource for a variety of fun ideas to help your students commit this important message to memory.
Whether or not you enjoy games, if you use them right, they can help students grow in their relationships within the group and in their walk with God. Games provide a chance to relax, connect, and feel accepted, all while having fun. These moments help students stick around, open up, and build trust with those guiding them in their biblical studies. Rethinking how you approach and choose games can set your students up for even deeper engagement in lessons, discussions, and other group connection times.
