Games are a big part of most work with children and young people. Do we play games to fill time and ‘let the kids run off steam’ or are they more significant than that? A short workshop introducing people to a few new games and getting people thinking about why we might play them.
2. What’s our
purpose?
“And so we know and rely
on the love God has for
us. God is love. Whoever
lives in love lives in God,
and God in them.”
1 John 4:16
What is our heart for
the children and
young people we’re
working with?
• That they might
know God
• That they might
love God
3. Do we see games as a
key way of fulfilling our
purpose?
4. Games can help children and
young people to know God
• Taking into account
different learning styles
Illustrating stories
• Demonstrating themes
• Learning from example
• Practical rather than
theoretical knowledge
“Play is a valuable tool
for reinforcing and
cementing learning”
“Games at youth
group are like sermon
illustrations”
Leah Dyason
‘Youth Games with purpose’
5. Games can help children and
young people to love God
• Worship – whole of our
lives giving glory to God
• Recognising, developing
and using God given gifts
(e.g. Leadership skills)
• Being part of Christ’s
body – the Church.
Getting to know each
other better and
engaging in fellowship
12. Making Use of Resources
• Ultimate Games -
http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/58740.id#.Vh_WZ_lV
ikp
• Fill The Gap –
http://www.brfonline.org.uk/9780857460042/
• Youth Group Games App– Just go to the app store,
windows phone store or google play and search
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/bdbeinspire/
ICEBREAKER – What is your favourite game? In 3s or 4s
Discipleship – being a follower of Christ
New developments in the last decade have helped people to begin to think about play activities less as time fillers and energy user uppers and more as opportunities for witness, worship & discipleship (which includes fellowship):
Godly play - “In most religious education children are told who God is. In Godly Play children discover who God is.”
Messy Church
Christians in Sport
YFC Nomad Team
Can be great for witness – consider accessibility etc. though
Learning Styles - God made us unique. Play is important for personal and social development so investing in it shows that we care holistically for children and young people. It doesn’t just help them to learn about God’s love, it shows it to them.
Role models – attitude
Pais SWAP luncheon on discipleship:
Beyond Education to experience
Experiences build relationship
Don’t just ‘hear this’ instead ‘get involved’ in this
How can we be intentional? How can we communicate to young people and to the wider church that this too is discipleship and that different aspects of discipleship are important
How much time do we spend on the preparation of the talk?
What will your group remember?
Is it time to invest some more time in games?
Does it flow?
Speaking about Daniel’s choice and playing ‘This OR That’
Speaking about fruit of the Spirit and playing ‘Fruit Salad’
Doesn’t need to be a complicated message in each game but can there be something that connects it into what you’re doing?
Different games can have different purposes. It’s ok to just have fun but who’s joining in and have you showed your group that you think it’s worth investing in fun?
You don’t have to be running around. Does your group love puzzles? Could you make a giant Sudoku and chat about challenges?
HANDOUT!
Supersize it or make it into a conversation starter
Jenga
Playing Cards
Beach Ball
Twister, Noughts & Crosses
Playing real life monopoly in London
Pin the tail on the donkey
Jigsaws
Ultimate Games – Scripture Union Book for Children’s leaders - Ultimate Games is crammed full of creative and imaginative ways to help you and your group explore the Bible through playing games.
Patrick Goodland £9.99
Fill The Gap - 120 instant Bible games for Sunday schools and midweek groups
Rebecca Parkinson £8.99
Youth Games – Completely Free
