YOUTH GROUP GAME ON FATHER’S DAY

Bible: Proverbs 3:12 (NLT)

Bottom Line: Fathers will guide, and sometimes correct you, in an effort to lead you in the right way.

SUPPLIES

• Balloons

• List of “Dad Jokes”

• Slips of paper and a pen

GAME PREP

Write or print the “Dad Jokes” on slips of paper.

Each joke has two parts (as indicated on the list of jokes).

Inflate balloons and place one slip of paper inside each balloon.

Spread balloons all over your youth space.

Divide students into two teams of equal size.

For each of the following jokes write each half on a separate slip of paper.

The second half of the joke is marked as bold and italicized.

“DAD JOKES”

MOM: "How do I look?" "DAD: "With your eyes."

Don't trust atoms. They make up everything!

KID: "Dad, make me a sandwich!" "DAD: "Poof, you’re a sandwich!”

Why couldn't the bike stand up by itself? It was two tired.

What time did the man go to the dentist? Tooth hurt-y.

When you ask a dad if he's alright: "No, I’m half left.”

Can February March? No, but April May!

Why did the crab never share? Because he's shellfish.

You know what the loudest pet you can get is? A trumpet.

Did you hear about the circus fire? It was in tents!

WAITRESS: "Soup or salad?" DAD: "I don't want a SUPER salad. I want a regular salad."

How does a penguin build its house? Igloos it together.

Why did the coffee file a police report? It got mugged.

Want to hear a joke about a piece of paper? Never mind... it's tearable.

What do you call a lonely cheese? Provolone.

What do you call a fish with two knees? A “two-knee” fish.

What do you call a fake noodle? An Impasta.

How many apples grow on a tree? All of them.

What do you call cheese that isn't yours? Nacho Cheese.

Dad, can you put my shoes on? No, I don't think they'll fit me.

HOW TO PLAY THE GAME

Say: We're going to play a quick game called "Dad Jokes."

Raise your hand if you know someone who tells “dad jokes.”

Dads are infamous for corny jokes and puns that they expect others to laugh at…whether they are funny or not.

So, in this game, you will have the job of matching up all of the knee slappers that are contained inside of these balloons.

In each balloon, is one half of a “dad joke.”

When I say GO, each person will pop one or more balloons until all of the balloons are gone.

Read the slip of paper that was inside of the balloon – it will be half of the dad joke.

You will gather together with your team and see if you can match your half with the slips of paper that your teammates have.

After you have matched as many as possible, there will be halves that don’t match up.

That means that the other half is held by someone on the other team – who will have also realized which halves also don’t match.

Everyone who is holding a leftover piece will then step forward so everyone can seen who remains.

At this point, I will choose a team to start this next portion of the game.

One person from the designated team will walk to someone on the other side, which is holding a leftover piece.

If they choose the person who is holding the other half of their joke, they can take their piece of paper.

If they choose the wrong person, they will give their piece of paper to someone on the opposing team, and their turn is over.

Then, the other team will take their turn.

This will continue until all of the dad jokes are accounted for.

The team with the highest number of matched dad jokes – wins!

TEACH

Say: In the United States, we have been celebrating Father’s Day since around 1910.

A woman named Sonora Smart Dodd, suggested a holiday to honor men like her dad.

William Jackson Smart was a Civil War Veteran and a single dad who raised six children.

His daughter considered him to be a man worthy of honor.

In fact, the holiday is recognized on the first Sunday in June because Sonora suggested that it should be celebrated on her dad's birthday, June 5th.

“Father’s Day” was created as a complimentary holiday to Mother’s Day, which had become a recognized holiday a few years prior.

Moms are pretty great – think of all they do for you and contribute to in your life.

So, it’s no wonder that they were given a special day first.

But dads play a very vital role in our lives too.

Throughout history, men have provided, protected, cared for, and raised families.

Not every dad has done a great job and if you are fortunate enough to have one that has, be sure to show him love and respect for all he’s done.

One of the roles of a father, or parent, is to discipline his children.

The word “discipline” comes from the word disciple, meaning that parents are teaching their children how to act by leading with their own actions.

That’s not always true in every family, but let’s see what the Bible has to say.

Read Proverbs 3:12.

For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

In this verse, King Solomon, the author of Proverbs, likens our Heavenly Father to our earthly father in how they “correct” their children.

Let's face it; it's not fun to be corrected.

No one likes to have their faults or what they are doing wrong exposed to others, but often that’s how we experience the most growth in our lives.

Ask: Can someone share a time that one of your parents gave you “correction”?

How did you react? Did it help you?

Allow a few responses from students.

Share a personal experience with students about a time when one of your parents corrected or disciplined you in a certain area, and what you learned from it.

Believe it or not, but when you receive correction, it’s because your parent is trying to keep you from making some of the same mistakes they may have made.

If your dad is tough on you about finishing things that you start, it might be because that was an area he struggled with at your age.

If your parents warn you about certain relationships, it could be that they have experienced hurt from others that they don’t want you to experience.

The beginning of the verse, we read said that "the Lord corrects those he loves." 

God knows the beginning, middle, and end of your life, and He loves you.

He desires to guide, and sometimes correct you, in an effort to lead you in the right way.

The second part of the verse says, “just as a father corrects a child in whom He delights.”

That means that the basis of correction from your dad also comes from his love for you.

When you understand that the people in your life generally correct you because they love you, you might be more willing to accept and grow from it.

If you don’t have a great relationship with your dad, you need to know that you will always have unconditional love from God.

And you can pray that God will send people into your life that can show you the same kind of love that God has for you. 

YOUTH GROUP GAME ON SERVING OTHERS

Bible: 1 Peter 4:10

Bottom Line: Serve others because of what you have been given, and not what you can get.

SUPPLIES

• Table

• 2 Serving trays (similar to what a waiter would use)

• 5 of each of the following items:

• Plastic forks
• Plastic spoons
• Plastic knives
• Styrofoam cups
• Styrofoam bowls
• Styrofoam plates
• Napkins

•  2 sets of salt and pepper shakers

• Clipboard with paper and pen

GAME PREP

Set up a long table at the front of your game play space.

Add the items listed above to the table at the front – spread them out.

Divide students into two teams of equal size and have them form two straight lines at the opposite end of where the table has been placed.

Give each team a serving tray.

Hand the clipboard to a leader who will keep score throughout the game.

Have the person with the “Order Up! List” stand in the middle between the teams and the table.

HOW TO PLAY THE GAME

Say: Today, we’re talking about serving others.

One of the things that immediately comes to mind when I think of serving is – servers.

Waiters and waitresses make a living by serving others and sometimes their job can be difficult depending on how great their customers are acting.

I’m always impressed by those that can remember an entire table’s worth of orders without writing anything down – that’s definitely a skill.

So, that is the inspiration for our game.

When the game begins, one person from each team will grab their team’s serving tray, run to me (if you are the person holding the “Order Up! List.”), and I will give you an “order” that you have to fulfill.

Then, I will quickly read a list of items that you will fetch from the items on the table and then say “Order Up!”

You can’t write the order down and I won’t read it again – you will just have to do your best to remember what I said.

You want to be the first person to return to me with the correct items in order to win a point for your team.

Now, if you see the other team make it back before you finish getting the items, still try!

If the other team is incorrect, you will still have the opportunity to win a point.

But once a team is correct, that round is over.

You will return the items to the table and go back to your team with your tray.

Then, the next round will begin.

When everyone has taken a turn, we will tally the points and see which team is the winner.

You can repeat the list of items as much as needed until everyone has had a turn in the game.

ORDER UP! LIST

       • 2 forks, 1 napkin, a salt shaker, and a spoon – ORDER UP!

       • 1 plate, a bowl, a knife, and 2 cups – ORDER UP!

       • 2 spoons, a pepper shaker, 2 forks, 1 plate, and a napkin - ORDER UP!

       • 2 knives, a plate, a salt shaker, a pepper shaker, and a cup - ORDER UP!

       • A cup, a plate, a bowl, a spoon, a napkin, and a fork - ORDER UP!

       • 2 napkins, a plate, a knife, and a cup - ORDER UP!

       • 2 plates, 2 cups, 2 spoons, a salt shaker, and a knife - ORDER UP!

       • A pepper shaker, a spoon, a bowl, and a cup - ORDER UP!

       • 2 bowls, 2 napkins, 2 forks, 2 napkins - ORDER UP!

       • A fork, a spoon, a knife, a napkin, a bowl, a cup, a plate, and a salt and

         pepper shaker - ORDER UP!       

TEACH

Say: Wow! That was awesome.

You are able to remember things really well.

Let me ask you this…

Ask: Do you remember the last time someone went out of their way to do something for you? 

I’m talking about something that was over and above what they had to do – and they did it just to be nice.

Allow a few responses from students.

Follow-up question: What do you think was the motive behind what they did?

Allow a few more responses from students.

In our world, it’s often uncommon for people to be kind or do something for someone else.

But in the Bible, we see a standard of serving others that goes beyond just being “nice” and instead, reflects the heart of God.

Read 1 Peter 4:10.

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

Here are three quick reasons why you should serve others:

• 1. Jesus served others and so should we.

Read John 13:15.

I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.

This Bible verse follows the story of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet – an act of ultimate service.

Jesus wasn’t necessarily telling us to wash each other’s feet.

He was giving us the perfect example of what it means to have a servant’s heart… to care for the needs of others above your own, even if it’s uncomfortable.

Jesus, the Savior of the world, repeatedly humbled himself to show us that to be the greatest of all you must become the servant of all.

• 2. Serving others keeps you humble.

If you have ever worked in a soup kitchen, given clothes to the homeless, or helped anyone in need, it makes you aware of how much you have.

When you see those who own little and are happy and content, it can cause you to take a hard look at what you might take for granted in your life.

Do you appreciate your home, clothes, food, education, family?

Maybe you have a little more gratitude when you look at your own situation in life in comparison to those who are struggling.

Not only that, but serving others means humbling yourself.

You take the focus off of yourself and put it on someone else, even for just a little while.

• 3. Everyone has something to give.

One thing that often keeps people from serving others is they think they don’t have anything to offer.

But everyone has something to give to others because God has given to you.

You can give your time to listen and care for others.

You can use the talents you’ve been given to bless someone else… sing at an assisted living residence, crochet a blanket for a pregnancy center, or volunteer to tutor at an after-school program for younger students.

Or even just have an awareness of the needs around you.

You can pick up garbage, rake your neighbor’s yard, offer to babysit, help around the house without being asked…

Believe it or not, serving is a privilege and opportunity that we should be joyful and ready to experience.

Today, I want you to remember to serve others because of what you have been given, and not what you can get.

It will change your perspective and help you understand the example that Jesus gave for us to follow. 

YOUTH GROUP GAME ON JOY

Bible: John 15:11

Bottom Line: God’s joy dwells in you as you dwell in Him.

SUPPLIES

• Index cards
• Timer (optional)

GAME PREP

Before students arrive, write down a variety of items on index cards.

Be sure to choose things that can be easily described.

Some words you might consider using are: candy, kitten, tornado, cheeseburger, elephant, etc.

Divide students into two teams of equal size.

Choose one person from each team to be the “contestant.”

Both people will stand facing each other at the front of the room.

Have a leader stand at the front and hold a timer/stopwatch.

HOW TO PLAY THE GAME

In this game, students will race against the clock to come up with as many descriptive words as they can to describe an animal, food, object, etc. 

When the game begins, the leader will put 10 seconds on the clock and then call out the word on a card.

Each contestant will take turns saying one word that describes the word on the card until one contestant can no longer describe the word or time’s up.

For example, if you call out "trash" one contestant would say, "smelly" and the other would say "gross," etc.

The winner of each round will be the contestant that can call out the most words to describe the word on the card before time’s up.

Descriptive words must not be duplicated for the same card.

The winning contestant will add one point to his or her team.

Then, two more contestants will be chosen, and the next round will begin.

The team with the most points at the end of the game will win!

TEACH

Say: As we played that game, some of you sounded like you would explode as you were coming up with answers - you wanted your team to win!

Ask: Have you ever been so happy that you felt like you would burst?

What occasion or event caused you to feel that way?

Allow a few responses from students. 

Wouldn’t it be great if we could continuously feel that kind of happiness?

Ask: Have you ever experienced a disappointment that left you feeling like all happiness was sucked out of your life?

What caused that feeling?

Allow a few responses from students.

Did you notice that everyone’s answers were different?

Why? Because our experiences and lives are all different from each other.

One thing all of us have in common is a desire to be happy.

In 2017, Time Magazine conducted a survey that found only 33% of the American population says they are happy.

So, that means that if I look around this room about 3 out of every 10 people would say they feel happy.

Ask: If you don’t feel happy, then how you do feel?

What do you think people would say who don’t feel happy?

Allow a few responses from students.

Unfortunately, happiness is a fleeting feeling – it doesn’t last forever because it’s a feeling.

The Bible makes a significant distinction between joy and happiness.

When the word “happy” or “happiness” is mentioned, it’s referring to a feeling, like we just mentioned.

Romans 12:15 (NLT) says… “Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.”

2 Corinthians 7:16 (NLT) says “I am very happy now because I have complete confidence in you.”

But joy is not a feeling or emotion; it goes much deeper than that.

Read John 15:11. (NLT)

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Do you think of God/Jesus as being joyful?

Because in this scripture we read that God desires that His joy will dwell in you and become part of who you are.

It’s actually an extension of God’s joy that lives in you.

Joy can overcome anything and everything in this world if it's allowed.

If it's chosen.

With joy, there is hope.

With joy, hardship offers growth and opportunity.

Joy is a state of being, a state of peace and content.

Let’s also think about this… God always does everything to the fullest.

He doesn’t partially save and redeem you – He completely redeems your life.

He doesn't give you partial peace; He gives you total peace in your heart, soul, and mind.

So, of course, God wants your joy to be “full.”

Raise your hand if you’ve ever thought this before – “I could be happy if _______.”

Maybe the “blank” in your life is….

If I had a best friend or someone to talk to…

If my parents didn’t fight…

If my family had more money…

If I made better grades in school…

The difference between happiness and joy is that you can have empty blanks in your life and still feel peace, hope, and joy.

How? Because God doesn't leave you with empty blanks – He fills them and makes you complete.

Even if everything in your life isn’t perfect, God’s joy can dwell in you as you dwell in Him.

YOUTH GROUP GAME ON GENEROSITY

Bible: 1 Timothy 6:18

Bottom Line: You are truly rich when you share with others.

SUPPLIES

• Painter’s or masking tape
• 2, Two-liter bottles of soda
• 100, 8-oz Styrofoam cups

GAME PREP

Create two circles out of painter’s/masking tape – one at each end of your youth space. 

The circle should be about the size of a large hula hoop.

Use the tape to make two small X’s in the middle of each circle.

Place a two-liter bottle on one of the Xs in each circle.

Divide your students into two teams of equal size.

Assign each team to a circle and have the team stand near their circle.

Give each team 50 Styrofoam cups and have them distribute them equally among their teammates.

Have each team choose one person from their team that will stand on the other X in the middle of their team’s circle.

HOW TO PLAY THE GAME

Say: In life, sometimes you give and sometimes you receive.

In this game, your goal is to give more than you receive.

Each of your teams has been assigned a circle.

You have chosen one person from your team to stand in the middle of your team’s circle.

During the entire game, that person must keep one foot on the X in the middle of the circle - otherwise, they can move around as needed.

Your teams have been given 50 Styrofoam cups.

When I say, GO, your goal is to begin placing your team’s Styrofoam cups inside of the other team’s circle without being tagged by the person standing inside of the circle.

If you can place a cup in the other team's circle, you must run back to your team's circle and back again before you can try to add another cup.

The person inside the circle will try to tag the people that are placing cups in the circle.

If you are tagged, you have to run back to your team’s circle, sit down (outside of the circle) and wait for someone on your team to successfully place a cup in the other team’s circle.

Then, that person can come back and tag one person from the team (who is sitting down) to go back into the game.

Also, in each team’s circle is a 2-liter bottle.

If at any point, a team can "steal" the 2-liter bottle out of the other team's circle, here's what will happen.

You will bring the 2-liter back to your team’s circle, remove all of the cups that the other team has placed in your circle, and then put the 2-liter back in the other team’s circle.

That means that the other team is essentially starting over with no cups in the other circle.

Here are a couple of other things to note…

When you are placing cups in the other team’s circle, feel free to stack them… but remember that one person can only add one cup at a time.

The person inside the circle can’t remove cups that have been placed in their circle – they can only tag people.

There is no pushing or shoving allowed.

It is to your advantage to try and distract the person in the middle of the circle so one of your teammates can try to grab their 2-liter bottle.

You cannot have people from your team guard your team’s circle.

Instead, they should try to place cups in the other team’s circle.

At the end of the game, the team with the most cups in the other team's circle wins the game.

Play the game as long as time allows.

TEACH 

Say: Sometimes people spend money on really crazy things.

Tell me something you have purchased that someone else might consider a waste of money or really extravagant.

Allow a few responses from students.

Share a personal story of an instance when you spent money on something “extravagant.”

I did a little research and found a couple of examples of extravagant spending…

Beyonce spent $100,000 on a pair of gold Balenciaga leggings – she wore them one time.

A British man grew tired of his imaginary friend, so he sold him on eBay… for $3,000.

An Australian man paid $1.3 million to have a roll of gold toilet paper made for him.

I think we can probably agree that none of those things would be considered a “necessity.”

It’s very difficult to live in our world without money.

Ask: What types of necessities do we use money for? What do we need to buy in order to survive?

Allow a few responses from students.

Practically everything requires money – it's essential in our society.

So, God has something to say in the Bible about how we use our money.

Read 1 Timothy 6:18.

Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

The apostle Paul wrote the Book of 1 Timothy as a letter to a young preacher named, Timothy.

He is encouraging Timothy to instruct the people in his church in what it means to be genuinely generous.

The first thing we read in this scripture is that if God is telling us to “do good” with our money, then there must be the potential to do bad, as well.

Whether you have a lot or a little, there is always the possibility that you can become stingy, greedy, hoard what you have, or even be tempted to steal from others.

So, Paul tells Timothy one of the keys to making sure that we use our money to do good – be generous.

A generous person gives more than anyone would expect… and it isn’t just limited to money.

Generous people share their time, possessions, and even their knowledge and wisdom, with others.

Raise your hand if you are good at “sharing with others.”

If you have any younger siblings or have ever had a babysitting job, you might know that toddlers aren't very good at sharing.

In fact, toddlers think like this…

If I want it, IT'S MINE!

If I give it to you and change my mind later, IT'S MINE!

If I can take it away from you, IT'S MINE!

If it's mine, it will never belong to anybody else, No matter what.

If we are building something together, All the pieces are mine!

If it looks just like mine, IT'S MINE!

If it breaks or needs putting away, IT'S YOURS!

(Poem by Dr. Burton L. White)

Ask: None of you are toddlers, but is there anything you own that would be difficult for you to share with someone else? Why?

Allow responses from students. Be careful to encourage conversation, rather than make them feel guilty for their honesty.

We tend to love the things we own because they have meaning to us.

Maybe you own something you worked really hard for, or someone you really love gives you something priceless to you.

So, imagine how much sharing and being generous with those things that have significant meaning to you reflects the heart of God.

God gave us Jesus, His Son, who was very valuable to Him – but He held nothing back because of His love for us.

Giving and sharing with others teaches us to trust God to continue to provide for us.

If you give something away, you have to trust that God will also give and take care of you.

Ask: Can you think of a time someone was generous towards you? What did they give to you?

Allow a few responses from students.

Some of the things you mentioned were valuable, and some were not as valuable, but very sentimental.

It's not about how much you can give because even when we can't give much, God can do much with it.

When you think about what you have, it might not seem like you have a lot, but whatever you have, God can use it.

It’s more about the heart behind giving – whether it's giving to God or others.

And God wants you to be generous.

To see other’s needs and ask, “how can I help?”

To think about your needs last, and those around you first.

And to be ready to serve others generously with your time and resources.

Because of what God has done for us we know that we are truly rich when we share with others.

YOUTH GROUP GAME ON CREATION

Bible: Colossians1:15-16; Romans 8:20-21; 2 Peter 3:13

Bottom Line: Everything was created by God and finds its purpose in Him.

SUPPLIES 

• Balloons (one per person)
• 16 Solo Cups
• 2 Tables
• 16 Slips of paper and a pen

GAME PREP

Divide students into two teams of equal size and give each person a balloon.

Set up two tables at the front of your youth space and place 8 Solo cups on each table.

Divide the slips of paper into two stacks of eight. 

Write the individual letters of the word CREATION on each slip of paper in the stack (one stack for each team). 

Fold the slips of paper in half and place one piece in each team’s cups.

Now, each team has one letter to the word CREATION on individual slips of paper in each cup.

Make sure the letters are mixed up and not in order of the spelling of the word.

Have teams form single file lines, with the first person in line standing directly in front of his team’s table.

Note: Don’t share the subject of today’s lesson before the game, or you will give away the word the teams will be unscrambling. 

HOW TO PLAY THE GAME 

Say: As we jump into this game, I need each of you to blow up your balloon, but don’t tie it. Just hold the end tightly in your hands.

This game will be played as a relay. You will take your turn after the person in front of you takes his turn. 

When I say GO, the first person in the front of each line will use the air in his or her balloon to try to shoot down or knock over a Solo cup. 

When the air in your balloon is gone, you will run to the back of your line and the next person in line will take his turn.

While you are waiting in line to take another turn, you will re-inflate your balloon and hold it in your hand. 

At no point throughout the game can you touch your Solo cups or attempt to knock them over in any way other than with the air in your balloon. 

There will be a 10 second penalty for your team if a team member touches a cup. 

In each Solo cup is a piece of paper with a letter on it. 

Once all of your team’s cups are knocked over or knocked off of your table, your team will quickly grab all of the pieces of paper and unscramble the letters to reveal the topic of today’s lesson. 

The first team to knock down all their cups and unscramble the words WINS! 

TEACH

Say: We really went through a lot to discover the topic for today’s lesson, but you got it right! We’re talking about CREATION.

By this time in your life, you have probably heard the story of how God created the heavens and the earth dozens of times, if not more.

Today, I want us to talk about something you may have never thought of before now. 

Read Colossians1:15-16. 

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. 

He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. 

Raise your hand if you already knew that Jesus was present with God at the time the world was created. 

Ask: Okay. If you didn’t raise your hand, where do you think Jesus was when the world was created?

Allow a few responses from students.

If you didn’t raise your hand, maybe it’s because you’ve never thought about it or you have never read this portion of scripture in the Bible.

Maybe some of you thought that Jesus didn’t exist until He was born on the earth.

But throughout the Bible, we read repeatedly that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit have always existed. 

That’s one of those things that, no matter how long you sit and think about it, your mind simply cannot grasp: that God has always been and will always be.

Everything in our lives has a beginning and an end—a time when it was created and when it will no longer exist.

Ask: List some things that have been around forever that we can’t imagine living life without.

Allow a few responses from students. Share a couple of things you couldn’t live without.

Every single thing you mentioned was created, either by God Himself, or by the wisdom He has given man.

We know that because we just read it: “…God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.”

Each of us have a beginning and an end. We were born and someday our bodies will die.

But, listen to this:

Read Romans 8:20-21.

Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.  

Did you know that it was never God’s plan for any of His creation to die?

When sin entered the world through man’s disobedience to God, not only did we become subject to the effects of sin, but all of creation was now under its curse. 

Jesus was present when the world was created, He was there when mankind sinned against God, and He came to the earth to redeem it all back to God.

In these verses in Romans we read that “with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom…”

In the Bible we read that all of creation (trees, rocks, flowers, animals, mountains, oceans, etc.) worships God. Right now, it suffers the effects of sin: death.

But there is hope.

Read 2 Peter 3:13. 

But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth He has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.

One day, God will restore all of creation back to the way He intended it to be.

Everything was created by God and finds its purpose in Him.

Right now, we have the opportunity, as part of His creation, to willingly love God and fulfill the purposes He has for our lives. 

Not everyone responds to this opportunity; it’s a choice that God gives to us.

Without God as the center of who you are and what you do, you will never live the life He has for you… and it’s a pretty amazing life. 

The next time you look at your phone and think, I could never live without this, I want you to remember the great lengths that God went to in sending Jesus because He doesn’t want you to live without Him.

You’re a really important part of His creation.

YOUTH GROUP GAME ON HUMILITY

Bible: James 3:13

Bottom Line: Live well, live wisely, live humbly.

SUPPLIES 

• Timer
• Ball 

GAME PREP

Divide students into two teams of equal size and have them form single file lines.

Have a copy of this on hand: Z Y X W V U T S R Q P O N M L K J I H G F E D C B A

You will need a timer or stopwatch to use throughout the game.

HOW TO PLAY THE GAME

Say: Raise your hand if you have learned your alphabet.

Great! You should have no problem playing this game.

This is one of those games that sounds much easier to play than it actually is. 

I will choose one of your teams to go first and give the first person in line a ball.

The goal of this game is to say the alphabet as fast as you can while passing the ball to the person standing behind you. 

So, you will say a letter, pass the ball backwards, then the next person will say a letter, and pass the ball backwards, and on and on.

When the person at the end of the line receives the ball, he or she will turn around and so will everyone else on their team. 

Now, the last person is the first person, the ball will begin to be passed backwards again, and the alphabet will continue.

Your teams will play one-at-a-time because we are going to time each team to see who is able to complete the alphabet the fastest.

If, at any point, someone on your team drops the ball, you will return the ball to the beginning of your line and start over—while the timer is still going. 

When you have explained the rules, you will choose a team to start, and the game will begin.

After both teams have taken a turn, announce which team was the fastest and who won the game. 

Great job!

I know you’re wondering why I thought that was going to be a difficult game because it was pretty easy. 

I forgot to mention… that was just the practice round.

Now, we will play the actual game.

We’re going to do the same thing we just did, but here’s the twist: you’re going to say the alphabet backwards! 

Trust me. It’s much harder than it sounds.

The first person in line will start with “Z,” the next person will say “Y,” and so on.

Do you think it will take your team the same amount of time to complete the alphabet this time?

We will see!

You can play the game best two out of three, or as many times as you would like as long as the students are interested. 

You can also mix the students up in their lines so that their letter changes for every round of the game you play.

TEACH

Say: You guys and gals are really smart, but that doesn’t mean it was easy.

This was probably something you have never done before, unless you have actually practiced saying the alphabet backwards.

Some of you were the weakest link because you weren’t ready when it was your turn or couldn’t think fast enough on your feet—and that’s okay because it was just a game. 

Ask: Have you ever known someone who wasn’t good at something but wanted everyone to think that he was? No names, please.

Allow a few responses from students.

Be careful that they don’t use each other as examples.

It can be tough to admit when we aren’t good at something.

In fact, it can require humility on our part, and that isn’t part of our human nature.

Read James 3:13.

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

This verse points out that there is a humility that comes from wisdom.

Ask: Think about the people you would consider to be “wise.” Are they also humble?

Allow a few responses from students.

Jesus was all-knowing when He was on the earth, but He didn’t act like a know-it-all.

He was humble.

Truly wise people are always humble because they realize their wisdom isn’t their own but comes from God.

When we live with love and respect for each other, following God’s commands and living for him, humility will be part of our character.

It is impossible to be boastful, full of pride, or rude when you are living with wisdom that comes from God.

Ask: What are some reasons that people would act like know-it-alls or try to present themselves as wise, when they really aren’t?

Allow a few responses from students.

Any time we try to live in our own strength, we end up failing, but we don’t want to look like we are failing. No one does! 

So, we try to come across like we have it all together when we’re really falling apart.

Ask: How can God help us realize that we are trying to live in our own strength?

Allow a few responses from students.  

Share a personal experience of when you tried to do something in your own strength and failed.

Many times, we believe that, in order for God to help us, we must be perfect and have it all together.

But that’s a lie we believe that can keep us from turning to God in the times when we are weakest. 

God is always willing to help us when we come to Him in humility, admitting our weaknesses and our desire for Him.

It takes courage to admit your faults and the areas where you need God’s help.

But the truth is that all of us have faults and we all need God, even when it seems like things are going really well.

Watch out for those areas in your life where you think you don’t need God’s help.

At the root of that attitude is pride, which is the opposite of humility.

You will find that the less you think you need God, the more you actually do.

God’s wisdom is always available. If you ask, He will give it to you.

The only way to learn wisdom is by going through situations requiring that you rely on God and not yourself.

I want to leave you with these closing words: Live well, live wisely, live humbly.

YOUTH GROUP GAME ON BETRAYAL

Bible: Psalm 41:9-10; Matthew 26:16, 20

Bottom Line: When you feel betrayed, choose to take your hurt to God, instead of getting revenge. 

SUPPLIES

• Large bag of M & M’s—enough for each student to have 2 pieces of candy
• Small bag of M & M’s—to give as a prize

GAME PREP

Students will play this game individually.

 Give each student two M & M’s.

 HOW TO PLAY THE GAME

Say: Each of you have been given two M & M’s—don’t eat them, and you won’t want to by the time we have finished this game!

Go ahead and put your M & M’s inside of your hands and make a fist.

You can put one in each hand, or both in one hand—it’s totally up to you.

When I say, “Go,” you will walk around this room, holding your hands in front of you.

You will walk up to someone, decide which hand you think they are holding an M & M in, and say, “Show me your right hand” or “Show me your left hand.”

You only get to ask them to show you one hand. 

If that hand is holding an M & M, then they have to give it to you, and they don’t get to challenge you back.

 If it is not, then you don’t get anything and that person can challenge you by saying “Show me your ____ hand.”

 If you run out of M & M’s, then you’re out of the game.

It will become more challenging with the more M & M’s you get!

The goal is to be the person at the end of the game who has the most M & M’s.

Hopefully, the candy will melt in their hands, making for a fun twist!

Award the bag of M & M’s to the person with the most at the end of the game.

TEACH

Say: Some of you were really good at convincing other people which hand you did or didn’t have your M & M’s in!

I’m sure it’s not because any of you have practiced your skills of betrayal.

Ask: What would you consider to be the ultimate betrayal?

For some people, an example would be if your best friend cheered for your favorite football team’s rival; or, if you broke up with your boyfriend/girlfriend and one of your friends started dating them.

So, tell me, what does a betrayal feel like to you?

Allow a few responses from students.

Share a story of your own, but keep it light-hearted because this is a pretty heavy subject.

Read Psalm 41:9.

“Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me." 

This is from a Psalm, a sacred song or poem, written by King David.

In the Book of Psalms, we read stories about David’s greatest triumphs and his personal times of weakness.

David just lays his heart and emotions out there for all of humanity to see—times of great joy, sadness (even depression), love, trust in God, and loss of faith in what God can do.

David experienced it all and shared it with all of us! 

So, in this verse, we read that David’s best friend, someone that he has shared his life with, has turned against him, and he’s hurting.

In a moment of complete honesty, in verse 10, David asks God to “Make me well again, so I can pay them back!”

Wow! Most of us have probably felt like that at one time or another, but maybe we haven’t said it out loud. 

And I think most of us realize that’s not a plan that God could agree with. 

After all, if anyone experienced betrayal and had the opportunity to get revenge, it was Jesus.

He was betrayed by one of His disciples—someone He spent an enormous amount of time with during His final years on earth. 

After traveling with Jesus, watching Him perform miracles, and hearing it proclaimed that He was the Messiah, Judas went to the chief priests (who did not believe Jesus was the Messiah) and asked them what they would give him if he handed Jesus over to them. 

The priests agreed to give him 30 pieces of silver.

Matthew 26:16 says, “From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.”

It didn’t just happen, it was methodically planned and executed.

Ask: How would you feel if you knew one of your friends was plotting to betray you?

Allow a few responses from students. 

The Bible says that Jesus knew Judas was going to betray Him.

Matthew 26:20 says, “When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the Twelve. While they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”

And when Judas asked Jesus if he was the one, Jesus replied, “You have said it.”

When I read this story, I wonder why Judas asked if he was the one who would betray Jesus when he knew it was him!

He knew the plans in his own heart, why did he ask Jesus if he was the one who would betray Him?

We don’t know, but maybe he wondered if Jesus knew.

Maybe he thought that somehow, Jesus didn’t know.

But, Judas’ betrayal led to the death of Jesus.

So, Jesus knew about Judas’ betrayal, did not stop him, and set the ultimate example for us to follow.

In the next few verses, we see Jesus praying and spending time with God.

God can remove our pain and replace it with love and forgiveness; that’s not human nature—it’s something only He can do.

When people you love turn their backs on you, realize that many times it doesn’t have anything to do with you, but rather a personal battle they are fighting within themselves. 

Each of us will work through personal struggles at some point in our lives, and sometimes those around us suffer as a result of the situations we are working through.

Knowing this enables you to look at those who hurt you with compassion because they need God’s help as much as you do.

So, when you are betrayed, choose to take your hurt to God, instead of getting revenge.

God will help you, even when you can't see a path to healing, and will teach you how to help others when they feel betrayed.

YOUTH GROUP GAME ON COMPASSION

Bible: Psalm 145:8; John 13:34-35

Bottom Line: Genuine compassion always leads to action.

SUPPLIES 

• Index cards (enough for each group of students to have 5 pieces)
• Pens/pencils (one for each group of students)
• A bucket
• Index cards with the answers (provided below)

GAME PREP

Divide students into five groups of equal size and have them form huddles.

Give each group five index cards and a pen/pencil.

Place the bucket up front.

Write the following, one word on each index card:

1. H.H.M.H. (Helping Hands Monkey Helpers)
2. T.C.I.F. (Tall Clubs International Foundation)
3. B.B.I. (Best Buddies International)
4. S.O.I. (Sports Outreach Institute)
5. W.B.P. (Women’s Bean Project)

Have a leader on hand that can keep score for all the teams.

HOW TO PLAY THE GAME

Say: How many of you enjoy helping other people?

I’m glad to see that you think it’s important, because it is!

All over the world, there are groups and organizations that help others.

In our game today, we’re going to learn the names of a few of them.

I will read the initials of an organization out loud.

With your huddle, you will come up with a word for each letter of the initials, write them down on your team’s index card, and place them in the bucket.

You will want to come up with something that is super convincing because it will help you win.

For example: If I read the letters “H.F.C.,” you might guess something like, Help Feed Children.

The real answer is: Heroes for Children.

But, if you came up with a convincing answer, then you would get points for every team that chooses your answer—I will tell you more about that in a minute.

I will also place a card with the actual answer in the bucket with everyone else’s answers.

Next, I will read each card out loud.

When I read you team’s answer, don’t make it obvious.

The goal is to write down an answer that is so convincing that the other teams will think it is correct.

Then, we will go around the room and hear which answer your team thinks is the correct one.

After everyone has chosen an answer, I will reveal the real answer.

If your team guessed correctly, you will get two points.

You will also get a point for every team that thought your answer was correct.

The team with the most points after all five rounds, wins!

TEACH

Say: Winning team, how did you feel about that game?

Did you feel bad for the teams that lost the game?

Allow a few responses from students.

Ask: Have you ever felt genuinely sorry for someone?

What situation occurred that made you feel sorry for them?

Allow a few responses from students.

Share a personal story of a time you felt sorry for someone and how you responded with your actions.

Other situations that make us feel sorry, or sad, for someone might be:

If you see someone trip and fall—hopefully, you don’t laugh, but instead, you feel bad for them.

Or when someone tries to do something and they don’t do as well as they had hoped—like being the last runner to finish in a race.

How about when someone is rejected by a friend who turns their back on them or betrays them?

Not only do those types of situations make us feel sorry for the people involved, but they can also produce compassion for others and their situation.

Today, that’s what we’re talking about: compassion.

The meaning of compassion is, “to suffer together.”

It goes beyond just feeling and emotion, and leads to action.

For example: the person that trips and falls while carrying all of their school books—you see them fall, run to them, help them stand, and pick up their books.

Genuine compassion always leads to action.

A person could not say they had compassion if they only watched the person struggle to stand back up, dust themselves off, and keep going without any help.

Compassion is demonstrated in how we act towards others.

In the United States, there are over 1.5 MILLION charities.

I said MILLION.

Typically, a charity is founded out of a desire to help a group of people or a cause.

Most of us are familiar with charities that help kids with cancer, homeless people, or animals who need to be adopted.

But, there are also charities that I’ve never heard of, and maybe you haven’t either, that are one-of-a-kind.

For example, “Shaving Away the Eyebrows” was a charity fundraiser by a man named Si Burgher in Indiana.

Si had to brush his 3-inch eyebrows every day to keep them out of his eyes—wow!

He decided to raise money for a polio foundation by allowing people to trim his eyebrows.

He raised over $1600 for trimming his eyebrows!

Or, there’s this one: “The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.”

Worried about your dog or cat becoming too chubby?

You can give to this foundation that is researching healthy ways to keep our pets from becoming obese. 

Here’s one more—a man named Matt Jones allowed himself to be hit by 21,000 paintballs to demonstrate how many children die from poverty every single day.

He allowed himself to feel pain in order to help others see the number of children who are dying from not having enough food and water.

Each of those stories, although they might seem strange or extreme, represent people who were moved to compassion because they believed in a cause and wanted to make a difference.

As followers of Jesus, we should feel compassion towards others.

Why? Because God has shown compassion for us.

Read Psalm 145:8.

The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

When we look at the people and situations all around us, sometimes it can be difficult to show compassion.

Maybe you get frustrated seeing the situations that people allow themselves to live in.

Why don’t they just change how they live?

Or, it might be difficult to have mercy towards people who don’t show mercy to others.

God could feel the same way about us, but instead, He shows compassion.

He isn’t impatient when we make bad decisions—He loves us.

And God demonstrated the ultimate form of compassion when He sent Jesus to earth.

Ask: How does God show love and compassion to us every day?

Allow a few responses from students.

Ask: Has anyone ever shown compassion to you when you didn’t feel like you deserved it?

How did that affect you?

Allow a few more responses from students.

When we show compassion and mercy to others, whether we feel like they deserve it or not, we are demonstrating the heart of God.

Compassion isn’t based on what we’ve done, deserve, or even what we need.

If compassion was based on whether or not someone deserved it, God would have never shown compassion to us.

Each of us have disobeyed God’s commands and sinned against Him, but God’s compassion is founded in mercy and love.

So, we should be so full of the same mercy and love that God pours into our lives that it flows into the lives of others.

When we do this, we are following what God tells us in His Word:

John 13:34-35 says, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

We show that we are disciples of Jesus when we show love to others.

Ask: When you think about the world around you, how can you demonstrate compassion in how you live?

Is there something that you could do to show compassion?

Allow a few responses from students.

You might want to write down the things the students suggest and consider starting a compassion initiative together as a youth group.

I’m really proud of the ideas you have and the love you have for other people.

Sometimes, when we step out and do something new or out of our comfort zone, it isn’t easy, and sometimes it isn’t even well received.

Just like the compassion God has shown for us, what you do isn’t based on whether or not people appreciate or accept it.

Don’t let the way others respond stop or discourage you from demonstrating compassion.

God sees your heart and He knows the motives behind your actions.

When you show compassion, you are a walking example of God’s love for others, just like Jesus.

And in the end, that’s all that really matters.

YOUTH GROUP GAME ON ANGER

Bible: Proverbs 29:11(NLT)

Bottom Line: God walks with us through all of our emotions and in every situation.

Supplies:

• Four 44-ounce cups (the type you can purchase from convenience store drink stations)
• Duct Tape

GAME PREP

Attach 2 cups together at the bottoms by wrapping duct tape around them—you should have 2 sets.

Divide students into two teams of equal size and have each team form a single file line.

HOW TO PLAY THE GAME

Say: Today, we have a game that might test your patience with yourself and each other.

Put your hands on the shoulders of the person in front of you.

Throughout this game, you cannot take your hands off of their shoulders, no matter what happens.

Give each team a set of the cups that are taped together.

When I say, “Go,” the person at the front of your line will put one end of the cup on their right foot and pass it off to the right foot of the person behind them.

The passing will continue until it reaches the person at the end of the line.

Then, the last person in line will put the cup on their left foot (without taking their hands off of the shoulders of the person in front them) and begin passing the cup back to the front of their line, using their left feet.

The first team to pass the cups back to the front of the line wins!

TEACH

Say: That game might have been a little frustrating for some of you, but you did a great job keeping your feelings under control.

So, today, I have a confession to make—sometimes, I get angry. 

Of course, not at any of you.

But at situations that happen in my life.

Like, when another driver cuts me off on the road.

Or someone cuts in front of me in line at Starbucks.

Or when someone eats the last of my (say your favorite food).

It’s difficult not to show when I get angry.

I have to make the choice to let God help me when I feel angry.

Ask: But, did you know the Bible says it’s okay to get angry?

What are some things that make you angry?

Allow a few responses from students.

In the New Testament, we read that even Jesus got angry when people were using the Temple area to cheat, overcharge, and steal from people. 

Jesus overturned tables and yelled at people for desecrating God’s house.

Ask: Can someone share a time that you let anger get the best of you and then you had to pay the consequences for your angry actions?

Allow a few responses. 

Being angry never turns out well for either side. 

People can get hurt, physically and emotionally—which can then lead to spiritual hurt.

Read Proverbs 29:11.

Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.

Ask: Name some situations or circumstances when it’s okay to feel angry.

 Encourage the students to focus on the situation, not a person or group of people. Examples could be cancer, injustice, pollution, or similar things.

Anger affects people in different ways.

When some people get angry, they might want to punch something or throw something.

Others may want to scream, yell, or stomp their feet.

Other translations of this verse say that fools give full vent to their anger.

That means they just let it all out and unload on anyone and everyone that comes near when they’re angry.

But the last part of that Scripture says that the wise quietly hold it back. 

It doesn’t mean the wise don’t get angry, but they are not the ones who will vomit their anger all over anyone in their way.

So, what is the difference between the anger that fools vent and the anger of a wise person?

Let’s look at Jesus.

When Jesus was angry at the “money-changers” in the Temple, He was angry that they were stealing from people. 

They were treating the Temple as just another way to scam people out of money.

Similar to those social media scams that say, “Send me $19.95, and I’ll tell you the secret to making millions from the internet.”

Jesus was angry because what they were doing was not right.

When you get angry, are you angry at the person or the situation?

Allow a few responses from students.

A wise person holds their anger back quietly.

It doesn’t mean that they never feel angry, but they don’t show it very much, very often, or hardly ever at all.

Since every human being on the planet gets angry, including you and I, here are a couple of things you can do to help manage your emotions:

1. Choose your battles.

Wise people who hold back their anger are able to assess a situation and decide what is worth getting angry about and when they should keep quiet.

There are things that every Christian should get angry about, and do something about if they can—and if God directs them to take certain actions.

Even though people can be extremely passionate about situations and issues, remember that people are made in God’s image and we are called to love everyone—even if we disagree with what they stand for or believe in.

2. Don’t respond immediately.

When we face a situation that makes us angry, we naturally want to lash out in the moment. 

But, don’t!

Take a breath, walk away, do whatever you need to do to keep from responding negatively in the moment of anger.

Then, once you’ve considered an appropriate, Christ-like response, explain that you are angry at the situation, but not the person.

For those who may get angry quickly, there are tools you can use to help manage your anger—consider working out or running to let off some steam.

You can also talk to a trusted adult or friend who will pray with you when you need help.

Sometimes, even just separating yourself from a situation can make a big difference in how you react.

You will find that many things are just not worth getting, or staying, angry over.

God has given us so many tools in His Word that help us in every situation in life.

His desire is to walk with us through all of our emotions and in every situation.

God is with you, even when you’re angry and you can always turn to Him to help you.

YOUTH GROUP GAME ON DOUBT

Bible: Matthew 14:30-31(NLT)

Bottom Line: When life is hard, allow your faith to take the place that doubt could fill.

SUPPLIES 

• Paper lunch bags – 2 per student
• 2 Bananas
• 2 Pencils, 2 sheets of paper
• 2 Rolls of toilet paper
• 2 Tubes of lipstick
• 2 Decks of playing cards

GAME PREP

Divide students into two teams of equal size.

Give each student two paper lunch bags and tell them to place them on their hands.

Choose a “captain” for each team and give them a list of the following tasks.

1. Peel and eat a banana.
2. Have each person on your team write their name on a piece of paper.
3. Form a straight line and unroll a roll of toilet paper by passing from the front of the line to the end and back without letting it break.
4. Have three people tie their shoelaces.
5. Have one person perfectly apply lipstick.
6. Create a “house of cards” that utilizes 15 or more cards and is at least 3 levels of cards high.

Have one leader assigned to watch each team to ensure they have completed each task correctly. 

HOW TO PLAY THE GAME

Say: Today, I have divided you into two teams to perform six tasks that will be pretty challenging.

Your team captain has been given a list of these tasks and they will be responsible for deciding who will complete each one.

Here are a couple of notes: 

Everyone must participate in at least one task.

You must complete the tasks in order and you can only begin the next task after you have finished the previous one.

A leader will let you know when you are “signed off” for each task.

The first team to finish all of the tasks, and have a standing house of cards at the end of the game wins!

TEACH

Say: At some point during our game, you probably doubted whether or not you would be able to finish—and forget about winning, you just wanted to get it done!

When you think about the stories we read in the Bible, many times we remember the examples of people with great faith in God. 

But the Bible also tells about those who dealt with personal feelings of doubt.

In Matthew 14, we read the story of when Jesus fed over 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish—it was a miracle!

Jesus’ disciples had seen it happen with their very own eyes, which is why I think what happens in the following few verses is so interesting. 

The crowds went home after they ate their meal of fish and bread, the disciples went across the lake in a boat, and Jesus went up into the hills to pray.

While the disciples were out in the boat, they encountered a storm.

In the middle of the storm, Jesus walked on the water toward their boat.

He tells them not to be afraid and Peter asks Jesus to prove Himself.

Peter says, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

And Jesus tells Peter to come to Him. 

But, let’s read what happens in the following verses.

Read Matthew 14:30-31. 

 But when he saw the strongwind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Say: Let’s take a minute and imagine that entire scenario.

The disciples are in a storm and they see someone walking across the water. 

The Bible says the disciples actually thought Jesus was a ghost.

I mean, what other explanation would they possibly have for what was coming at them in the middle of the water?

But, when they see Jesus, they ask Him to prove it’s really Him.

Who did they think it was?

Next, Peter begins to walk on the water towards Jesus and as he looks around, doubt settles in and he begins to sink.

Jesus doesn’t let Peter drown.

He could have, but He shows Peter grace and saves him.

As Jesus is pulling Peter out of the water, he asks Peter, “Why did you doubt me?”

The Bible doesn’t record Peter’s answer, and maybe it’s because he didn’t have one. 

Really, what could he say?

Ask: Think about your own life.... have you ever doubted God?

Maybe you’ve had questions about whether the Bible is true, or if God is even real.

Have you ever doubted whether God was going to help you in a situation?

Allow a few responses from students. Create a safe place where students can be honest about their doubts.

Peter looked into the face of Jesus and doubted who He was and he had an advantage that we don’t have—he was looking at Him!

When we ask God questions and work through our own feelings of doubt, Jesus responds the same way to us as He did to Peter. 

What was Jesus’ response?

He saved him.

Doubts are feelings of uncertainty and all of us experience them at one time or another.

But, you can’t allow yourself to live in those feelings.

Peter overcame his doubt when he asked Jesus to save him—and Jesus did.

We need to choose faith over doubt, even in the midst of our questions.

Here are a few things you can do when you feel doubt creeping in:

1. Take a look at what has happened in your life to cause you to doubt God.

3. Talk to people who will encourage you, even in your times of doubt.

Ask your parents, pastors, and friends—who are growing in their relationship with God—how they learned from the doubts in their lives.

Be honest with others and realize you aren’t alone.

You’re going to experience tough times in life, but you have the opportunity to grow and become stronger in your faith, even if that means you have to work through your doubts. 

Just remember: When life is hard, allow your faith to take the place that doubt could fill.