Earlier this year, I invented this little game for our older elementary small groups. Kids need to see how God has given them talents and skills — to glorify Him. But in the process I thought it would be cool to have them do this by focusing on others. Glen Woods has a similar game on his blog. Here is how my game worked:
Children’s Ministry or Vacation Bible School Encouragement Game
- Have the children sit in a circle on the floor.
- Use an object to designate which kid has a turn to speak – like a ball.
- Model the game by sitting in the circle with the children.
- Have them complete this sentence and then pass the object to the child they were talking about — “You are really good at ________________ and I can imagine God using your to _____________.“
- The child who receives the object will go next. Instruct them to not repeat until every has had one turn.
- It creates a little surprise to see who they are talking about. You may need to redirect the comments if they become redundant or negative.
- Example: “You are really good with babies and I can imagine God using you to be a good Mom.” Then hand the object to Sara.
- Example: “You are really good at talking and I can imagine God using you to be a teacher.
Look for teaching opportunities. Play the game along with the kids. You might get encouraged yourself.
I’ve transfered this article to my Child Ministry website.
