Youth activities for spiritual growth: Youth fellowship is a great opportunity for kids to connect with other youth in their own age group and share a common interest. Here are some ways that you can bring kids together: We offer a wide range of activities to help your youth group find their purpose. Whether you want to learn about the history of the church, play games and get exercise together, or do service projects around the community, we can help guide you.
Engaging church youth groups in various activities is essential for their spiritual growth and overall development. Through Bible study and discussions, worship and praise nights, community service and outreach, retreats and camps, social activities and bonding, and leadership training and development, our young members are encouraged to deepen their faith, build strong relationships, and live out their faith in their daily lives. As they engage in these activities, they are reminded of the importance of seeking God, worshiping Him wholeheartedly, serving others, building a supportive community, and becoming effective leaders. May our church youth groups continue to thrive and become powerful agents of change, spreading the love and grace of Christ wherever they go.
Welcome to our guide on Activities For Church Youth Groups! We understand the importance of engaging and nurturing the spiritual growth of our young church members. Through a variety of activities, we aim to create a supportive and enjoyable environment where they can deepen their faith, build lasting friendships, and develop their leadership skills. Join us as we explore the different activities that will help our youth groups thrive and flourish in their spiritual journeys.
Activities For Church Youth Groups
In the church community, youth groups play a crucial role in nurturing the spiritual growth of young individuals. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment for teenagers to gather, learn, and have fun. Activities for church youth groups come in a variety of forms, ranging from games and outings to service opportunities and Bible studies. In this article, we will explore a range of activities that can benefit church youth groups, focusing on youth activities for spiritual growth, youth group ideas for small churches, youth group activities with a message, creative youth service ideas, and youth group games that teach a lesson.
There are so many aspects to youth ministry. There are a variety of ministries that can be done and no idea is too crazy. As long as it is love from the heart and prepares your youth for the future there’s no reason you can’t do it. You’ll find a variety of ideas for youth activities that are fun and engaging, in this book. You’ll learn how to use joy and humor, create a sense of community, inspire creativity, and develop your personal relationship with God through service.
As a youth group leader, you want your youth group to be a place where young people can see their lives have value. You can help them do that by helping them find ways to find meaning in their lives and in those lives of others. Here’s an activity for your youth group that can help you teach and reinforce biblical truths. Young people will love this!
8 Youth Group Ideas for Small Churches.
As you’re planning your upcoming outreach, movement, or mission trip, you might be on a mission to reach out to youth. But what should that meeting look like? How do you interact with young people in an environment that’s exciting and meaningful for them? What kinds of events can help build relationships in ways that go beyond handing out candy bars? And when it comes to youth groups—what can you do for them today?
Here are a few youth activities ideas many churches have used:
M&M Roulette (Prep time: 15 Minutes)
Dice and Dare (Prep time: 15 Minutes)
This or That (Prep time: 15 Minutes)
Life-Size Tic Tac Toe (Prep time: 5 minutes)
Bank Robbery (Prep time: 30 minutes)
The Worm Olympics (Prep time: 5 minutes)
Youth Activities for Spiritual Growth
One of the primary goals of church youth groups is to foster spiritual growth among young individuals. This can be achieved through various activities that encourage reflection, exploration, and connection with God. Bible studies are a popular way to engage youth in reading and discussing scripture. By delving into the Word of God, teenagers can gain a deeper understanding of their faith and develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Another effective activity is prayer and worship sessions. Encouraging youth to engage in individual and group prayer not only strengthens their spiritual connection but also teaches them the power of communication with God. Incorporating music, singing, and praise and worship into these sessions can create a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere, allowing young individuals to express their devotion and connect with God on a deeper level.
Bible verse memorization contests can also be a fun and educational activity for church youth groups. By memorizing and reciting specific verses, teenagers can deepen their knowledge of scripture and learn valuable lessons. Implementing a reward system, such as small prizes or recognition, can further motivate them to engage in this activity.
Youth Group Ideas for Small Churches
Small churches often face unique challenges when it comes to organizing youth group activities. Limited resources, smaller attendance, and narrow age ranges can pose obstacles. However, with a little creativity and planning, small churches can offer engaging and meaningful experiences for their youth.
One idea for small churches is to host intergenerational activities. By involving different age groups, youth can learn from older members of the congregation and establish mentorship relationships. This could involve joint service projects, group discussions, or even shared meals. Intergenerational activities provide opportunities for youth to develop a sense of community and connect with their church family.
Another idea is to organize off-site outings and trips. Visiting local historical sites, museums, or recreational areas can be both educational and enjoyable. These experiences can be tailored to align with specific Bible stories, characters, or teachings to provide a deeper context. For example, visiting a nature reserve can be linked to Adam and Eve’s creation, highlighting God’s profound connection to the environment.
Storytelling and drama activities are also great for small churches. Encouraging youth to reenact biblical stories, parables, or teachings allows them to immerse themselves in the narrative and understand it in a more visual and interactive way. These activities enhance their comprehension of scripture and ignite their creativity.
Youth Group Activities with a Message
It is important for youth group activities to have a message or lesson that aligns with the teachings of the Bible. This can be achieved through various creative means, ensuring that the message is not only understood but also impactful.
One activity idea is creating prayer journals. Each youth can have a personal journal where they can record their prayers, reflect on answered prayers, and write down thoughts and reflections on scripture. This activity helps youth develop a habit of prayer and reflection while also providing an avenue to express their thoughts and feelings.
Service projects are another powerful way to instill important values and messages in youth. By engaging in community service, such as volunteering at a homeless shelter or organizing a charity event, young individuals learn about compassion, selflessness, and the importance of serving others. These activities demonstrate the love and kindness that Jesus taught us through examples such as the Good Samaritan.
Artistic expressions, such as painting or crafting, can also be used to convey messages to the youth. Assigning a theme or a Bible story and allowing them to express their understanding through art encourages creativity and deepens their connection with the message. For instance, youth could create paintings inspired by the story of Noah’s Ark, symbolizing God’s faithfulness and promise.
Creative Youth Service Ideas
Engaging in service to others is an integral part of the Christian faith. Church youth groups can provide opportunities for young individuals to serve their community and make a positive impact. These service activities can be tailored to the interests and talents of the youth, ensuring that they feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
One creative youth service idea is organizing a talent show or performance night. Youth can showcase their talents, such as singing, dancing, or playing musical instruments, to raise funds for a charitable cause. This not only allows them to express themselves but also demonstrates the power of using their gifts to benefit others.
Another idea is to participate in environmental initiatives. Whether it’s organizing a beach cleanup, planting trees, or starting a community garden, these activities promote a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards God’s creation. They also provide an opportunity to discuss passages from the Bible that emphasize the importance of caring for the earth.
Visiting nursing homes or hospitals is a meaningful service activity for church youth groups. Spending time with the elderly or sick individuals brightens their day and shows them that they are loved and valued. This activity aligns with passages that emphasize the value and care for all members of the body of Christ.
Youth Group Games that Teach a Lesson
Games are a fantastic way to engage and entertain youth while also imparting valuable lessons and principles from the Bible. These games can be interactive, competitive, and thought-provoking, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for young individuals to learn.
One game idea is a Bible trivia contest. Youth can be divided into teams and asked questions about various Bible stories, characters, or teachings. This game not only tests their knowledge of scripture but also reinforces key messages and lessons from the Bible. Incorporating a buzzer system or time limit can add a thrilling element to the game.
Another game that teaches a lesson is “The If-Then Game.” Youth are presented with hypothetical scenarios based on Bible stories or moral dilemmas. They have to decide what they would do in each situation, and the group then discusses the choices, considering the biblical principles that should guide their actions. This game provokes critical thinking, encourages group discussion, and helps youth apply biblical teachings to real-life situations.
“Christian Charades” is a game that combines physical activity with spiritual education. Players act out Bible stories or characters while the remaining participants try to guess the correct answer. This game promotes teamwork, creativity, and reinforces familiarity with biblical narratives.
In conclusion, activities for church youth groups play a vital role in shaping the spiritual growth of young individuals. Whether it’s engaging in Bible studies, organizing small church-friendly activities, incorporating messages into youth group activities, fostering creativity through service projects, or using games to teach valuable lessons, these activities provide a foundation for youth to develop a strong faith and a meaningful connection with God.
Bible Study and Discussions
One of the fundamental activities for our church youth groups is engaging in Bible study and discussions. Through these sessions, our young members have the opportunity to explore the depths of scripture, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations. By delving into Bible passages, these sessions help the youth gain a better understanding of God’s Word, develop strong faith foundations, and learn to apply biblical teachings in their daily lives (2 Timothy 2:15). We encourage our youth to actively participate in these discussions, sharing their insights and opinions to foster a deeper understanding of the Bible within the group.
Worship and Praise Nights
As part of our commitment to cultivating a vibrant church community, we organize worship and praise nights for our youth groups. These events provide a space for the youth to come together in heartfelt worship, expressing their love and adoration for God through music, singing, and prayer. By immersing themselves in these moments of worship, our young members are encouraged to develop a personal and intimate relationship with God, realizing that worship is not just a Sunday activity but a lifestyle of devotion and reverence (Psalm 95:1-6). These nights also serve as a platform for budding musicians and worship leaders to showcase their talents in glorifying God.
Community Service and Outreach
Our church youth groups actively engage in community service and outreach activities as a practical expression of their faith. Through serving others, our youth members learn to embody the love and compassion of Christ within their communities. These activities vary and include volunteering at homeless shelters, organizing food drives, participating in cleanup initiatives, and visiting the elderly or sick in hospitals or nursing homes. By getting involved in acts of service, our young church members understand the importance of being the hands and feet of Jesus (Matthew 25:40) and grasp the significance of living out the gospel in their everyday lives.
Retreats and Camps
Retreats and camps offer valuable opportunities for our church youth groups to retreat from the distractions of daily life and spend dedicated time in the presence of God. These activities often include engaging worship sessions, inspiring teachings, team-building exercises, and recreational activities. By participating in retreats and camps, our youth members have the chance to deepen their relationship with God, forge strong bonds with their peers, and be refreshed in their faith. These experiences create memorable moments where young people can encounter God in a personal and transformative way (Isaiah 40:31).
Social Activities and Bonding
Recognizing the importance of fostering friendships and building a sense of community, our church youth groups plan various social activities and bonding events. These activities can range from movie nights, game nights, sports activities, talent shows, picnics, and much more. By engaging in these social activities, young members not only have fun and create lasting memories but also cultivate a supportive network of friends who share their faith. Moreover, these events provide a safe and positive environment where our youth can experience the joy of fellowship and grow together in their spiritual journeys (Acts 2:42-47).
Leadership Training and Development
We believe in empowering our youth and equipping them with leadership skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Our church youth groups provide opportunities for leadership training and development through activities such as organizing events, leading Bible studies, mentoring younger members, and participating in community projects. By encouraging and nurturing their leadership potential, we enable our young members to become confident and influential individuals who will make a positive impact in their communities and beyond (1 Timothy 4:12).
Youth Group Event Ideas: 8 Youth Group Ideas for Small Churches
If you’re looking for outside-the-box youth group event ideas, you’re not alone. Any youth ministry group that meets even semi-regularly burns through tons of activities. Youth group ideas for small churches are in especially high demand. Youth ministers can never have enough material. That includes devotions and talks, games and icebreakers, fundraisers and outreach events.
To spark your creativity, we’ve assembled a range of youth group event ideas. Most can be adapted as youth group ideas for small churches too.
Choose ideas that fit the size and personality of your group. And insert biblical lessons and truths whenever possible. Trying new event ideas keeps kids interested and coming back. Plus, it prevents you from doing the same stuff on repeat.
Enjoy these activities! And then let us know your recommendations for youth group ideas for small churches.
8 Youth Group Event Ideas
1. Do-It-Yourself Escape Room
Escape rooms are a huge hit these days. But they can be expensive and hard to find. Now you can download materials and create your own customized Escape Room or Puzzle Room. Look for concepts that require minimum supplies and lead to maximum team-building. This is a great way for kids to learn to work together. Plus, they can experience success as a team or small group.
2. Mystery Dinner
Add a touch of mystery to your next youth group meal with coded menus. For every available item, use a description that will get kids guessing. The random nature of participants’ selections adds intrigue and laughter to the gathering. This idea works especially well for holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
3. What Is Bible Jeopardy?
Take your Bible Quiz event to the next level with a Jeopardy!-style game board. First, prepare material in the TV show’s answer-first format. Then have players ring in with the correct question. As the host, you can interview “contestants” and hum the theme music for authenticity. Playing Bible Jeopardy is a great way to review lesson material and Scripture verses.
4. Cardboard Skeeball
Kick up your youth group’s game time with a homemade Skeeball “machine.” Enlist creative kids to build a contraption out of cardboard. They can even add balloon “lights” on the side. In addition to adding fun to group meetings, Skeeball will be a hit at church carnivals or youth fundraisers.
5. A Sticky Situation
Craft a memorable lesson plan or retreat session around the theme G.U.M.—God Use Me. As kids arrive, hand out gumballs in baggies labeled with the G.U.M. acronym. For an icebreaker, have bubble-blowing contests. Then talk about how God used people in the Bible and how he uses his followers today. Also discuss ways you can stick together in Christ.
5. Enneagram Event
Host an event that sparks young people’s interest in their unique personalities, strengths, and spiritual gifts. Use the Enneagram assessment to discuss about kids’ traits and talents. Then make plans to put them to the best use as a group.
6. Love in Loads
Need a new idea for a youth outreach project? If you’re tired of car washes, try this Laundromat outreach for a new “spin” on sudsy difference-making. Beforehand, request permission from a shop owner to let your group pay for people’s laundry loads during a specific time frame. Kids also can ask if people want help folding their clothes. And they can hand out detergent packets with messages about Jesus’ free, “cleansing” forgiveness.
7. Fruitful Offering
Brighten people’s day with this easy random act of kindness. Make “Take What You Need” signs, complete with tabs along the bottom that people can rip off. On the tabs, write different gifts and spiritual fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and so on. Post the signs throughout your community. Then take walks as a group to see what people have selected. Along the way, discuss how you can keep meeting those needs.
8. Bowled Over
For an extended icebreaker and fun community-builder, try the Bowl Game. Give each person two paper slips and a pencil. On each slip, have them write one true thing about themselves. (Ideally something that others aren’t likely to know.) Collect all the slips in a large bowl. Then have players take turns selecting a slip and trying to guess who wrote it. When the person is correctly guessed, have them explain the “truth,” if necessary.
Youth Group Ideas for Small Churches
Here is a sample game plan for a youth group ideas for small churches. You may use any part of it as you plan your own youth mission day.
Highlights: a visiting missionary family, group-building games, creating a plan of action for mission.
1. Opening
- Welcome and Introductions
- Review Goals
1) to get to know each other better
2) build bridges and network for future activities
3) start a process to do something good for humanity-beyond bringing canned food to a food drive
4) realize that teens can make a difference in the world
5) be reminded that as Christians we are called to do good
2. Worship
Scriptures – read in at least two languages and use youth as readers
- Luke 14:18
- Galations 6:9
- Ephesians 2:19
- Prayer to open-bless gathering
3. Team Building Activities
Goals:
1) creative thinking
2) making do with what you?ve got
3) working as a team; pooling ideas
A. Game One
- Set-up: put long line of masking tape on floor (if you’re on a carpet, use string)
- Goal: line up alphabetically by first name, always keeping one foot touching the tape.
Action:
1) everyone stand with toes on tape-line
2) tell everyone the goal
3) let everyone try to move so they’re in alphabetical order
4) every time someone falls off the line, everyone has to return to their original position and start over
5) after starting over 3 or 4 times, call everyone into a huddle to discuss feelings, then suggest “strategy”
6) return to line and try again
7) when in alphabetical order, call out loudly first letter of first name down the line
8) give yourselves a hand!
B. Create Groups of 5
This is a fun way to get kids into small groups, rather than counting off. Ask random questions to create sub-groups. Move them around until you have groups of five. Use these questions to create sub-groups:
1) those whose address ends in odd number go to one side
2) those whose address ends in even number go to other side
3) Group #1 divide by telephone # that starts with a) even # and b) odd #
4) Group #2 divide by odd/even first number of phone #
5) divide and move to another group – who has a dog? cat? no pet?
6) keep asking questions to divide and move groups until you have established groups of 5. Questions might be about sports played, languages studied, etc.
C. Game Two
In groups of 5
1) Preparation: mark 2 foot square area on floor with masking tape
2) give each group 10 nylon stockings/socks and a tennis ball
3) place a road-work cone 10 feet from each square of tape
4) place stockings and ball in square of tape
5) goal: use stockings to move ball to top of cone without touching the ball.
6) everyone must be involved and help carry the ball.
7) in large group, each group shares their method.
8) This can take a lot of time and involves lots of trial and error. Be encouraging. If one group just can’t do it, get help from another group that has.
D. Game Three
In groups of 5
- Goal: Make a self-standing tower as tall as you can using only a ream of typing paper and a roll of masking tape.
Action:
1) 5 minutes to plan before building
2) stand up in circle-ready, go!
3) 15 minutes to build
4) measure towers
5) gather in large group to share strategy
E. Game Four
In groups of 5
- Supplies for 5 dozen cookies divided into 5 bags
1) 1 bag contains all bowls, spoons, measuring cups
2) 1 bag contains all but one ingredient for one dozen cookies
3) remaining 3 bags contain remaining ingredients divided up, e.g. one group has flour for 4 dozen cookies, another has sugar.
Goal: Make an edible desert for lunch
Rules:
1) barter items (no loans or gifts)
2) all group members need to be present when a trade is made
Action:
1) each group goes to a work table and is given one bag 2) open bag and review items in your bag 3) in silence, send all but one member of your group to “see” what other groups have 4) strategize as small group how to proceed 5) let them loose for 15 minutes 6) gather as large group – share ideas on how to strategize 7) back to work for 15 minutes 8) finish and clean up 9) gather in circle, share feelings and ideas for next time.
- talk about team building, planning
- ask how this relates to the global picture
- some people don’t have what they need
- the need to share
- the need to plan and strategize
Lunch
4. World Resources Simulation
Click here for the directions and game plan.
5. Missionary Presentation
Look at a world map to celebrate all the places the UCC and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have missionaries living and working. Remind everyone that your church supports these missionaries financially through Disciples Mission Fund and Week of Compassion (Disciples) and Our Church’s Wider Mission and One Great Hour of Sharing (UCC).
- Learn a bit about the area where the missionaries live and work. You may even want to use a trivia game.
- Presentation about missionary work and life. Have missionary show slides and/or photos.
- Questions and Answers-if there are missionary kids present, have them do this section.
Remind the youth that they do mission where they live! They are missionaries, too. Brainstorm-What do we do already for mission? For example, Child Sponsorship, Heifer Project, Habitat trip, community garden for local hunger center, book collections for schools.
6. Video – Connecting Threads: Partners in Mission
7. Small Group Discussion
- What struck you the most about the video?
- What work did you see with people around the world?
- What problesm do people face in other countries, especially children?
- Which problems do you feel strongly about?
- How can you and your church respond?
- Brainstorm ideas of responses we can make.
8. Plenary
- Reminder: Our goal is not to go home depressed, but to identify a way we can act to make a difference.
- Share about above questions
Leaders: Remember, at this point, energy is low - Introduce existing programs that can help us respond to the problems, e.g. Global Ministries Child Sponsorship program, Africa AIDS programs, work trips
- Break into groups by for practical planning-What will we do?
- Share plans
9. Closing Worship
- Gather in a circle around a worship table.
- Rice message-click here
- Hand out One Great Hour of Sharing/Week of Compassion collection boxes
- Have everyone take a grain of rice from a common bowl and place it in their offering box. Put box down by their feet.
- Hold hands
- One word-prayer (Each person says one word in prayer, e.g. love, peace, Africa)
- Lord’s prayer
- Friendship squeeze (pass it around the circle)