7 Engaging Bible Games for Youths: Setup, Hosting, and Play Instructions
7 Engaging Bible Games for Youths: Setup, Hosting, and Play Instructions
Intro To Bible Games For Youths
Creating and playing engaging Bible games for youths can help make learning about the Bible fun and memorable. There are valuable life lessons that can stem from having great values installed, and the Bible is a perfect guide. Here are seven Bible games that you can use in a youth group or Sunday school setting:
Please feel free to leave comments, or suggestions in the comments section of this blog. God Bless!
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Bible Jeopardy
Create a Jeopardy-style game with categories related to Bible facts, people, places, and events. Divide the youths into teams and let them choose questions of varying point values. Use a bell or buzzer for teams to signal their answers.
Creating the Jeopardy Board and Questions
Summary
Prepare a board with categories like “Heroes of the Old Testament,” “Miracles of Jesus,” and “Places in the Bible.” Assign point values for each question within these categories.
- Create a large board with five or six categories related to Bible knowledge. Each category should have about five questions ranging in difficulty and point values (e.g., 100 to 500 points).
- Prepare question cards in advance, each with a corresponding answer on the back. Arrange these cards on the board under their respective categories.
- Set up a scoring system, either on a separate board or using digital means to keep track of each team’s points.
- Provide buzzers or bells for teams to use when answering questions.
Hosting, Organising Teams and Explaining Rules
Divide the group into teams.
Explain the rules, such as how teams will choose categories and point values, and how they should signal to answer.
Time to Play the Game and Scoring
Teams choose a category and a point value, and you read the question. The first team to signal gets to answer. Points are awarded for correct answers, and the team with the most points at the end wins.
Scripture Scramble
Write verses from the Bible on pieces of paper and cut them into individual words. Mix them up and divide the youths into teams. Each team must unscramble the words to form the correct verse. The fastest team wins.
Setup: Preparing Verses and Creating Word Strips
Summary – Write down several Bible verses, cut each verse into individual words, and mix them up.
- Choose a selection of key Bible verses and print each verse on a separate sheet of paper. Cut the sheets into strips so each strip contains one word from the verse.
- Mix the strips up and place them in envelopes, one envelope for each verse.
- Prepare a workspace for each team where they can lay out their strips and work on reassembling their verse.
Hosting: Distributing Scrambled Verses to Teams
Divide players into teams and give each team a scrambled verse.
Playing: Teams Competing to Unscramble Verses
Teams race against each other to arrange their words into the correct verse. The first team to correctly assemble their verse wins.
Bible Charades
Prepare slips of paper with Bible characters or events. Players take turns drawing a slip and acting out the character or event without speaking. The rest of the group tries to guess what is being portrayed.
Setup: Preparing Charades Prompts
Summary – Prepare slips of paper with names of Bible characters or events.
- Write down a variety of Bible-related prompts (characters, stories, miracles, parables) on slips of paper. Ensure there’s a good mix of easy and challenging entries.
- Place all slips in a bowl or hat from which players can draw.
- Arrange a play area that has enough room for performers to act out their prompts without any obstructions.
Hosting: Explaining Charades Rules to Participants
Explain the rules of charades, where players act out the name on the paper without speaking.
Playing: Acting Out and Guessing Bible Prompts
Players take turns drawing a slip and acting it out. The rest of the team guesses what is being portrayed. Each correct guess scores a point.
Passage Puzzle Hunt
Create a treasure hunt where each clue is a Bible verse that leads to the next location. Youths will need to read and interpret the verses to find their next clue. This game can be played individually or in teams.
Setup: Designing the Treasure Hunt Course
Summary – Design a course with different locations as checkpoints. At each checkpoint, place a clue that includes a Bible verse pointing to the next location.
- Identify specific locations within your facility or designated outdoor area where clues will be hidden.
- Write clues that include Bible verses which indirectly suggest the next location (e.g., a verse about water leading to a fountain).
- Place the clues in sealed envelopes and mark each checkpoint discreetly to confirm when players have reached the right spot.
Hosting: Distributing Initial Clues to Participants
Give each team or player a starting clue.
Playing: Interpreting Verses to Find Next Locations
Participants interpret the verses to find their next location. The first to reach the final checkpoint wins.
Book, Chapter, Verse
Call out a book, chapter, and verse from the Bible, and the first youth to find it reads it aloud. To make it more challenging, ask for a summary of the passage or a question about its meaning.
Setup: Preparing a List of Bible Passages
Summary – No physical setup required, but have a Bible ready for each participant or team.
- Prepare a list of various Bible passages, ensuring a mix of well-known and more obscure references to challenge participants.
- Decide on a signal method for participants to use when they have found the passage (e.g., raising a hand or ringing a bell).
- Ensure each participant or team has access to a Bible, either printed or digital.
Hosting: Calling Out Random Bible References
Call out a book, chapter, and verse randomly.
Playing: Racing to Find and Read Bible Passages
Participants race to be the first to find the passage in their Bibles. The first to find and read it aloud earns a point.
Bible Pictionary
Similar to charades, use Bible themes and stories for Pictionary. Players draw the Bible story or theme on a whiteboard or large paper while others guess. This game is great for those who prefer drawing over acting.
Setup: Preparing Drawing Cards and Materials
Summary – Prepare cards with Bible stories or themes written on them.
- Create a set of cards with Bible themes, stories, or objects written on them. These should be varied in difficulty to keep the game engaging for all knowledge levels.
- Set up a drawing area with a whiteboard or a large easel pad and markers.
- Arrange seating so that teams can see the drawings clearly but cannot see the drawing card being selected.
Hosting: Setting Up the Drawing Area
Set up a drawing area with a whiteboard or large paper and markers.
Playing: Drawing and Guessing Bible Themes
Players take turns drawing what is on the card while their team guesses. Each correct guess before the timer runs out earns a point.
Who Am I?
Prepare name tags with the names of Bible characters. Attach a name tag to the back of each youth without letting them see what it says. They must then ask yes/no questions to others to figure out which character they are. These games can help make Bible study interactive and enjoyable, providing youths with a dynamic way to engage with their faith.
Setup: Preparing Name Tags with Bible Characters
Summary – Write the names of Bible characters on sticky notes or name tags.
- Prepare name tags or sticky notes with the names of various Bible characters. Include a mix of well-known characters (like Moses and Mary) and less familiar ones (like Mephibosheth or Jael).
- Have adhesive or a safe pin-back method ready to attach the name tags to the backs of the participants.
- Organize a communal area where players can mingle and ask each other yes/no questions without excessive noise or interruptions.
Hosting: Attaching Name Tags to Participants
Attach a name tag to the back of each participant without letting them see their own tag.
Playing: Asking Yes/No Questions to Identify Characters
Participants ask yes/no questions to figure out the identity on their tag. The first to guess correctly wins.
Conclusion
These games not only make Bible study sessions more interactive but also enhance understanding and retention among youths. By incorporating these fun and thoughtful activities, you’re sure to see an increase in engagement and enthusiasm in your group.
