Is there anything better than playing games?

Games are an integral part of any ministry. Kids love running their energy out and students enjoy non-threatening moments to be goofy. If done well, games can bring Bible lessons to life and add an experiential element that most Bible studies lack.

While everyone plays games, there is definitely an art to lead effective games. Trust me, if the leader is not a strong communicator, fun, and willing to be crazy, the students and kids will not participate. Great game leaders are prepared to lead once the kids arrive.

I don’t claim to be an expert by any means, but below are some tips I have picked up over the 10 years I was involved in camping/retreat ministry. By the way, these tips work for kid and student ministry. I use the word “kid” just to make the read easier.

8 Awesome Tips For Leading Games

Safety First

If all your kids end up in the hospital, no one gets to have fun. You go from having fun to sitting beside a sit old man in the ER who won’t stop coughing on you. But seriously, if a kid get hurt because of an oversight on your part, the parent will not let the kid come back. That means you have lost opportunities to share Jesus with that family. Safety is the most important aspect of game facilitation. Never play a game that will sacrifice safety.

Always “Look In” On a Game

Look at all games as if you were a parent/teacher/principal. “Head-lock Tag” might be fun, but it looks like all the kids are being bullied. (NEVER play “Head-lock Tag”) If the game looks like kids are ganging up on a few kids, odds are a parent might get upset. Best thing to do is to step back and ask, “What would a parent think if they walked in right now?”

Never Play the Same Game Twice

Keep variety in your planning.  Make sure the game is a positive spot in their mind, not the reoccurring norm. If you need some ideas, funninja.org is awesome.

Don’t Use Tons of  “Out” Games

The more games that you play were kids get “out” means the more kids you have standing around with nothing to do but get in trouble. Try to involve as many kids as you can as long as you can.

Be Creative

Relate games to your theme. Change up the supplies needed to bring a theme alive in the games.

Participate, Participate, Participate

If you don’t think the game is fun or worth while, why would the kids?

Practice Leading the Game

Make sure your volunteers know the rules/explanation of the game before kids arrive.  That way you can ensure directions are clear and concise for everyone. “Without clear game instructions, the children perish.” I’m pretty sure that is in the Bible somewhere.

Excitement/Energy/Enthusiasm

They are all contagious! At the very least, you should enjoy yourself. If YOU are having fun, I promise that the kids will enjoy themselves.

Now What?

What are some other tips you have for leading awesome games?