A Name That Tune game is a wonderful youth ministry activity. It brings kids together while sparking laughter and friendly competition. Whether you’re working with a small group or large gathering, this game is highly adaptable. Use it as an icebreaker, a team-building activity, or to introduce a lesson about worship.
How To Play a Name That Tune Game
First prepare the music. Create a playlist and use a streaming service or CD. If someone is musical, play the songs live with instruments!
Next decide on a format. Will you play just the first few seconds of each song? Or will you let it play until someone guesses? The shorter the snippet, the tougher the challenge.
For a Name That Tune game you can form teams or play individually. Just set up a call-out system. The first person or team to raise their hand or hit a buzzer can guess. Also decide on a scoring system. Assign points for correctly naming the song and/or artist. Give extra points for singing a line of the song!
After a set number of rounds, the team or individual with the most points wins.
Tips for Different-Size Groups
Small Groups (5-10 kids)
Give each teen a turn to guess. Then you can play longer sections of the song. Add bonus challenges. For example, have the group discuss what the song means to them or how it relates to faith.
Medium-Sized Groups (10-30 kids)
Form small teams to encourage participation. Instead of shouting out answers, teams can write guesses on whiteboards. Split the game into rounds based on themes. Ideas include worship songs, classic hits, current Christian songs, and so on.
Large Groups (30+ kids)
Have groups elect a spokesperson to give answers. To keep players on their toes, rotate through musical genres. Add a lightning round to the Name That Tune game. Play just a few seconds of a song to keep energy levels high.
Theme Variations for Name That Tune
- Praise & Worship Edition: Use contemporary Christian songs.
- Throwback Hits: Use songs from different decades. Let leaders or parents join the fun!
- Current Hits: Play clean, positive songs from pop charts.
- Movie Soundtracks: Feature songs from Christian or family-friendly movies.
- Christmas Edition: Play carols for a holiday version of Name That Tune.
Song List for a Name That Tune Game
Here are 25 songs, including worship music and clean secular songs:
Faith-Based Praise Songs
- “Way Maker” (Sinach)
2. “Good Good Father” (Chris Tomlin)
3. “Build My Life” (Pat Barrett)
4. “Reckless Love” (Cory Asbury)
5. “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” (Hillsong UNITED)
6. “This is Amazing Grace” (Phil Wickham)
7. “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)” (Matt Redman)
8. “Glorious Day” (Passion)
9. “Raise a Hallelujah” (Bethel Music)
10. “Holy Spirit” (Francesca Battistelli)
11. “Shout to the Lord” (Darlene Zschech)
12. “Open the Eyes of My Heart” (Paul Baloche)
13. “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” (Rick Founds”
14. “Awesome God” (Rich Mullins)
15. “I Can Only Imagine” (MercyMe)
