Biblical games are a hit with children. Kids tend to learn best when they’re active and engaged. One of the most effective ways to capture students’ attention? Play!
Biblical games make learning about God fun. In the process, activities reinforce lessons in ways that stick. Through movement, teamwork, and creativity, biblical games make memorable connections with Bible truths.
However, not every teacher is a fan of Sunday school games for kids. If you (or anyone on your kidmin team) is hesitant about playing games with Scripture tie-ins? Then keep reading for a primer on meaningful fun and joy!
How Biblical Games Enhance Learning
Here’s why games work so well in Sunday school classes:
- Active Participation—Kids learn by doing! Games encourage hands-on involvement, bringing the Bible to life.
- Memory Retention—Fun activities help children remember key verses and concepts.
- Social Development—Games foster teamwork, patience, and cooperation. They also reflect biblical principles of love and unity.
- Multi-Sensory Learning—Kids engage their senses, leading to deeper comprehension.
- Reinforcement—Games make Bible lessons stick.
Tips for Involving All Children
Next, remember to include everyone. Use these tips for playing biblical games:
- Know your group. Consider age, skill levels, attention spans, and energy levels.
- Encourage teamwork. In mixed-age groups, pair older kids with younger ones. In same-age groups, mix skill levels.
- Adapt as needed. Modify games to include children with different abilities.
- Set clear rules. Kids thrive on structure, so explain the rules before starting.
- Stay safe. Make sure the space is free of hazards and that games aren’t dangerous.
- Keep games short. Long games can lose children’s interest.
- Encourage good sportsmanship. Teach kindness while you play biblical games.
- Use positive reinforcement. Praise children for participation and effort, not just for winning.
- Be enthusiastic! Your excitement will encourage all children to join in.
12 Outside-the-Box Biblical Games
These creative games engage kids in small and large groups. Some work best outdoors.
1. Bible Verse Puzzle Hunt
Best for: smaller groups, indoors
First write Bible verses on puzzle pieces, one word per piece. Then hide them throughout the classroom or worship area. Challenge kids to work together to find and assemble the verse.
2. Parable Charades
Best for: smaller groups, indoors
Next list some familiar parables, such as the Good Samaritan. Then have teams act out parables while others guess the story.
3. Armor of God Dress-Up Race
Best for: smaller groups, indoors
Children race to put on pieces of “armor” (paper shields, helmets, etc.) while learning about Ephesians 6:10-18.
4. Gospel Telephone
Best for: smaller groups, indoors
Whisper a short Bible story throughout the group. Then see how well kids passed along the message.
5. Biblical Who Am I?
Best for: smaller groups, indoors
Tape character cards on kids’ backs. Then have them ask one another yes/no questions to guess who they are.
6. Bible Trivia Relay
Best for: larger groups, indoors
Divide into teams. Players run to answer a Bible question before tagging the next teammate.
