Fortnite…What You Can Learn From the Video Game That’s a Cultural Phenomenon

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It’s often a family event. Many parents sit with their kids and take turns playing. Kids say watching other people play is almost as fun as actually playing themselves.

Children’s Ministry – Create shared experiences for kids and parentsThis can be anything from shared worship experiences to classes they attend together to activities they do together.

Kids feel a sense of achievement. Even when they don’t win, getting into the top five is satisfying.

Children’s Ministry – Use games and activities that give kids the opportunity to achieve goals. Have contests that promote friendly competition. And even if they don’t win, create an environment where everyone’s achievement can be recognized.

The environment looks kid-friendly. The world is designed to look cartoonish and welcoming.

Children’s Ministry – The physical environment you place kids in matters. Design your spaces with kids in mind. Use kid-friendly colors. An environment with decor that is designed for kids will make a difference in how your ministry is perceived. Not only by kids, but their parents as well. The goal should be to hear parents say, “Wow…my kids will love this environment.

Free. The game is free to play. This opens up the game for families who could otherwise not afford to play.

Children’s Ministry – Be a place where families feel comfortable coming no matter their financial or social status. 

Kids get to build a fort. Kids love to build. Legos. Lincoln logs. Car models. And forts in Fortnite.
Children’s Ministry – Bring building into your games, activities and lessons. Building things can be used to build kids’ faith.
Here’s an example. As you share the story of the walls of Jericho, have the kids use building blocks to build the wall of Jericho. Have them march around the wall seven times and then knock it down. Talk with the kids about God’s power being evident when we obey Him. And how God can bring down walls in our personal lives.

Kids get to make their own choices. Kids are told what to do most of the time. Go to bed at this time. Go to school on these days. Take out the trash now. They have very few opportunities to be in control. Fortnite gives kids the opportunity to make their own decisions and be in control.

Children’s Ministry – Give kids the opportunity to make choices. What song do you want to sing? Here are three activities. You get to pick the one you want to participate in. Here are three game options, which one do you want to do in our small group today?

These are just a few of the factors that pull kids into Fortnite. Implement these factors into your children’s ministry and you’ll see kids excited and engaging.
Your turn. Any other insights you have about the game and kids’ involvement. Share your thoughts in the comment section below. 
P.S. This is not an endorsement of the game Fortnite, but simply a look at why kids love to play it.
This article originally appeared here.

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Dale Hudsonhttp://www.buildingchildrensministry.com/
Dale Hudson has been serving in children's ministry for over 30 years. He is an author, speaker and ministry leader.  He is the founder and director of Building Children's Ministry. BCM helps churches build strong leaders, teams and children's ministries.  (www.buildingchildrensministry.com)

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