Icebreakers, Games & Activities
- Tiny But Mighty Challenge — Give students small objects (paper clips, rubber bands, seeds). Then have them brainstorm what powerful or creative uses those items can have. Transition by talking about how small things can make a big impact.
- Growth Timeline — Ask teens to share a personal story of something they became better at over time (riding a bike, playing an instrument, public speaking). Connect it to the idea of spiritual growth over time.
- Mustard Seed Relay — Give each team a spoon and a mustard seed (or a similar-sized object). They must race the seed across the room without dropping it. It’s harder than it seems! Talk about how we must protect and nurture our faith.
- Planting Party — Give each student a small cup, soil, and mustard seeds (or another quick-growing seed). Discuss how we need to tend to our faith daily. Then challenge kids to care for their seed as a reminder to grow in faith.
- Faith Grows Mural — Set up a large poster or canvas. Have students draw or write one way they want to grow closer to Jesus. Hang it in the youth room as a reminder.
Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed reminds us that everyone starts small. With big trust, we can watch God make big things happen. With even the smallest seed of faith, God works mighty wonders—in our hearts and in the lives of others.
So remind teens they don’t need to wait until they feel ready to serve and lead. Help them plant mustard-seed faith and watch God make it grow!
