GAME IDEAS
LESSON #
34
TITLE
Let’s Hear it Again!
MEMORY VERSE
Isaiah 45:22
Review lessons from Part 1
35
God Provided for Israel
Isaiah 41:10
Deliver Israelites from Egyptian slavery
Journey to Canaan promised
Promises kept, nothing too hard,
miracles
36
God’s Promises to Israel
James 2:10
Try to get to God
Law shows we can not do it
God’s Character
37
The Ten Commandments
Teach the 10 Commandments
Focus on Man’s character
Romans 3:20
GAME IDEAS
1. The Gospel Wheel Game – Divide playing area into designated spokes of the wheel. Play like
Shipwreck found in Sparks Game Book page 142. Spokes are God –Man – Cross – Trust with the
middle Gospel. When the leader calls out one of the above words, all the students run to that area.
When you call sinner, all lie down outside the gospel. The last student arriving is out. Continue play
until time runs out and count the number of students per group/team or until only one student is
left. Award points. Variation: make the game more challenging by using the verse or a phrase from
the verse.
1. Balloon Delivery: Write various point values on pieces of paper. Place the pieces of paper inside
balloons. Blow up and tie off the balloons. Play game where two players per team try to bat their
balloon safely across their team line. Once across team line, they pop the balloon to reveal the
points for their team. Team with most points when game done wins. Variation: Start with balloon at
starting line and object is to cross the finish line. Student from team that bats balloon across finish
line pops it for points for their team. Could also write other things than points such as candy. Be
sure to do as you promised and give out the item at end of meeting.
1. Can not do relay: Tell students all they have to do is run across the room to the finish line. Oh, but
wait a minute. I forgot to tell you that you have to add on something before you can run. Have
clothes in pile, player puts on the clothes and runs across the room to finish line in x seconds. (make
sure they can not accomplish this in the stated time given to complete it.) They will still have fun
trying to do it. Cheer them on. Timed event. Variation: Find Scripture verse reference in the Bible in
stated time or some other task that can not be completed. The whole idea is that the rules of the
game show we can not do it.
2. Can do relay: Play game again but this time but without the additions to running across the room.
They just run. See how many can do it this time in the stated time. They all should be able to do it.
Tell them all they need to do is run to Jesus (trust in ) for salvation, not all the add-ons.
Don’t drop Relay: Relay with 10 items. Player must pick up and run the entire playing area without
dropping one of the items. Items can be variety of balls and sizes, Frisbee, plastic food, flowers,
Bible, whatever. Great to have the items stand for the 10 Commandments. If player drops one or
more of the items they are disqualified. Very hard if not impossible to do. Same with 10
Commandments.
2. Play any of their favorite games – must follow the directions/ rules to complete the game
successfully. See page 11 Small Space Games Book Bean Bag Toss – must stay within boundary of
table for points.
3. Wait a minute: Have a goal line marked off. Players walk steadily closer to the goal line(no stopping)
without crossing it in 60 seconds. The closest player wins.
1.
Game Ideas for Roots of Faith, Teacher’s Guide, Part 2
GAME IDEAS
LESSON #
38
TITLE
The Tabernacle
MEMORY VERSE
Hebrews 9:22a
GAME IDEAS
1.
Basic Plan of the Tabernacle
Building a specific structure
2.
39
Israel’s Unbelief
Hebrews 11:6
1.
Spies, Complaining, Bronze Serpent
2.
40
Israel in the Promised Land
2 Peter 3:9
1.
2.
Luke 1:37
1.
Judges, Kings, David, Prophets,
Judgment
41
God Prepares the Way for
the Deliverer
Birth of John and Jesus
God Prepares the Way
Announcement
Prophecy, Promises, Proclamation
42
Questions, Questions, Questions
Review lesson
2.
Review Verses
My Tower is Biggest: hand out various building supplies like gum drops, toothpicks, marshmallows,
pretzel sticks, spaghetti to each group/team. Give them a specified diagram of what to build with
their supplies. After a set time see how they did. Did they follow the exact directions or did they
decide they had a better way? Were they able to build it?
Cup Stacking: give them a design to build. Do as above. Variation: give them assorted blocks along
with a set design.
Verse Relay Game: see page 20 Sparks Game book Blackboard Relay. Use the words in lesson’s
memory verse. Write reference on board. First player runs in and writes the first word in the verse,
then runs back to starting line, gives chalk to next player who runs in and writes the next word. Play
continues until the verse along with the reference is completed and correct.
Which way do they go relay: have the events of the lesson written on index cards. One set per
group/team. The first player runs across to the finish line, grabs a card from their pile and runs back
to the starting line. The next player repeats until all the cards have been retrieved. Meanwhile the
team is putting the cards into chronological order. First team with all the cards retrieved and in the
correct order wins. If playing on game circle, have them run around the circle into center to retrieve
their card, then back to their color line. Have one player run into the center when they are done
getting the center pin or beanbag. Great game for review lessons as well. Fun yet checking and
reinforcing what they are learning and retaining.
Grabbers: see page 80 T&T Game Book
Pass it on: - see page 40 Small Space Games Book. Focusing on too many things (idols) makes it
hard. Focus on Jesus and His Word.
Set the Table Relay Race: Have objects to set the table available at the starting line. Have a set of
identical objects for each group/team. First player chooses an object and runs across to the table.
Places object on table according to the drawing. Runs back, tags the next player who chooses an
object and play continues until all objects are correctly placed setting the table. Last player
announces “We are prepared!” First group/team done correctly wins.
Clear the Way: have various objects scattered across the playing field. It is each group/team’s
mission to get all the objects out of their area making a clear path for them to run. Once all the
objects have been cleared, they run as a team from the starting line to the finish line. First
group/team done wins. If playing on the game circle, use the color team markings, Once objects are
removed, they run around the circle then one play into the center for the pin or beanbag.
1. Play their favorites from the last lessons
2. Bible Relay: see page 12 Small Space Games Book
Game Ideas for Roots of Faith, Teacher’s Guide, Part 2
GAME IDEAS
LESSON #
43
TITLE
God’s Plans for John and Jesus
MEMORY VERSE
Isaiah 9:6
God Sends the Deliverer
2. Balloon Bible Quiz Bust: see page 9 Small Space Games Book
Matthew 1:23
1.
2.
3.
Christmas themed games: see pages 32-39, 56 in Sparks Game Book
Decorate the Tree: see page 19 Small Space Games Book
Dueling Carolers: see page 22 Small Space Games Book
John 1:29
1.
2.
Bottle Relay: see page 26 Sparks Game Book
Water games: play games with water
Matthew 4:4
1.
Jesus says: Play like Simon Says but only do it when “Jesus Says.” Do not do when it is “Satan Says.”
The key to this game is going fast, very fast. Could also say things that Jesus would say to do and the
students stand up or give thumbs up while if it is something Satan would say to do, the students sit
down or stomp their foot NO! Again key is going fast. If incorrect response, the student is out. Last
student still in wins or if time runs out, count the number of students per group/team, award points.
Bowling: 2 sets of pins, write on them “temptations of Satan” (flesh, eyes, pride) and “sins” (steal,
hit, talk back, so forth). On the bowling ball write “God’s Word.” Bowl and knock down as many
pins/sins/temptations as they can. Award 10 points per pin. Total up the points after each student
per group/team has gone. The group with the most points wins! Could also write the temptations
and sins on paper then attach the paper to the pins. Could do the same thing with the ball.
Inexpensive sets can be found at discount stores and yard sales.
God Sends Deliverer
Jesus’ Birth
Prophecy Fulfilled
45
Jesus is Baptized
Jesus Baptized
John’s Ministry
46
Jesus Rebuked Satan
1. Back Writing: see page 8 Small Space Games Book. Choose word(s) to write based on key
words/names in the lesson.
God’s Plan for John and Jesus
Fulfillment
John’s birth
44
GAME IDEAS
Satan Tempts Jesus
2.
47
Jesus Begins His Work
John 1:17
Authority, power, healing
Calling of the disciples
48
You Must Be Born Again
Jesus and Nicodemus
New Birth
1.
2.
John 3:16
1.
2.
3.
Rescue: See page 128 Sparks Game book. Have up to 12 per group/team to stand for the 12
disciples.
Red Rover, Red Rover: Let __________ come over. Or Send _________ right over.
Gospel Wheel Game: see lesson 34
Hopscotch: write the words of the verse on a hopscotch board. Play like hopscotch until finish the
verse. May need to have several hopscotch boards going at a time. Great outdoor activity.
Jump robe: sing or say the verse as they jump robe. Jump separately or have two holding the rope
for students to jump. Number of jump ropes should be available.
Game Ideas for Roots of Faith, Teacher’s Guide, Part 2
GAME IDEAS
LESSON #
49
TITLE
Religious Leaders Reject Jesus
MEMORY VERSE
John 20:31
GAME IDEAS
1.
Jesus’ miracles
2.
3.
4.
50
Jesus Chooses Twelve Disciples
1 John 1:8
1. Rescue Chain Relay: see page 146 T&T Game Book
2. Go Get It: see page 30 Small Space Games Book
John 8:36
1. Let Me Out! Relay Race:
Supplies needed: balloons, copies of people (1/balloon) cut from magazines or drawn on paper,
and container to hold the balloons.
Preparation: Place a copy of a person inside each balloon by rolling tightly and placing inside. Blow
up the balloons and tie them off. Try to have several per group/team being sure to have the same
number for each team. Place the balloons into a container across the room from the starting line.
Play:
1. Divide into groups.
2. Choose number of students to play based on how many balloons you have for each team. If you
have four balloons per team choose 4 students per team to play.
3. One student runs from starting line across room to where the balloons are located. Choose one
balloon and run into the middle of the room (halfway point between starting line and balloon
location). Pop the balloon, retrieve the paper person and run back with the paper person to the
starting line.
4. Immediately the next student in line runs across room and repeats what the first student did.
Continue till all chosen students have returned to the starting line with their paper person.
Winning team is the one who got all their paper people back first.
1. Musical chairs: Bread and fish paper cutouts taped to bottom of at least ¾ chairs. Music stops, sit in
chair, if chair has bread or fish taped on it, stay in game, If no bread or fish, you are out. Remove the
same number of chairs as students who went out that round being sure to remove chairs with and
without the bread/fish. Continue rounds like above and play until one student is left.
2. Hot Potato: see page 74 Sparks Game book with these variations. Pass a play bread and cookie
around the circle. When the whistle is blown, the one holding the bread stays in while the one with
the cookie is out.
3. Pass the Candy: see page 126 T&T Game Book. Use Swedish candy fish or fish crackers.
4. Fanning the Kipper: see page 26 Small Space Games Book
Miracles, Storms
51
Jesus Heals a
Demon-possessed Man
Jesus makes us free
52
Jesus Fed Five Thousand People
Jesus satisfies
Bread and Fish
Games Limited: Play favorite games but with crutches, arms wrapped in slings, blindfolded, etc.
Then play the games again without the physical limitations.
Blind Man’s Race: see page 36 in T&T Game Book
Animal Farm: see page 7 Small Space Games Book
Feely Guessy: see page 25 Small Space Games Book
John 6:35
Game Ideas for Roots of Faith, Teacher’s Guide, Part 2
GAME IDEAS
LESSON #
TITLE
Questions, Questions, Questions
MEMORY VERSE
53
54
It Must Be God’s Way!
Ephesians 2:8-9
Review
Action and Attitude
GAME IDEAS
1. Play favorites
2. Bible Tic Tac Toe: see page 13 Small Space Games Book
1.
2.
3.
4.
55
Jesus Was Transfigured
Mark 9:7
Moses, Elijah, Jesus
56
Jesus is the Door to Eternal Life
John 14:6
Jesus compared to Ark
One door of Access
57
Jesus Raised Lazarus from
the Dead
John 11:25
58
The Rich Young Ruler
John 6:29
Simply Trust
59
Heaven or Hell?
Matthew 16:26
Jesus May I?: Play like Mother May I.
Go forward: Play like Red light, Green light. If it is something that God would say or do move
forward. If it is Satan’s way go backward. First one to move correctly and get to finish line wins. Go
over various actions and attitudes being sure to cover the ones your students are struggling with as
well as ones they are excelling in.
Do What It Says?: See page 60 T&T Game Book. To win at game had to do what paper said. To win
in life we must do what God says in His Bible – His paper to use, His instructions to us.
Tug-of-War: see page 184 T&T Game Book. Tug of war sometimes in our mind to make the right
choice. Who is stronger God’s Word or Satan in your life?
1. Quick Change Artist: see page 142 T&T Game book. Younger students allow them to bat their balloon
to spot, get dressed, then bat balloon back and run in for pin. If no game circle, start at starting line
and bat balloon to area to get dresses, then bat to finish line.
1. Play games with only one entrance – blocked by students who stand for Satan’s tricks, temptations,
idols, etc.
2. Target: bullseye
1. Play games with toilet or crepe paper. Wrap a student to look like a mummy then break free, run
the circle or across the finish line to win. Have a set amount that must be used to wrap the student.
2. Caterpillar Race: See page 17 Small Space Games Book
1. Scavenger Hunt: Hide things around the playing area that stand what people put their trust in, such
as play money bills and coins; baseball, football, food, books, beauty supplies, etc. These can be
actual items or cards with the words written or pictured on them. Make sure one card or item(cross
– Jesus) has the word TRUST written on it. Set timer, students collect as much as they can in time
allotted. The group, team, or individual student who collected the item that stands for TRUST wins! It
is the only thing that wins.
2. Worm Toss: See page 53 Small Space Games Book. Target is Trust!
1. Obstacle Course: make some places deadends – they do not lead anywhere. If they reach a
deadend they have to go back and start again from the beginning. Play as groups or individuals.
Time them to see how fast they can do it to add more fun!
2. Dodge Ball: see page 61 T&T Game Book. Can’t dodge hell by chance or by skill, there is only one
way to dodge hell. It is trust in Jesus.
3. Dodge Ball Scramble: see page 62 T&T Game Boo
Game Ideas for Roots of Faith, Teacher’s Guide, Part 2
GAME IDEAS
LESSON #
60
TITLE
Jesus Was Betrayed
MEMORY VERSE
John 1:11-12
Passover Lord’s Supper
61
Jesus Was Arrested
Isaiah 53:7
Trial, Mockery, Whipped
62
Jesus Was Crucified
1 Timothy 2:5
Payment for Sin
63
Jesus’ Resurrection and Ascension
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Empty Tomb, Appearance, Instructions
64
The Meaning of Christ’s Death – 1
Romans 5:8
Review OT
Garden, Sacrifice, Noah
65
The Meaning of Christ’s Death – 2
Ephesians 1:7
Review OT/NT
Passover, Jesus as Lamb
66
Questions, Questions, Questions
Review
GAME IDEAS
Celebrate Passover Seder: Explain the elements and how they relate directly to Jesus. Not a game
but an activity.
2. Substitute: play games around having students take each other’s place. Substitute run for me, hit for
me, throw for me.
Game: center around idea of being lead astray, guided to do wrong. Player from other team lead you
astray. Play game again this time having the helper lead you in the correct way.
1.
Payment for Sin relay: Have pictures/words on index cards or actual objects in a container that stand for
things people try to use as payment for sin along with the only way to pay for sin. Students run to
container and choose item/card without looking, runs to the finish line to leader. Student asks leader “Is
this a payment for sin?” Leader will answer no or yes. If yes they receive 10 points if no there is no points.
The student runs back to the starting line and tags the next students who repeats the above steps.
Continue till all have played. Variation: Time the event so they must be fast, first team done the game is
over, count up the points to find out who the winner is.
1. Empty Tomb: Run across to where a table is set up and covered with a sheet. Bend down, look
inside then run back to starting line. Announce it is empty and next player then runs and repeats.
Continue till all have run. First group/team done wins.
Pictionary: index cards with words/pictures from lesson. Divide into groups/teams. Students take turns
drawing and allowing their team mates to guess. If guessed correctly get points. If incorrect other team
can try and guess. If they are correct they get the points instead. May need to set a time limit for
guessing. Use large paper sheets, white or blackboard.
Pass over: Play games where items must be passed over the players’ heads. Stand in a line, one behind
the other. Items could be balloons, beanbag, wet sponges, and so forth. Last player in line runs to front
of line when receives item with all other players moving back one step. Play continues until the first one
who started the relay is back in the front position. First group/team who finishes wins.
1. Brain Scramble: See page 14 Small Space Games Book. Use timeline where names and/or events are
placed in chronological order. Could also use men and women of the Bible or verses to share the gospel.
Game Ideas for Roots of Faith, Teacher’s Guide, Part 2