Category Archives: Creative Teaching Ideas

Ken’s ideas to add a little spark to your youth ministry lessons, improve your teaching, and add lots of fun and excitement to your teaching.

Creative Teaching Ideas

Insignificant Christmas?

December 11, 2012 kensapp Leave a comment

As the streets get lit up, the sidewalks, shop windows, everything gets decorated with scenes of the nativity, we see it all around us, and these symbols carry deep meaning for us. But something we don’t realize is how insignificant they were at the very first Christmas.

INSIGNIFICANT CHRISTMAS?

Resources

A list of 15-20 items that teens carry in their wallets, purses, or on themselves.
Some possible items for your list are: a black comb, facial tissue, a cross, five dollar bill, Bible, a book mark, foreign currency, lipstick, a note from a friend, white shoe string, 1 cent coin, an identity card, brown belt, safety pin, a ring, watch with a second hand, toothbrush, a friend’s phone number, pen, fingernail file, a pencil, picture of dad, friendship bracelet, a blank piece of paper, student ID, blonde hair, credit card, mobile phone, a cosmetic mirror, etc.

Preparation

Divide youth into groups of 4-5 students

What to Do

Tell the groups that you are going to ask for an object.
Each group should present their object to you for a point.
Once they’re back in their groups, they have to form these objects into some kind of representation of Christmas.
Have each group explain their representation.

Take It to the Next Level

Think about the small, insignificant things we see all around us at Christmas time, the sights, the sounds, the images. What are some of them you see?

Insignificant Places

Bethlehem
“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, TOO LITTLE to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” (Micah 5:2 – Emphasis Mine) Bethlehem means “House of Bread.” Ephrathah means “fruitful.” It is fitting that the Messiah, the “Bread of life”, the “fruitful vine” would be born there. It is the city of David, who was initially seen by his father Jesse as the most insignificant of his sons when presenting them to the prophet Samuel. Bethlehem was not the capital city. It was not a major trade center. It wasn’t a center of attention. It was a small quiet town, an insignificant place until the Messiah came.

Nazareth
Nathanael asked of Nazareth, “Can anything good come from there?” (John 1:46) Joseph and Mary cam from Nazareth. It wasn’t significant. It wasn’t held in high regard as indicated by Nathaniel’s statement.

Fields
The shepherd kept watch in the fields by night. It was pasture, farmland, a place to raise sheep. In fact, scripture says they were “living in the fields.” It was not at a crossroads, in the public square, on the palace grounds that the Savior’s arrival was announced, but in a field filled with more sheep than men.

A Stable
There was no room in the inn. No decent room. Not even a decent bed. Christ was not born in a palace or event a place created for men. It was a place for the animals, a stable. Instead of a bed, a feed trough.

Insignificant People

Shepherds
“In that region, there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.” (Luke 2:8) Shepherds were banished from the temple, indicating that in some way they were social outcasts who spent most of their lives not among men, but among sheep. As the shepherds tended their sheep they were simply going about their daily tasks. To the shepherds there was nothing significant about the night until the sky suddenly filled with a multitude of angels announcing “Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord.”

The Innkeeper
He was so insignificant that his name was not even mentioned, yet he gave Mary and Joseph a stable that provided some shelter for the night.

Mary and Joseph
They were not well to do and traveled the long journey from Nazareth to pay their taxes. Too young to be married, but old enough to trust God at His word. Mary’s words – “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said”.

From Insignificant to Significant

Christmas reminds us that any place can become special when God visits that place. That anyone can become important when God works through them. God specializes in making the small, the insignificant, the forgotten, and even the outcast significant in his plans. All he needs is a place, in your heart and in your life where ever you may be. When God is near, When God is with us, “Immanuel”, the insignificant grows into significance because he fills the space given to Him.

Make it Personal

What are some of the possibilities for God to use you and where you are at now for his glory?
In what ways can you allow God to fill more of your life?
What things can you do to allow God to use you in a more significant way?
You are significant to God. How would your life change if you said to God like Mary? “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”

Scripture References

“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”
– 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Creative Youth Ideas Christmas Collection
Games and Activities helping youth discover the Reason for the Season.

Get more than 200 creative ideas for planning a Youth Christmas celebration or Christmas Party party. You can immediately download my best Christmas Icebreakers, games, illustrations, Christmas activity ideas AND MUCH MORE in a useful ebook!

=> Tell me more about the Christmas Collection

Creative Teaching Ideas

The Nature of God

September 11, 2012 kensapp Leave a comment

We were recently very blessed in church when we got the opportunity to meet and worship with the writer of the praise song “Jesus Shall Take the Highest Honor.” It really opened our eyes and hearts to the magnificence of God and we saw a glimpse of what a big and indescribable God He truly is.

When we think about God, it really blows our minds. There’s so many things to say about Him, many things about His character that we still don’t understand. This activity helps youth at least gain some perspective on the personhood of God and relate to Him in ways they can describe and (at least try to) identify with.

The Nature of God

Resources

Balloons
Newsprint or a large sheets of paper
Markers for youth to write on the balloons and also to write on the newsprint

Preparation

To speed up the activity you can inflate the balloons in advance.

What to Do

Divide the youth into small groups and give each group a marker and some newsprint.
Individual groups brainstorm attributes of God and list their ideas on newsprint.
Groups share their answers and vote on 5 most important attributes from the collective ideas of all the youth.
Write the attributes of God on the inflated Balloons and place them in the center of the classroom.
Have the youth group stand in a circle around the balloons. For larger youth groups split into 2 or more circles.
Toss the balloons into the air. The youth must keep all the balloons in the air at once.
If a balloon hits the floor, everything stops and the youth must discuss what God would be like without the attribute that touched the floor.
If the same balloon hits the floor more than once, the youth must discuss one of the attributes on a balloon that has not been discussed yet.
Once all the attributes have been discussed, have everyone take a seat and get out their Bibles.
Share a few of the verses on the attributes of God. (Unless you have a lot of time, limit discussion to 3-5 attributes, but mention some of the others)
Discuss how the attributes affect our relationship with God.

Variations

Replace the word “God” in the instructions above with “friend” for a lesson on the qualities of a friend.
Attributes of the Church (Christians)
Attributes of a Good father / Good Mother
Attributes of a Christian
Attributes of a missionary / evangelist
Attributes of Christ
Attributes of the Holy Spirit

Take It to the Next Level

Make it Spiritual

God is…

Alive (John 5:26)
Beyond Comprehension (Isaiah 40:28; Psalm 145:3; Romans 11:33, 34; Isaiah 55:8).
Compassionate (Psalm 103:13)
Eternal (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17)
Faithful (1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)
Father (Matthew 6:9; 7:9-11)
Forgiving (1 John 1:9)
Gentle (Psalm 18:35)
Good (Romans 2:4)
Gracious (Exodus 34:6; Psalm 31:19; 1 Peter 1:3; John 3:16, 17:3; Psalm 103:8, Ephesians 2:7-9)
Holy (Leviticus 11:44-45, Isaiah 6:3; Habakkuk 1:13; Exodus 3:2, 4-5; Hebrews 12:29; 1 Peter 1:16; Isaiah 59:2)
Incomparable (2 Samuel 7:22; Psalm 86:8; Isaiah 40:25; Matthew 5:48)
Invisible (Exodus 33:20; John 1:18; 1 John 4:12; 1 Timothy 6:16; Col 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:27)
Just (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 18:30; Isaiah 45:21; Jeremiah 9:24; Job 34:12)
Love (1 John 4:8,16)
Merciful (Psalm 103:8)
Omnipotent; All-powerful (Revelation 19:6; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Genesis 17:1; 35:11; Romans 13:1; 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:6; Matthew 19:26)
Omnipresent; Everywhere (Psalm 139:7-13; Jeremiah 23:23; Mark 5:10; Jude 6; Revelation 20:1-3; 1 Kings 8:27; 2 Chronicles 2:6; 6:18; Isaiah 66:1; Acts 7:49; 17:27-28; Psalm 139:7-13)
Omniscient; All knowing (Psalm 139:1-5; Proverbs 5:21; Psalm 139:1-6; Job 42:2; Acts 2:23; 1 Timothy 1:17; Psalm 147:5; 1 John 3:20)
Patient (Exodus 34:6)
Perfect (Matthew 5:48)
Personal (Exodus 3:14, Romans 9:19; Isaiah 1:18; Romans 11:33-34; Genesis 1:27; Psalm 18:19; Psalm 103:13; Proverbs 6:16; Exodus 20:5; Psalm 103:8; Deuteronomy 4:25; Genesis 6:6; Psalm 103:1)
Provider (Matthew 6:25-27)
Righteous (Exodus 9:27; Matthew 27:45-46; Romans 3:21-26; Psalm 129:4; Psalm 19:7-9; Jeremiah 9:24)
Sovereign (Psalm 93:1; 95:3; Jeremiah 23:20)
Spirit (John 1:18; 4:24; Matthew 16:17)
Truth (Psalm 117:2; 1 Samuel 15:29; 1 Jn 1:5; John 17:17; Titus 1:2)
Unchanging (James 1:17; Malachi 3:6; Numbers 23:19; Psalm 102:26, 27; Mal 3:6; But God can change his mind: Jonah 3:10; Gen 6:6)

Make it Personal

What attributes of God comfort you? Make you fearful?
How are the attributes of God revealed in his dealing with us?
Share a situation when you personally experienced one of the attributes of God. How did it make you feel? What effect did it have on your relationship with God, with others, or on the way you live your life?
What attributes of God should we also display in our words, thoughts, and actions?

Make it Practical

We are called not only to seek God and worship him, but also to be like him. While there are some attributes of God we can never have, there are other attributes of God that we are told to express in our lives as Christians. (Eph. 4:24, Colossians 3:10, leviticus 11:44, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 8:28-29, 1 John 3:2)

Which characteristics of God should do you need to express more in your life? Which is most difficult for you?
What can you start doing now that can help it to happen?

With all the awesome attributes of God, it may seem that God is out of reach. It’s hard to imagine that God should take an interest in us. But our awesome God can be found if we seek Him.

Close with a time of praise to God for who he is and for how he relates to us.

Scripture References

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”
– Romans 1:20

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
– Jeremiah 29:11-13

Icebreakers Ahead: Take It To the Next Level

This 170 page resource not only provides 52 of the world’s most popular group icebreaker activities and games, but also includes lesson ideas and discussion questions to smoothly transition into conversations about the issues common to most groups.

Click here to find out how to get your hands on this incredible resource!

Creative Teaching Ideas

Bible Lessons from the Olympics: Running for the Gold

August 14, 2012 kensapp Leave a comment

Running for the Gold We’ve come to the end of the Olympic games. Seen the joy on the faces of the athletes at the closing ceremony and seen the flag passed on to Rio, the next hosts of the Olympics. For many of these athletes, this would mark the end of their career. Their last time competing on the world’s stage. As we recognize their achievements, we’re reminded of the spiritual race that still lies before us…

Running for the Gold

During the 2012 London Olympic Games, we watched athletes who have invested a lot of time, money, and immense effort in order to compete (often in a single event), hoping to receive gold, silver and bronze medals that will be hung on ribbons around their necks. In the original Olympic games the only prize the Greek athletes received was a crown of olive leaves cut from a sacred tree at Olympia. There were no medals and only the winner’s name was recorded. There was no prize for those who finished second or third. While today’s Olympic medals last much longer than a crown of olive leaves, they may not be worth as much as you think.

Olympic gold medals only need to be gilded with a minimum of 6 grams of gold. The rest of the medal is silver that is a minimum of 92.5 percent pure. Silver medals are made entirely of at least 92.5 percent pure silver. At today’s prices the gold medal is only worth around $300 and the silver medal is worth considerably less. But ask any athlete how much it is worth and they are sure to tell you it is priceless. Even so, these medals do not last forever. Medals can tarnish, be stolen, or even be lost. The ribbons they hang from will rot. The athlete’s moment of glory will one day be forgotten. Think about it, how many Olympic champions can you remember? How many world record holders can you name?

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, the apostle Paul says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (NIV).

Just as the Olympic Games has come to an end, and the athletes have been awarded their medals, the Olympic flame extinguished, our life will one day come to its end. The Bible says that we also compete, not for a medal, not for a temporary crown of olive leaves, not for honor and personal glory but for a crown that lasts forever. The opponents we face are the enemy and his forces and our own fleshly nature. The glory we receive is not that one moment on the podium but one that endures for all eternity. God’s crown is not for one winner, but for all who strive for righteousness.

The crown is our reward for running the race, for being faithful to our calling, for enduring the struggles and the hardships, for wrestling with the sad events and circumstances we cannot control and do not understand, for finishing the course God has set out for us.

Toward the end of his life Paul writes: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to ALL who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Take it to the Next Level

Life is like a race. Sometimes its uphill, sometimes it’s downhill. Sometimes you don’t know how far you’ve come or how far you still have to go. It’s more than simply showing up to the starting line.

The important factor is not how many start, but how many finish. It’s not a half-effort attempt, but a total commitment. It’s not taking short cuts, but following the rules. Only then can you win the prize.

It’s the pursuit of a goal, forgetting about what lies behind and instead straining toward what lies ahead, and casting aside anything that might hinder us. It’s the pursuit of Godliness. It’s something you strive for every moment of every day. We have our coach, our guide, the Holy Spirit and our training manual – the Bible. Our coach makes it clear to us what we need to work on, and the Bible provides instruction on how to make it happen. Both reveal areas where we need self-control, more discipline, and better focus. Both guide our training in righteousness. We must make a disciplined all out effort to act on that instruction. And at the end of this life, we will stand on the victors team. Christ has already run the race, being not only the first, but also the last to make sure that all of us in the middle cross the finish line in victory. Don’t just run. Run in such a way as to win. When things get tough, the discipline carries you through. When the moments of testing come, its the training that brings you the victory.

If you look at many of the great Bible characters you will see a period of training and discipline before God places them in the spotlight. Daniel in Captivity. Joseph in a prison. Moses in a desert. David as a shepherd among the sheep. John and Peter as Fishermen. Saul (Paul) as a Pharisee.

All destined to be used by God, yet all in a place of training where God prepared them for the race that was ahead. And God has plans for you too. Wherever you are now, whatever situation you are in now, is training not only for the present, but also for the race ahead. Maybe God has already brought you to the track. Maybe God is preparing you for the track. Whatever the case, he will work his perfect will in your life if you have the discipline and accept the training he has for you now.

Scriptures Verses for Youth Bible Study

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to ALL who have longed for his appearing.”

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)
“However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him'”

Questions for Youth Discussion

Rules

What are the things we are commanded to DO in these Bible verses?
What are we told to NOT DO in these Bible verses?
How are we to run?
What will result in disqualification for a Christian? What are we disqualified for?
What actions can cause us to lose our rewards?
What are the rules for Christian living?

Discipline & Training

What are the Christian disciplines?
Why did Paul live a disciplined life?
What is a disciplined life in the context of living as a Christian?
What are some of the Christian disciplines that prepare us for the race?
What are the characteristics of our training?
What does it mean to run in such a way as to get the prize?
What does the spiritual athlete need to exercise?
When have you “run aimlessly” or “beat the air”?
What requires discipline and self-control in your life?

Goals

What is our goal, our purpose as a Christian?
What can we do to ensure we finish well?
What is the prize for Christians?

Application to the Lives of Youth

* What lessons can you find in your past and present circumstances?
* What training and discipline has God revealed a need for in your life?
* What are some goals that you would like to trust God to achieve?
* What are your plans (i.e., activities) to achieve these goals?

What can you begin with today, so that at the end, you can say like Paul, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith, and now there is in heaven the crown of Righteousness.

Go for the Gold
Need an evangelistic Youth Camp/ Bible Study Series with an Olympic Theme?

What is salvation all about? What does it mean to be saved? This sports themed Bible Study / Camp Curriculum uses the Olympic Flag to introduce the concepts of sin (black circle), forgiveness (red circle), purity (white background), spiritual growth (green circle), heaven (Yellow Circle) and (Baptism) blue circle.
-> Tell me about “Go for the Gold”

Destined to Win
Need a Youth Camp/ Bible Study Series on “Running the Christian Race”?

The race as a metaphor for the Christian life is used in several places in the Bible. This series is a great follow up for new Christians or to re-emphasize the basics of our spiritual Journey in the Faith. This Bible Study / Camp Curriculum has a sports theme and is great for athletes as well as a tie in to the youth Olympic Games.
->Tell me about “Destined to Win”

Creative Teaching Ideas

Affinity – God Cares for Youth

June 20, 2012 kensapp Leave a comment

Summary

Sometimes the summer months can be lonely for youth. Things slow down. Since they are not at school, contact with other youth is reduced. There is a lot of time to think. And when you spend more time alone, it’s also common to think that you are alone in your struggles. Use this activity as an icebreaker or simply to create an awareness that regardless of what youth are going through, there are others who gone through it before us and others that will go through it later. And even if it seems there is no one who can understand, Jesus does.

Resources
None

Preparation
None

What to do

Get everyone to pair up with someone else in the room.
Ask them to decide who will be person A and who will be person B.
As always, person B goes first. Person B asks the following questions in order, giving a chance for person A to respond after each question.
After person A has given his/her responses, the pair switches between who asks and who answers.
After some time to go back and forth between person A and B, you may wish to mix up the pairs with others in the room and repeat the process.

Questions

Tell me something I don’t know about you.
Tell me something you like about me.
Tell me something we might have in common.

Take It to the Next Level

We often feel we are alone in our struggles and that no one understands us or there’s no one who can relate to us or understand what we’re going through.

We don’t often realize there are people all around us that have the same life situations as us – people who share so many things in common with us. We were never created to function alone. That’s why God gave us a community.

In fact, to prove we were never alone and that there was someone out there who was familiar with our struggles, Jesus Christ, our King left His throne room and became man. He walked the same land and lived the same life. He was God with us – Emmanuel.

Looking at the Scripture

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16 NASB)

1. Jesus knows how you think and feel

“But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man” (John 2:24, 25).
And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen” (Acts 1:24).

2. Jesus knows you inside and out (Psalm 139:1-12, Psalm 103:14)

O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. (Psalm 139:1-4)

3. Jesus knows your suffering (Isaiah 53:3-7)

4. Jesus will be with you and take care of you in all things (Psalm 91, 1 Peter 5:7)

Applying it to Life

How does it make you feel knowing that God fully understands everything you think, feel, and are going through?
Often God uses Christians as his hands, his voice, and his messengers to show his love and care to others.
Who has God placed around you to show that there are others out there who care about them?
Is there someone in your life you need to get to know more, to relate to, that you need to be his messenger of love and concern to?
If we don’t take that first step to reach out, how else will they know that there is a God who isn’t so far away an out of touch with what they’re going through?
What can you do this week to be a messenger of God’s love, and care for others?

MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

Learn More…

Creative Teaching Ideas

Who’s the Father?

June 12, 2012 kensapp Leave a comment

Description
As we celebrate Father’s Day we are reminded that God created us through fathers and that fathers are all around us in creation. Father’s are special, and we often have special names for fathers such as dad, daddy, etc. In the animal kingdom some father’s also have special names. Do you know the special name for each father in the animal kingdom?

alligator ………. bull
ant ……………… gyne
antelope ………. buck
bear ……………. boar
bee …………….. drone
bird (general) .. cock
bison ………….. bull
buffalo ………… bull
camel …………. stallion
cat …………….. tom
cat …………….. gib
cattle ………….. bull
chicken ……….. rooster
crocodile ……… bull
deer ……………. buck
deer ……………. hart
deer ……………. stag
dolphin ……….. bull
donkey ………… jack
duck …………… drake
elephant ……… bull
elk ……………… bull
falcon …………. tercel
ferret …………… Jill
fox ……………… reynard
fox ……………… vix
giraffe …………. bull
gnu …………….. bull
goat ……………. billy
goose ………….. gander
steg ……………. steg
grouse ………… gorcock
guinea pig …… boar
hare …………… buck
hare …………… jack
hawk …………. tiercel
hedgehog ……. boar
hippopotamus.. bull
horse ………….. sire
horse ………….. stallion
horse ………….. stud
impala ………… buck
kangaroo ……… boomer
Lemur …………. dictator
moose ………….. bull
mouse ………….. buck
mule …………….. jack
ox ……………….. steer
panda ………….. boar
pig ………………. barrow
pig ………………. boar
possum …………. jack
porcupine ………. boar
rabbit ……………. buck
rat ……………….. buck
reindeer …………. bull
rhinoceros ……… bull
seal ………………. bull
shark ……………. bull
sheep ……………. ram
sheep ……………. tup
sheep ……………. wether
squirrel …………. buck
swan ……………. cob
turkey …………… gobbler
turkey …………… tom
turkey …………… jack
walrus ………….. bull
wasp ……………. drone
whale …………… bull
wolf …………….. he-wolf
yak ……………… bull
zebra …………… stallion

Icebreaker Game Idea: Who am I and where is my Father
Write the name of each Male (father) and the matching animal on separate index cards or name labels. Shuffle them, and as youth arrive one on the back of each youth so that each person cannot see his own card. The youth must mingle around the room asking each other “yes” or “no” questions about the animal on his or her back in order try to not only identify what is on his or her back, but to also find his or her match. Reduce the number of cards for smaller groups. Duplicate some of the animals for larger groups.

Game Idea: Concentration Card Matching Game
You can place the cards face down so that they cannot be seen in several rows on a table. Do not stack the cards. Youth then turn over any two cards. If a father is matched with the correct animal they can take both cards and then choose two more. If the two cards do not go together they must leave the cards in place and turn them back over. Youth takes turns trying to match cards. This can be done in teams or as individuals. At the end of the game when all the cards have been matched and taken, the youth or team with the most cards wins.

Game Idea: Matching Fathers Concentration Card Game
As a variation you can get photos of fathers and the youth. Paste or print each one on a card. Play it in the same way as the game above except the youth must also match father and child together.

Game Idea: “Battle” also known as “slap”
Shuffle and deal the cards into two equal piles. Divide the youth into two teams. Each team chooses a person to turn over cards. Each team turns over a card at the same time as the other team. When the two cards go together the first person to slap the top of the discards in the center gets all those cards. If they slap the stack and the cards do not match, the other team gets all the cards. The team can shout directions for its player and help them to determine when to slap the deck. Once the deck has been slapped, the next person from each team turns over the cards. The game is over when one team obtains all the cards in this manner.

Father – Child Game Idea
Have each child bring a stuffed animal. Put all the stuffed animals in a pile. Then one by one each father is blindfolded and must find his child’s stuffed animal without looking!

Game Idea: “Name That Animal”
In this variation, youth get to see animal listed on the card, but must make the sound of the animal to find their match. Have dictionaries available as some youth will not know what their animal is. Make sure that there are not duplicate names of fathers as some of the names of the males are the same for different animals.

Game Idea: Which one is my daddy?
Blindfold youth the youth and line up the fathers in a row of chairs. Each youth must find his or her father using only touch. You could guide them to touch the father’s face, or the fathers could hold out their arms, or you could use a hand, a foot, or a leg for identification. You could also do it the other way around so that fathers are blindfolder and must identify their children by touch. The story of jacob and Esau in the Genesis 25 of the Bible would be a great follow up as Isaac wasn’t able to identify which son was which.

Take it to the Next Level
Each animal in this list has a special name for its father. Your parents gave each of you a special name as well. And God knows each one of you by name. Just as the parents take care of their babies, your father takes care of you. Take some time to thank your father for taking care of you.

What are some of the unique characteristics of your father?
What are some of the things that would help you identify your father if you could not see?
What are some of the phrases and words your father often uses?
What are some ways that your father takes care of you?
What are some things that you treasure about your father?
In what ways has your father blessed you?

You can then ask the same questions, but in regard to our heavenly father.

Holiday Collection
Games and Activities in Celebration of common Holidays.

Creative Holiday Ideas has over 300 pages of ideas to help you plan your next Father’s Day as well as other familiar holidays. If you’ve ever wondered what you’re going to do in celebration of the holidays and how you’re going to do it, this resource is for you.

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Creative Teaching Ideas

The Olympic Torch Relay

May 16, 2012 kensapp Leave a comment

The Olympic Games was a significant competitive sporting event in the life and times of Jesus, carrying right on through the life of the early church and the ministry of the apostles. It’s no surprise then that the writers in the New Testamant make so many athletic references to “running races”, “training”, “prizes”, “crowns”, all of which were part of the tradition of the Games.

In a few months time, we’ll be celebrating the 2012 Olympics in London. Although the location, scale, format, participating countries, events, and well, practically everything has changed over the years, one tradition has persisted through the ages — the Olympic Torch Relay.

The traditional Lighting Ceremony recently took place on 10 May 2012 at the Temple of Hera, Olympia, home of the Ancient Olympic Games. The torch will travel around Greece, and will arrive in Athens in 2 days time and then arrive in the United Kingdom the next day.

The relay will last 70 days, with 66 evening celebrations, six Island Visits with about 8,000 people carrying the torch a total distance of about 8,000 miles (12,800 km), starting from Land’s End in Cornwall.

This year, the Olympic Torch is perforated by 8,000 circles representing the inspirational stories of the 8,000 Torchbearers who will carry the Olympic Flame.

Our Christian journey of faith reminds me a lot of this relay. It’s not the torch that bore the mark of their testimony, but the Bible. The writer of Hebrews in Chapter 11 talks about the many “inspirational heroes” of faith that came before us. Each of them with their own story about how God delivered them and how His promises were fulfilled in their lives through their faith in Him.

After they carried the “torch”, pressing on in spite of their struggles to take hold of what God had in store for them, they passed their legacy on to the next generation of “torchbearers” who would stand as a lighthouse and witness to the world around them. Their names are familiar to us. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Samson, David, Samuel, and the prophets. The writer doesn’t always tell each of their stories but the very mention of their names makes us recall their great exploits, their journeys, their stories, and sometimes, cautionary tales.

They weren’t perfect people and the Bible did nothing to sugarcoat or hide their flaws. They were murderers, thieves, adulterers, and prostitutes. They were proud, greedy, lustful, and selfish. Yet there they are — the ones we look up to. They were human in their failings but the one common thread running through their lives was that they looked to God in faith. And that’s what set them apart from the rest. They weren’t focused on their insignificant lives, they were focused on an all-powerful God.

They finished their part of the relay and God saw that their faith in Him was well placed. And now they pass their torch to us. The writer of Hebrews says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Heb 12:1)

They haven’t disappeared, they’re there in the stands cheering us on. Saying as it were, “This faith journey of yours is not going to be easy, it sure wasn’t for me either. But I made it. So, don’t let your sin hinder you. Keep on going. Don’t give up. You can do it.”

There’s always going to be times when we want to just give up. To say it’s too hard and drop the torch. But we’re reminded that we’re not alone in this journey of faith. All those who came before us, even God Himself is cheering us on. Our place in this journey of ours is just to keep running. To be faithful to what God has called us to do and be an example, not even a perfect one, but a very real and human hero to the next generation of believers and faithful followers of Christ!

Take It to the Next Level

What do you feel God has called you to do? It could be something that requires a lot of faith, something that you have to persevere through, it could be a struggle you have to overcome. Whatever it is, he intends to make your hopes, dreams and experiences help others find meaning through their own lives. Your big dream can ignite that same passion in others, your persistence can encourage others to find strength, and your experiences can inspire the world. God can make your story like he used the stories of the faith giants in the Bible – the good, the bad, and the ugly – to be a testimony of His grace working through our faith.

Go for the Gold
Need an evangelistic Youth Camp/ Bible Study Series with an Olympic Theme?

Destined to Win
Need a Youth Camp/ Bible Study Series on “Running the Christian Race”?

Creative Teaching Ideas

Christ – The light of the World for Today’s Youth

April 23, 2012 kensapp 1 Comment

Description
Use this simple Bible Teaching Activity for Children and Youth to introduce help them to better understand the idea that Jesus is the Light of the World, ways he brings light into our daily lives, and what that means to living the Christian Life.

Resources

Modeling Clay or Playdoh
Flashlight or small light

Advance Preparation
Prepare the room so that if you turn off the lights, the room becomes very dark. You can use newspaper, aluminum foil, or black plastic trash bags to cover windows if needed.

What to do

As the youth arrive, give each a “ball” of modeling clay or Playdoh. Instruct one half of the room to create something that represents darkness. Instruct the other half of the youth to form something that represents light. Their creations can either be very literal or symbolic.
After all the youth have had enough time to create something, ask them to share their expressions of light and darkness with the class. Encourage them to explain what they have created and how it represents light or darkness.

Take it to the Next Level

Learning Games
We all have spiritual darkness in our lives, but Jesus promises to bring light into our lives. Read John 8:12 then turn out the lights so that the room is completely dark. Then play a few carnival games in the dark. Here are some possibilities

Ball toss
Obstacle Course
Scavenger Hunt
Charades
Ring Toss
Complete a Zigsaw Puzzle
Bowling using a ball and empty soda bottles as pins
OTHERS?

Discussion

How would you describe darkness?
Darkness is like ___________?
What would it be like to live without light?
What effect does darkness have on us?
How does darkness hinder our abilities?

Learning Games: Part 2

Turn on the flashlight and repeat the games.
“Even a little light makes a big difference”

Conclusion

Read John 8:21-24
The light of Jesus is offered to every person, but each of us must personally make the choice to follow or reject him.
Divide the youth into two groups. The first group must list as many consequences or benefits as possible that are likely for a person who rejects the Light of Christ in his or her life. The second group of youth must list as as many consequences or benefits as possible for someone who rejects the light of Christ in his or her life. Answers should reflect immediate results, long term results as well as the afterlife.
Have the groups pick one or more spokespersons to share their answers.
Explain that while Christ offers light to our lives, there are still many people who choose to walk in the dark or even to close their eyes when there is light available. Discuss why a person might choose to live in the dark?

Applying the Truth

Jesus is available to all, if you have not asked Christ into your life, then why not? What must a person do to have Christ?
Ask youth to list possible areas where teens need more light?
Ask youth to think about areas in their own lives that need more light?
Have a time of prayer where youth can talk to God about the areas of their lives they need him to bring his light an cleansing to

Scripture
John 8:12,21-24

Looking for more Ideas related to Jesus as the Light of the World?
Shining for Jesus This Christmas
Poem: Christ has Come – the Light of the World
Placing Light
How Youth Can shine as Lights in the World

MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”
200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.
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Creative Teaching Ideas

Balloon Bop Relay

January 29, 2012 kensapp Leave a comment

Description
Teams of youth must move different colored balloons from the front of the room to the back, then back to the front again. Balloons can be holiday colors or contain messages inside.

Resources Needed

Rubber Balloons in various colors. You’ll need one of each color for every team.
Open area for youth to move around. It can also be done in a classroom setting with youth sitting in chairs.

Advance Preparation

Put the verses of the Roman Road on small slips of paper and place them inside the balloons.

Romans 3:10-12
Romans 3:23
Romans 6:23
Romans 5:8
Romans 10:9-10
Romans 10:13

NOTE: You can also put steps to take, key learning points form a lesson, events in a sequence, or other scriptures on a topic inside the balloons to make this activity suitable for other lessons.

Getting Started

Divide the youth into 2 or more teams. If sitting in a classroom setting, divide the class into the two different halves of the room.
Place a balloon of each color in front of each team.
Inform the youth about the objective and the rules of the game.
Declare the winner of the game.

The Objective of the Game

One at a time, move each of the colored balloons to the back of the room and then return them to the front until you complete the journey for all of the balloons.

The Rules of the Game

You must bop (hit) the balloon to move it.
You may not grab the balloon with your hands.
If the balloon falls to the floor, you must quickly take it to the front of the room and start again.
Your team may only have one balloon in motion at a time.
The balloon must touch the back wall before it can be sent forward again.
First team to complete the relay using all of their balloons wins.

Adjusting the Difficulty Level

You can increase the difficulty of this game by adding one or more of the following rules.
A person may not hit the balloon twice in a row.
Hits must alternate between guys and girls.
You may not use your hands.

Discussion

Ask youth what were some of the keys to success in this game?

They might have a lot of answers, but here are some things you can highlight:

When near to you, do your part.
Don’t wait for someone else to handle things.
It’s a team effort.
It usually takes more than one person to see results.
Sometimes things don’t go as you plan.
Don’t give up. Patient progress will get you there.

Take It to the Next Level

Through the Bible, God delivered a message to the world. It came through different people and there were many parts to the journey, but it was “Finished” with Christ on the Cross. He’s passed on responsibility for delivering the message of the Gospel, the “Good News” to us.

Matthew 28:18-20
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

1 Peter 3:15
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have”

MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

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Creative Teaching Ideas

Super Bowl XLVI – Indianapolis (Patriots vs Giants)

January 25, 2012 kensapp Leave a comment

February 5th is American Football’s Superbowl weekend! The Patriots and Giants will tee off for the NFL’s Super Bowl XLVI.

We’ve got a great idea for you to try out with your youth group, it’s sports-themed and perfect for tying in what’s going on in American Football on the 5th with a spiritual application. I am putting it up one week early as some churches might want to use this the week BEFORE Superbowl Sunday.

The Father’s Eyes

What to Do

Talk about their most embarrassing moment while participating in a sport.
Talk about their greatest triumph while participating in a sport.

Illustration

Bob Richards, the former pole-vault champion, shares a moving story about a skinny young boy who loved American football with all his heart.

Practice after practice, he eagerly gave everything he had. But being half the size of the other boys, he got absolutely nowhere.

At all the games, this hopeful football player sat on the bench and hardly ever played.

This teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them had a very special relationship. Even though the son was always on the bench, his father was always in the stands cheering. He never missed a game. This young man was still the smallest of the class when he entered high school. But his father continued to encourage him, but also made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn’t want to. But the young man loved football, and decided to hang in there.

He was determined to try his best at every practice, and perhaps he’d get to play when he became a senior. All through high school he never missed a practice nor a game, but remained a bench-warmer all four years.

His faithful father was always in the stands, always with words of encouragement for him.

When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for the football team as a “walk-on.” Everyone was sure he could never make the cut, but he did.

The coach admitted that he kept him on the roster because he always put his heart and soul to every practice, and at the same time, provided the other members with the spirit and hustle they badly needed.

The news that he had survived the cut thrilled him so much that he rushed to the nearest phone and called his father. His father shared his excitement and was sent season tickets for all the college games. This persistent young athlete never missed practice during his four years at college, but he never got to play in a game. It was the end of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice field shortly before the big playoff game, the coach met him with a telegram.

The young man read the telegram and he became deathly silent. Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, “My father died this morning. Is it all right if I miss practice today?” The coach put his arm gently around his shoulder and said, “Take the rest of the week off, son. And don’t even plan to come back to the game on Saturday.”

Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well. In the third quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent young man quietly slipped into the empty locker room, put on his football gear, and as he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players were astounded to see their faithful teammate back so soon. “Coach, please let me play. I’ve just got to play today,” said the young man. The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he wanted his worst player in this close playoff game.

But the young man persisted, and finally feeling sorry for the kid, the coach gave in. “All right,” he said. “You can go in.”

Before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never played before was doing everything right. The opposing team could not stop him. He ran, he passed, blocked, and tackled like a star. His team began to triumph. The score was soon tied. In the closing seconds of the game, this kid intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown. The fans broke loose. His teammates hoisted him onto their shoulders. Such cheering you never heard.

Finally, after the stands had emptied, and the team had showered and left the locker room, the coach noticed that this young man was sitting quietly in the corner, all alone. The coach came to him and said, “Kid, I can’t believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into you? How did you do it?”

He looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said, “Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know that my dad was blind?” The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, “Dad came to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him I could do it!”

Take It to the Next Level

Like the athlete’s father, God is always there cheering for us. He’s always reminding us to go on. He’s even offering us His hand for He knows what is best, and is willing to give us what we need and not simply what we want.

God has never missed a single game. What a joy to know that life is meaningful if lived for the Highest. We don’t have to be the MVP, we just need to play the position God gives us. Everyone makes mistakes on the field. But God gives us the “grace” to make mistakes, while not losing sight of our goal.

There will be opposition, there will be progress and at other times we may lose ground. But we must never give up striving for the Goal God has for us. Live for HIM, for He’s watching us in the game of life!

Philip. 3:12-17
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. [13] Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Destined to Win
Need a Youth Camp/ Bible Study Series on “Running the Christian Race”?

Our “Destined to Win” series is a great follow up for youth who are new Christians or to emphasize the basics of our spiritual Journey in the Faith. This Bible Study / Camp Curriculum / Small Group Study has a sports theme and is great for athletes and works well as a tie in to what’s going on in the NBA and the current Linsanity.
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Creative Teaching Ideas

Christmas Ornament Affirmations

December 23, 2011 kensapp Leave a comment

Christmas Activity Description

The first Christmas tree ornaments were fruits, nuts, sweets, marzipan cookies and even communion wafers cut into various shapes. Decorations made of gold foil and paper were also added. The tree itself, an evergreen, was a reminder of everlasting life. A star or angel at the top reminded people of the Christmas story. Lights symbolised that the Light had come into the world. Often hard cookies (like gingerbread) would be baked in the shape of fruits, stars, hearts, angels and bells.

We don’t know who was the first to use the Christmas tree to tell others about Christ, but history does record the story of Saint Boniface. This German man traveled across germany telling people about Jesus using a Fir tree. It is said he used a fir tree because the branches pointed to heaven from which baby Jesus came to earth and that he decorated it with fruits and nuts to remind people that God provided for them.

Throughout the ages, many of the early ornaments reflected various aspects of the Christmas Story as found in the Bible. In the late 1800’s glass balls and special handcrafted ornaments began to appear. Homemade ornaments were also popular and paper snowflakes and paper chains are still used today. But regardless of what ornaments adorned the Christmas tree, the original intention was for the ornaments to reflect the Christmas Season and Christ.

Today, trees are not the only things that are decorated. Your life should reflect not the Christmas Season, but the Christian Savior.

Christmas is a time to remember the greatest gift – that God so loved the world that he sent his son, that a Savior was born. We are thankful for Jesus. And this Christmas we also want to thank God for sending you, for the gifts he has given the world through you.

“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” ~1 Peter 3:3-4 ESV

Some youth have decorated their lives with kindness. Others with generosity. Some of your lives are decorated with peace, encouragement, joy, and love. So in this activity, we want to celebrate the gifts God has given the world through each and every youth. Our next activity is going to help us to do that.

What you need

Market / Paint Pens – Provide various colors and sizes that can be used to write on glass and shiny surfaces. You can also use paint pens that come in various colors and even in gold or silver, which are perfect for this Christmas activity. Be sure there are enough pens so that everyone in the youth group isn’t forced to wait to long for another color or pen.
Christmas Ball Ornaments – You’ll want to have enough for one per person plus a few extras for unexpected visitors and in case some break. For best results use ornaments that are a solid color without and printed designs on them.
A lined 3×5 card inside an unsealed envelope for each youth
Optional: Stickers, puff paints, glitter paint, and a variety of other things to decorate the ornaments can be found at a local art supply shop.

Preparation

Split the youth into smaller groups of 6-10 persons sitting in circles.
Have each youth write their name on the envelope and then also on the top of the index card and then place the card back inside the envelope.

What to Do: Stage 1

Everyone passes the envelop to the person on their right.
When receiving an envelop each youth must take out the index card and on any random line, write at least one short phrase describing something that they like, value, or appreciate about the person whose name appears at the top of the card.
After writing something positive, each youth must place the card back in the envelope and keep passing the envelopes to the right.
This continues until it goes all the way around the circle and the next person is the name of the person on the envelope.
Instead of passing it to the person whose name is on the envelope, the last person gives the card to the youth leader.
Once a card has been completed for everyone in the group, the cards are all collected and passed on to the next group.

What to Do: Stage 2

At this stage, groups will have the cards from those people who are not in their group. Instead of adding to the card, they will each be given a Christmas Ornament to decorate.

Take an ornament
Take an envelope and first put the youth’s name on the ornament using the markers and paint pens. (You might also want to add the year.)
Using the words on the index cards, decorate the ornament with symbols and phrases from the index card.
After all the ornaments have been decorated, the person who created the ornament explains it and then gives both the index card and the ornament to the person whose name appears on it.
Before passing the ornament to the youth, have a prayer of blessing for the person whose name is on the ornament.

Variations

Instead of something they appreciate, ask youth to add an encouragement or a Bible verse.
Instead of a ball ornament, use a small photoframe with a group photo, or candid shot of each youth. Add the encouragements to the photo frame.

Christmas Collection
Games and Activities helping youth discover the Reason for the Season.

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