Insight

Getting started - three youth group discussion starters

You ask a question. They stare back quizzically at you. You ask another question. Silence. You awkwardly try again. Embarrassed shuffles and whispering.

How do you get young people engaged in meaningful conversation and discussion? It's not always easy. Building relationships is important. Group size and venue is important. Asking the right questions is important. Sometimes a simple creative activity or discussion starter can help break the ice and encourage group communication.

'Consequences!', 'Getting to know you?' and 'What's puzzling you?' are three discussion starters which give an opportunity for your group to share their own thoughts, opinions and ask their own questions.

The discussion starters are flexible in their application. Discover more about what your young people really think! What's important to them? Where do they struggle with the Christian faith? Use these starters to get to know your group better and provide a launch pad for further discussion and bible teaching.

View and download the 12 page pdf 3 discussion starters for youth groups.

MORE DISCUSSION STARTERS

For more, click on discussion starters in the category list.


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Jesus Christ RIP - resurrection in progress!

An Easter youth group activity investigating the individual incidents which make up the resurrection account.

Take a look at the sentence in the graphic and count the number of times the letter 'F' appears in the sentence. How many did you get?

This opening activity is based on a well known idea from a business / marketing course. Most people get three, and don't even see the word 'OF' because in your mind you pronounce it as 'OV'. It's a clever piece of psychology designed to make you miss three of the six letters 'F' in the sentence.

This simple challenge reminds us that even looking at something carefully and closely we can miss important things. In stories we think we know well, or have heard many times, its easy to overlook important information, facts or evidence.

Is the resurrection account well known to your young people? How much do you think they know? Do they need to take a fresh look? Or, have they just seen it portrayed in a movie? Do they need to take a closer look?

Easter Eggstravaganza - a themed night of icebreakers, activities, quiz and talk!

An egg themed evening for Easter. The first five eggy icebreakers of Egg strength, Egg and spoon, Egg drop, Egg blast and Egg throw can make for a messy evening. Select your venue carefully.

Alternatively, focus on one or both of the evening projects. The team challenge of ‘The Great Egg Drop’ or the creative design of ‘The Egg Fashion Parade.’

The Easter Run-Around quiz will discover how much your young people know about the Easter story and lead towards an opportunity to close the evening with an Easter message or reflection.

Use and adapt the ideas and options given, or prepare your own teaching material. View and download the 14 page pdf Easter Eggstravaganza

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Would you like more ideas? Discussion starters, themed youth evenings or thought provoking articles on youth ministry? May I encourage you to subscribe to INSIGHT and you won't miss a thing.