Wreath Wraps

This activity will require chicken wire and various colored packages of tissue paper (with emphasis on green). First, form several wreaths (16" diameter works best) out of the chicken wire, taping the cut ends ...

Making a Statement

"Fight the good fight of faith" (1 Tim. 6:12). When I was a teenager, I had several good friends. It seemed we were always together; and if one of us found ourselves in trouble, we were all in trouble. Likew...

Candy Cane Chains

This is a fun and competitive game played with small candy canes and large LifeSavers. Divide the teenagers into teams of four people, and provide each team with a box filled with small candy canes and LifeSave...

Beginnings: Ours and God’s Love

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). Beginnings are important, and we all have our stories about beginnings. Consider, for example, your earlies...

Defining Your Mission

"For the gospel, I was appointed a herald, apostle and teacher" (1 Tim. 1:11). Everyone needs a mission for his or her ministry. Mission is, and can be, the driving force behind our actions and decisions. ...

Vision for Youth Ministry

"Without a vision, the people perish…" (Mic. 3:6). Years ago, my grandmother gave me some advice I never have forgotten. Among her bits of wisdom was the simple platitude, "Make sure you have goals in ...

It’s in the Bag

This creative indoor game only needs a canvas sack or bag and a few household items. Secretly place an item in the bag, pass the bag around the circle, and allow each person to feel the bag only (for size, weig...

Youth Group Devo: All Things New

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more" (Rev. 21:4).During times of bloodshed, destruction or persecution, people often lose hope in God and humanity. This has been a part of ...

Youth Group Devo: Faithful Over Much

"Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much" (Luke 16:10).Years ago an elderly couple was looking for a room in a small Philadelphia hotel during the height of convention season. When they di...

Game: Stack Up

If you have a collection of plastic water bottles and/or 2-liter plastic jugs for recycling, use them for this fun game. Divide the plastic bottles between two teams, and see which team can make the highest sta...