Icebreakers are a crucial part of ensuring your online church group gets off to an engaging start. Without icebreakers, people may be nervous or uncomfortable around each other.
Give each player a set amount of time to say two true facts and one lie about themselves. This icebreaker works best with larger groups of adults.
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1. Bible Squeeze Relay
If your church group meets online, icebreaker games can help your meetings feel personalized and more like in-person gatherings. These online icebreakers can help participants get to know each other, build trust, and encourage communication.
For example, one great icebreaker is Bible Squeeze Relay. This game involves everyone writing three facts about themselves on a sheet of paper that the others in the group do not know. The other members of the group then vote on the fact that they find most interesting.
Another fun icebreaker is Bible quote bingo, which involves everyone marking squares with other people’s names. The first person to mark five squares in a row wins the round. This icebreaker is an excellent way to introduce everyone to each other, and it also provides an opportunity to reinforce the idea that each person in the group is a child of God.
During this icebreaker, divide the teens into two teams. Have them each write a Bible name on a piece of paper. Place the papers in team cups labeled Old Testament and New Testament. When someone says, “GO!” the players race to pick up a paper and tag the next player in their team.
2. Instant Messaging
Instant messaging (IM) software allows groups of people to communicate with each other instantly through text messages. This communication method is convenient for church leaders and congregants alike. It is one of the most reliable ways to reach a large group of people and produce high response rates. Unlike Facebook pages or emails, most texts are opened and read. It’s also easy to segment lists in order to target specific people and deliver them relevant information that feels more personal.
IM also allows church groups to include multimedia files, such as photos or audio/video recordings in their communications. This makes the tool even more powerful and engaging.
Instant messaging is a good way to share announcements about changes in service times or locations and invite members to church events and services. It’s also an excellent way to request feedback on projects or services that affect the congregation and community. For example, church leaders can use a form like Smart Connect Cards to ask questions and gather feedback.
3. Google Hangouts
Google is a giant, and its communication tools are extremely user-friendly. With its chat features, Google Hangouts is a perfect way to connect with family and friends. Plus, it can also be used for group video calls.
Its text messaging feature is a great substitute for SMS, and it’s easy to customize with photos, emojis or stickers. Users can also switch from a chat to a video call with the click of a button.
It’s the perfect tool to use to keep in touch with off-site church groups. For instance, people who can’t make it to church because of a chronic illness or old age can still participate in virtual gatherings. This lifts spirits and creates a sense of community that can’t be achieved in person. For these reasons, Google Hangouts is a top choice among church groups. But it does have its drawbacks too, such as the fact that it can be a little buggy and requires a Google account to log in.
4. Skype
Virtual youth groups are a great way to help young people stay connected during times when it is impossible to meet physically. These tools will help them learn more about each other, share their joys and needs and pray for one another.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, it becomes more difficult for church groups to meet in person. However, with a little creativity, many groups can find fun ways to bond online.
Icebreakers are simple games that encourage participants to get to know each other. They also allow members to interact with each other in a way that is not overly competitive or intimidating.
The game “Tow Truths and a Lie” works well in group settings. Each member takes turns stating two truths about themselves and a lie that the others must guess. This is a good icebreaker for small groups because it can lead to more detailed conversations about life experiences.