12 Bible Study Games for Adults to Liven Up Your Group

When you hear the phrase “Bible game,” your mind might jump to flannel boards and Sunday school crafts from your childhood. But what works for kids doesn’t always translate to a room full of adults seeking spiritual growth. The good news is that interactive bible study games for adults are in a category all their own. They are intentionally designed to be more than just entertainment. These games are strategic tools created to foster discipleship, spark theological discussion, and build strong, supportive relationships. They blend purposeful play with profound truth, proving that learning about God can be one of the most joyful and connective experiences we share.

Key Takeaways

• Games build more than just fun

  : They are a strategic way to lower barriers, encourage vulnerability, and help scripture move from head to heart through active engagement.

• Match the activity to your audience

  : Consider your group's size and personality when picking a game to ensure everyone feels included, whether it's a high-energy challenge for a large crowd or a reflective game for a smaller setting.

• Lead with purpose for a better experience

  : A little preparation and a welcoming attitude can transform your game time. Frame the activity as a tool for connection and always save time for discussion to bridge the gap between play and spiritual growth.

What Are Bible Study Games for Adults?

Let’s be honest, sometimes adult Bible studies can feel a little static. You read a passage, you discuss, and you go home. But what if there was a way to bring more energy and genuine connection to your group? That’s where Bible study games come in.

These aren’t your Sunday school felt boards or silly time-fillers. Bible study games for adults are interactive activities designed to be both entertaining and educational. They blend purposeful play with spiritual growth, creating a space where you can explore scripture, deepen your understanding of God’s Word, and build authentic friendships. When we engage in a game, we often lower our guards, which can lead to more open conversations and stronger bonds.

These games are fantastic tools for making scripture memorable, helping abstract concepts click, and showing how biblical lessons apply to our everyday lives. They help mix laughter with learning, turning what could be a passive lesson into an active, shared experience. Whether you’re leading a small group in your living room, planning a church-wide event, or just looking for a meaningful activity for family night, these games are incredibly versatile. They are a simple yet powerful way to foster the fellowship and discipleship we all crave.

Why Games Belong in Your Adult Bible Study

It’s easy to think of Bible study as a purely serious, quiet affair. While reverence and reflection are essential, adding a game can deepen the experience for everyone involved. Think of it less as a distraction and more as a tool to build community and reinforce what you’re learning. When we share a laugh or work together on a lighthearted challenge, barriers come down. This relaxed atmosphere makes it easier for members to connect, be vulnerable, and build the genuine relationships that are the bedrock of fellowship.

Games are also powerful tools for learning. Instead of simply reading a passage, a game invites you to interact with it. This active engagement can help you remember Bible verses, understand stories from a new perspective, and see how God’s word applies to your daily life. It transforms scripture memorization from a chore into a shared, enjoyable activity, making the Word stick in a way that passive reading sometimes can’t.

The fun doesn't stop when the game ends; often, that’s when the best conversations begin. A game can be the perfect icebreaker for a discussion about a tough passage or a personal testimony. Playing together creates a space for genuine faith and fellowship to flourish, sometimes even revealing hidden spiritual gifts and talents within the group. Ultimately, games invite joy and interaction into your study, creating an environment where you can grow closer to God and each other.

Popular Types of Bible Study Games

Bible study games come in all shapes and sizes, each designed to achieve a different goal. Some are perfect for digging deep into scripture, while others are all about building community and having a good laugh together. Understanding the different types can help you pick the perfect activity for your group’s needs. Whether you want to encourage scripture memorization, test biblical knowledge, spark creativity, or just help everyone connect, there’s a game for that. Let’s look at a few popular categories.

Scripture Memory Games

Let's be honest—memorizing scripture can feel like a chore. Scripture memory games transform this essential discipline into a fun and interactive challenge. When you engage your mind, voice, and even your body in the process of learning, verses tend to stick in a way they don't from just reading them. These games use repetition and friendly competition to help God's Word move from the page into our hearts. Our game, RHEMAin, was created specifically to make memorizing scripture an engaging and rewarding experience for groups.

Bible Trivia and Quizzes

Who doesn't love a good trivia night? Bible trivia is a classic way to review familiar stories and learn new facts about the Word. The best part is that you can tailor the questions to fit any knowledge level, ensuring that everyone from the seasoned theologian to the brand-new believer can participate and feel included. Quizzes can spark curiosity and lead to deeper discussions as your group explores the "who, what, and where" of the Bible together. There are many Bible games for adults that offer a fun way to test what you know.

Creative Expression Games

For those who learn by doing, creative expression games are a fantastic fit. Activities like Bible Pictionary or Charades invite group members to think outside the box and communicate biblical concepts without using words. These games get people moving, laughing, and engaging with scripture in a fresh, dynamic way. They break down barriers and encourage participation from everyone, regardless of how much they like to speak up during discussion time. These faith-based party games are perfect for bringing Bible stories to life.

Team-Based Challenges

Nothing builds community quite like working together toward a common goal. Team-based challenges are designed to foster collaboration, communication, and fellowship. Playing games together can reduce stress and help your group connect on a much deeper level, strengthening the bonds of friendship and support. Whether it's a fast-paced guessing game or a collaborative puzzle, these activities remind us that we're all on the same team. The shared experience of a team challenge can create lasting memories and build a stronger, more unified group.

How to Choose a Game for Any Group Size

Finding the perfect game for your Bible study often comes down to one simple factor: how many people are in the room. An activity that creates deep connection in a group of four might feel chaotic with twenty, and a game designed for a crowd can fall flat with just a few. The key is to match the game to the group dynamic. Some games are wonderfully flexible, but others shine brightest with a specific number of players. Let's walk through some great options based on your group's size, so you can be sure everyone feels included and has a fantastic time.

Small Groups (3-8 People)

With a smaller, more intimate group, you can choose games that really encourage personal interaction and creativity. This is the perfect setting for everyone to participate without feeling overlooked. Games like Bible Charades or Pictionary are classics for a reason—they get everyone laughing and working together. For something more collaborative, you could even create a DIY scripture-based escape room. The goal is to foster connection and give each person a chance to shine. In a small group, you have the space to go deeper and build strong bonds through shared fun and faith.

Medium Groups (9-15 People)

When your group hits that sweet spot between small and large, the best games often involve a little friendly competition. This size is perfect for breaking into a few smaller teams, which keeps everyone engaged. Think about hosting a round of Bible Trivia or a game like the Outburst Bible Edition. These activities get people talking and working together to recall scripture and biblical facts. A game of Bible Jeopardy is another fantastic option that blends knowledge with strategy. These team-based challenges ensure no one gets lost in the shuffle and can spark lively discussions that continue long after the game is over.

Large Groups (16+ People)

Organizing a game for a large group can feel daunting, but the right activity will create an incredible amount of energy and fun. The trick is to choose games that are easy to explain and can be played in large teams. A faith-based scavenger hunt, for example, gets people moving and collaborating in a low-pressure way. Another great choice is a game like Faith-Friendly Apples to Apples, where the rules are simple and everyone can jump in easily. For big crowds, focus on icebreakers and team-building activities that build a sense of unity and make everyone feel like part of the community from the moment they arrive.

Our Favorite Scripture Memory Games

Memorizing scripture is a powerful discipline, but it doesn’t have to be a dry, solitary exercise. Turning it into a game makes the process joyful and communal, helping God's Word stick in a more meaningful way. Games add laughter and friendly competition, which are fantastic tools for building both knowledge and relationships within your group. Here are a few of our favorite games that make memorizing scripture an activity everyone can look forward to.

RHEMAin: A Fun Path to Scripture Memorization

If you’re looking for a ready-to-play option, our card game RHEMAin was designed specifically for this purpose. It’s a fast-paced, competitive game where players race to collect and arrange verse fragments to complete entire scriptures. The hands-on nature of the game helps people not only remember Bible verses but also understand their meaning and apply the lessons to their daily lives. It’s perfect for small groups who want a structured activity that’s both deeply spiritual and genuinely fun. The game encourages fellowship and accountability, making it a powerful tool for discipleship.

Bible Verse Relay Races

For a game that gets people moving, try a Bible Verse Relay. Write a memory verse on a whiteboard at the front of the room and split your group into two teams. Each team member runs to the board, writes one word of the verse, and runs back to tag the next person. The first team to correctly write the entire verse wins! This kind of active, social game is fantastic for building community. It reduces stress and helps groups connect more deeply, all while working together to commit scripture to memory.

Memory Verse Charades

This is a fun twist on a classic party game. Write down keywords or phrases from your memory verse on slips of paper. Players take turns drawing a slip and acting it out for their team to guess. This approach is especially effective because it engages multiple senses—mind, body, and voice—which helps Bible lessons stick with people in a lasting way. It’s a great way to break the ice and encourage creative thinking. You’ll be surprised how memorable a verse becomes when you’ve seen your friend act out "steadfast love" or "a resounding gong.

Bible Trivia Games That Spark Conversation

Who doesn’t love a good trivia night? When you bring that same energy to your Bible study, you create a fun, low-pressure way for everyone to engage with Scripture. The best Bible trivia games aren’t just about who knows the most obscure facts. Instead, they serve as incredible conversation starters, opening the door to discussions about the stories, people, and lessons within God’s Word. These games help us see familiar passages in a new light and encourage us to ask questions we might not have considered before. They can break down barriers, making it easier for quieter members to participate and for new believers to jump into the conversation without feeling intimidated.

The goal is to create an environment where learning and laughter go hand-in-hand. As your group works together to find answers, you’ll find that the real prize is the shared discovery and the connections you build along the way. It’s a fantastic method for making Bible knowledge feel accessible and relevant, turning a simple Q&A into a meaningful moment of fellowship. Whether your group is full of seasoned theologians or people just starting their faith journey, a round of trivia can bring everyone together to celebrate the richness of the Bible.

Progressive Bible Trivia

If you’re looking for a modern twist on a classic, Progressive Bible Trivia is a great option. This mobile trivia game combines standard questions with a word search puzzle. Instead of just shouting out the answer, players swipe through a grid of letters to find it. This interactive format is perfect for getting everyone involved, as the group can work together to hunt for the answer. It’s a simple change, but it makes the experience more dynamic and collaborative. The game naturally encourages discussion about the answers and their biblical significance, making it a fun and effective tool for group learning.

Bible Character Guessing Games

Bring the people of the Bible to life with a character guessing game like Bible Who Am I?. In this game, one person thinks of a biblical figure, and the rest of the group asks yes-or-no questions to guess who it is. Is it a man? Was he in the Old Testament? Was he a king? This simple setup promotes so much interaction and conversation. As players discuss clues, they share insights about the characters' stories, their struggles, and their faith. It’s a wonderful way to deepen your group’s understanding of the men and women in Scripture and reflect on how their journeys relate to our own lives.

Scripture Context Challenges

For groups that enjoy digging a little deeper, Scripture Context Challenges are a perfect fit. These aren’t your average trivia questions. Instead of asking for a simple fact, these questions require players to understand the context surrounding a specific Bible passage. For example, you might ask, "Before Jesus fed the 5,000, what were his disciples suggesting they do?" Answering these types of trivia questions encourages everyone to think critically about the narrative and explore the deeper meanings within the text. It’s a fantastic way to spark meaningful conversations about faith, application, and the heart of God’s message.

Creative Games to Explore Scripture

Sometimes the best way to connect with scripture is to get your hands and minds moving. Creative games invite your group to interact with the Bible in fresh, imaginative ways, moving beyond simple Q&A. These activities are perfect for sparking discussion, encouraging different learning styles, and helping biblical narratives come to life. They build a unique kind of fellowship by allowing everyone to express their understanding of God's Word through drawing, acting, and personal stories. When you engage more of your senses, you create more pathways for the Word to settle into your heart. These games are less about winning and more about experiencing scripture together.

Bible Story Pictionary

You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy this classic game with a biblical twist. Write down various Bible stories or characters on slips of paper and place them in a bowl. Players take turns drawing a slip and illustrating the scene or person on a whiteboard or large notepad without using any words or numbers. Their team then tries to guess the answer before time runs out. This game is a fantastic way to encourage creativity and reinforce your group's knowledge of key biblical narratives. It often leads to laughter and memorable moments, sparking conversations about how we each visualize these timeless stories and what details stand out to us the most.

Scripture Interpretation Skits

Get your group on their feet with this engaging, non-verbal game. Similar to charades, participants act out a Bible story or a specific scene without speaking, relying only on gestures and expressions to convey the message. You can have individuals perform or split into teams to act out more complex narratives. This activity challenges everyone to think deeply about the context, emotions, and actions of biblical characters. It’s a powerful way to explore the human elements of scripture and can lead to insightful discussions about the motivations and feelings of the people in these stories. Plus, it’s a great icebreaker that helps everyone feel more comfortable and connected.

Two Truths and a Psalm

This game is a wonderful way to blend personal sharing with scripture reflection. Each person in the group thinks of two true statements about their own life and one lie. They share all three statements with the group, who then tries to guess which one is the lie. After the lie is revealed, the person shares a Psalm that has been particularly meaningful to them lately and explains why. This activity fosters vulnerability and deepens relationships as members learn more about one another’s lives. It also beautifully connects personal testimony with the comfort and wisdom found in scripture, reminding us that God’s Word is active in our daily experiences.

Team Games That Build Community

There’s something special that happens when we work together toward a common goal. Team-based games are a fantastic way to foster that spirit of unity and collaboration in your Bible study. They move beyond individual knowledge and encourage members to rely on one another, communicate, and celebrate shared victories. This dynamic mirrors the way the body of Christ is designed to function, with each person contributing their unique gifts. These activities are perfect for breaking down barriers, creating inside jokes, and building the trust that turns a small group into a true community.

When you get people moving, laughing, and problem-solving together, you create powerful shared memories. These games are less about winning and more about the experience of connection. They provide a relaxed and joyful setting for fellowship to flourish, reminding us that growing in faith can be an incredibly fun and interactive journey. Whether you’re piecing together clues or sharing personal stories, these team challenges are designed to strengthen the bonds within your group and deepen your relationship with God and each other.

Bible Scavenger Hunts

Get your group up and moving with a Bible scavenger hunt! This game encourages teamwork and active engagement with Scripture in a really dynamic way. You can hide clues related to specific verses or Bible stories around your meeting space, backyard, or even your church. One creative twist is the "Capture the Light Night Scavenger Hunt," where teams use glow sticks and Bible clues to symbolize following God's light in the darkness. It’s one of many adult Christian party games that beautifully blends fun with a deeper spiritual theme, making for a memorable and meaningful group experience.

M&M Testimony Exchange

Looking for a simple, low-prep way to encourage sharing? The M&M Testimony Exchange is a wonderful choice. All you need is a bag of M&Ms! Assign a question or topic to each color—for example, red could be "share a time you felt God's love," and blue could be "talk about a favorite verse." Each person takes a handful of candies and shares a story for each color they picked. This game creates a relaxed atmosphere for sharing personal testimonies and helps members learn about each other’s faith journeys in a sweet and spontaneous way.

Group Bible Mapping

Engage your group’s senses with Group Bible Mapping. This unique game involves guessing objects by touch and then connecting them to specific Bible stories. For example, you might have a small stone (David and Goliath), a few coins (the parable of the lost coin), or a piece of fishing net (the calling of the disciples). After guessing the object, the group works together to recall the story and discuss its meaning. This hands-on approach is one of many Bible games for adults that makes scripture more tangible and memorable, sparking great conversations and reinforcing biblical knowledge through teamwork.

How to Adapt Games for Everyone

The goal of any group activity is to build connection and help everyone feel like they belong. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way in making sure your game time is a positive experience for every single person in the room, regardless of their personality or how long they’ve been studying the Bible. By making a few simple adjustments, you can create a welcoming space where fellowship can truly flourish and everyone feels comfortable jumping in.

Welcome All Knowledge Levels

It’s natural for your group to have people with varying levels of Bible knowledge. To make sure no one feels intimidated or left out, try mixing up your teams. Intentionally create groups that include both seasoned students of the Word and newer believers. This simple step transforms the game from a test of individual knowledge into a collaborative effort. Teammates can lean on each other’s strengths, which encourages learning and builds genuine fellowship. When the pressure is off, people are more willing to participate, and everyone benefits from the shared wisdom in the room.

Engage Your Introverts

Not everyone thrives in the spotlight, and that’s perfectly okay. To make your more introverted members feel comfortable, offer a variety of games—some high-energy and some more low-key. It also helps to announce the game plan ahead of time so they know what to expect. During the game, you can offer the option to play with a partner or make it clear that it’s fine to sit out a round. The key is to create a low-pressure environment where participation is invited, not demanded. This ensures everyone can engage in a way that feels authentic and enjoyable to them.

Make Sure Everyone Can Participate

To level the playing field and encourage engagement with Scripture, consider allowing everyone to use their Bibles during the game. This is especially helpful for newer believers, but it also gives everyone a chance to look up verses and learn in the moment. A little preparation can also make a huge difference in how smoothly the game runs. Get a “game night box” ready with supplies like pens, paper, a phone timer, and maybe a small whiteboard for scores. Having everything on hand, along with some upbeat music, sets a fun and organized tone, freeing you up to focus on what really matters: connecting with your group. You can always find more ideas on our community page.

Tips for a Successful Game Time

A little intention goes a long way in turning a good game night into a great one. When you lead with purpose, you create an environment where everyone feels comfortable, engaged, and ready to connect. These simple tips will help you host a game time that strengthens bonds and deepens your group’s study of God’s Word.

Plan and Prepare

Thinking ahead can make all the difference. Start by choosing a game that fits your group’s size and personality. A fast-paced team game might be perfect for a large, energetic crowd, while a more reflective game like RHEMAin is ideal for smaller settings. Gather any supplies you’ll need beforehand—things like a whiteboard for scores, a timer, pens, and paper. Having everything ready means you can spend less time scrambling for materials and more time focused on your group and the fun.

Set a Welcoming Tone

Your main goal is to create a space where people can relax and be themselves. Laughter is a wonderful icebreaker, so don’t be afraid to be a little silly. It’s also important to be mindful of different personalities. Consider offering a mix of high-energy and quieter games to suit both extroverts and introverts. You can even let people know the plan ahead of time. Making it clear that it’s okay to sit out a round helps everyone feel included without pressure, fostering a true sense of community.

Balance Fun and Focus

While the goal is to have fun, these games are also a tool for discipleship. Frame the experience as a way to build relationships and explore scripture together, not just a competition to see who knows the most. The real magic often happens after the game ends. Be sure to leave some time for conversation. Ask open-ended questions about what people learned or how a particular verse spoke to them. These moments of sharing are where fun transitions into meaningful fellowship and deeper connections are formed.

Related Articles

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• What should I do with all the new Bible scriptures that I've memorized?

• Revelator Games | Christian Games For Small Groups

• RHEMAin - A Game of Fellowship, Discipleship, and Love | Revelator Games

• FAQ | Revelator Games

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my group thinks games are too silly for a serious Bible study? That’s a common concern, and it’s a valid one. The key is to frame the activity with purpose. These aren’t just time-fillers; they are tools designed to build community and help scripture stick. You can introduce a game by explaining its goal, whether it’s to make memorizing a verse easier or to open up a conversation about a specific topic. When your group sees that the fun is directly tied to fellowship and learning, they’ll understand it’s less about being silly and more about connecting with God and each other in a fresh way.

How do I keep the game from overshadowing the actual Bible study? This is all about intentionality. A game should serve as a bridge to your study, not a replacement for it. Think of it as an appetizer, not the main course. Plan for a specific amount of time, maybe 15-20 minutes, and then transition into your discussion. A great way to connect the two is by using the game to introduce your topic. The shared experience of the game can create the perfect entry point for a deeper, more open conversation about the scripture you’re studying.

I'm leading a group for the first time. What's a simple, low-prep game to start with? Starting with something simple is a great idea. I’d recommend the M&M Testimony Exchange or Two Truths and a Psalm. Both are fantastic because they require almost no preparation and focus on personal sharing rather than biblical knowledge, which takes the pressure off everyone. These games are excellent for building trust and helping group members get to know one another on a deeper level, creating a strong foundation for your study time.

Can these games work if some of our members are joining online? Absolutely. Many of these games adapt well to a virtual setting. Bible trivia can easily be done using screen sharing for the questions, and discussion-based games like the Bible Character Guessing Game or Two Truths and a Psalm work perfectly over video calls. The goal is connection, and with a little creativity, you can foster that same sense of community whether your group is meeting in a living room or on a screen.

What if some people in my group are very competitive? A little friendly competition can be fun, but you want to make sure it doesn’t get in the way of fellowship. If you have competitive members, team-based games are a great choice because they channel that energy into collaboration. You can also gently remind everyone at the beginning that the main goal is to learn and connect, not just to win. Focusing on games that are more about creativity or personal sharing can also help keep the atmosphere supportive and encouraging for everyone.