10 Fun Discipleship Games for Adults to Play Tonight
- Michael Ross
- 6 days ago
- 19 min read
As adults, we often lose the habit of playing. Our lives are filled with responsibilities, and it can be hard to find time for simple fun. Yet, play is one of the most powerful ways we learn, connect, and build relationships. It breaks down walls, encourages vulnerability, and reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously. This is why incorporating discipleship games for adults into your small group or ministry is so transformative. These activities harness the power of play for a spiritual purpose, creating shared experiences that foster deep bonds and make biblical truths stick in a way a lecture never could. It’s about creating a space where faith can be explored with joy and camaraderie.
Key Takeaways
- Think of games as tools for connection
: They are more than just icebreakers; they intentionally build the trust and shared experience necessary for your group to grow closer to God and each other.
- Choose your game with a clear purpose
: Align your activity with your group’s personality and your spiritual goal for the night, whether that's memorizing scripture with a game like RHEMAin or simply encouraging laughter and fellowship.
- Bridge the gap between fun and faith
: A great game night doesn't end when the game is over. Make time for reflection and discussion to help your group connect the experience back to a deeper spiritual lesson.
What Are Discipleship Games and Why Are They So Powerful for Adults?
At their core, discipleship games are simply fun, interactive activities designed to help you grow in your faith and connect with others. Think of them as tools that make spiritual growth a shared, joyful experience rather than a solitary pursuit. Discipleship is all about the journey of learning from Jesus and helping one another live more like Him. These games provide a perfect avenue for that to happen, turning abstract concepts into real moments of connection and understanding. They create a space where faith can be explored with laughter and camaraderie.
The real power of these games lies in their purpose. The most effective ones aren't just for entertainment; they intentionally connect to specific spiritual growth outcomes. Whether the goal is to memorize scripture, discuss a tough theological question, or simply share personal testimonies, the game provides a structure that makes it feel natural and engaging. This intentionality transforms playtime into a meaningful opportunity for spiritual development, helping truths from the Bible stick with you long after the game is over.
For adults, building genuine community can be challenging. We’re busy, and it can feel awkward to move past surface-level conversations. This is where discipleship games truly shine. They act as fantastic small group icebreakers, helping everyone relax, laugh, and get to know each other on a deeper level. By creating shared experiences, these games build stronger relationships and foster a sense of belonging. When you feel safe and connected with your group, you’re more likely to open up, be vulnerable, and truly support one another in your faith walks.
How Games Build Deeper Connections in Your Group
Have you ever sat in a small group, especially a new one, and felt that initial wave of awkward silence? It’s that moment where everyone is friendly but hesitant, unsure of how to move past surface-level chat. This is where the simple power of a game can completely change the dynamic of the room. More than just a way to pass the time, discipleship games are a powerful tool for building the trust and rapport that true fellowship is built on.
When you play a game together, you’re doing more than just following rules; you’re creating a shared experience. Laughter is one of the quickest ways to help people relax and let their guards down. It breaks down invisible walls and reminds us that we’re all in this together. A well-chosen game can help shy people participate without the pressure of having to share a deep personal story right away. It levels the playing field, inviting everyone to contribute in a fun, low-stakes environment.
This shared fun becomes the bridge to deeper connection. Once your group is comfortable and laughing, it’s much easier to transition into meaningful conversation. The right game can naturally open the door for personal sharing and discussion about faith. For example, a scripture memory game like RHEMAin doesn’t just test your knowledge; it prompts you to think about what the verses mean to you personally.
Ultimately, games help transform a collection of individuals into a genuine community. They build a foundation of shared memories and inside jokes, fostering the kind of relationships where people feel safe enough to be vulnerable, ask for prayer, and truly encourage one another in their walk with God. It’s in these moments of connection that real discipleship happens.
What Kinds of Discipleship Games Should You Play?
The right game can completely shape the atmosphere of your small group meeting. Are you trying to help new members feel welcome, or are you hoping to go deeper into a specific passage of scripture? Thinking about your goal for the night will help you pick the perfect activity. Different games serve different purposes, from simply breaking the ice to sparking profound spiritual conversations. Let’s look at a few categories to help you find the best fit for your group.
Games to Break the Ice
If you have new members or just want to start the night with some lighthearted fun, icebreaker games are your best friend. The goal here isn’t deep theological discussion but connection and comfort. These are often quick, simple activities that get people talking and laughing without any pressure. Playing these games helps everyone relax and builds a foundation of friendship and fellowship for the rest of your time together. You can find many fun Christian games online that require little to no preparation, making them an easy way to kick off any gathering and make everyone feel at ease.
Bible Trivia to Test Your Knowledge
Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Bible trivia is a fantastic way to engage with scripture in a fun, dynamic format. These games challenge players to recall details from familiar stories and learn new facts about the Bible. More than just a test of memory, trivia helps people actively think through Bible passages and connect different parts of scripture. It’s a great tool for learning that doesn’t feel like a lecture. You can create your own questions based on a recent study or find pre-made trivia games that cover the entire Bible, making it adaptable for any group.
Team-Building Games to Foster Unity
Nothing brings a group together like working toward a common goal. Team-building games are designed to foster cooperation, communication, and unity. When you play together, you learn how to rely on one another, celebrate shared successes, and laugh through the process. This sense of camaraderie translates directly into the way your group supports each other in daily life. These activities help people relax and connect on a personal level, which builds stronger relationships within your church group. Whether it’s a puzzle, a creative challenge, or a strategic game, the shared experience strengthens the bonds of your community.
Games That Spark Meaningful Conversation
Sometimes the best discussions happen when we least expect them. Certain games are designed to move beyond small talk and open the door to deeper sharing. Laughter and play can create a safe, relaxed environment where people feel more comfortable being vulnerable. These games often use thoughtful prompts or questions to encourage players to reflect on their faith, share personal testimonies, and discuss real-life challenges. This can lead to meaningful conversations about faith that might not happen in a more formal setting, allowing your group to connect on a spiritual level.
Scripture Memory Games to Strengthen Your Faith
Hiding God's Word in your heart is one of the most powerful spiritual disciplines, but memorization can feel like a chore. Scripture memory games transform this practice into an exciting and interactive group activity. By turning memorization into a challenge or a puzzle, these games help verses stick in your mind long after the night is over. Games like RHEMAin are specifically designed to make scripture memorization an engaging experience that improves your Bible knowledge and strengthens your faith. This approach not only helps individuals grow closer to God but also creates a shared foundation of scripture within your group.
Find the Perfect Game for Your Group
Finding the right activity for your group night is less about a perfect formula and more about knowing your people. The game that gets a small, quiet group to open up might be different from the one that channels the energy of a large, boisterous crowd. Before you pick a game, take a moment to think about your goal for the evening. Are you hoping to break the ice with new members? Do you want to encourage deeper, more vulnerable conversations? Or is the main goal simply to have fun and build happy memories together? All of these are wonderful reasons to play a game.
The size of your group is a great starting point for narrowing down the options. An activity that requires personal sharing feels safe and intimate in a circle of eight but can feel intimidating in a room of thirty. On the other hand, a high-energy team game can unite a large crowd and break down social barriers. Your role as the leader is to create a space where everyone feels comfortable participating. Choosing the right game is a huge part of that. To make it easier, we’ve broken down some fantastic discipleship games by group size and prep time, so you can confidently pick an activity that will help your group connect and grow.
Ideas for Small Groups (5-12 People)
In a smaller setting, you have a wonderful opportunity to foster deeper connections. Games that encourage personal sharing work beautifully here. A classic choice is Two Truths and a Lie, where each person shares three "facts" about themselves—two true, one false—and the group guesses the lie. It’s a simple way to learn surprising things about one another and practice vulnerability in a low-pressure way. Another meaningful option is Follow the Master, where one person performs a series of actions and the others must imitate them. This game playfully reinforces the biblical call to follow Christ’s example and highlights the importance of having good role models in our faith. Both of these small group icebreakers help build trust and create shared memories.
Ideas for Large Groups (13+ People)
Getting a large group to mix and mingle can be a challenge, but the right game makes it easy and fun. Human Bingo is a fantastic way to get everyone moving and talking. Create bingo cards with squares that say things like "Find someone who has been on a mission trip" or "Find someone who can name five of the Ten Commandments." This encourages people to interact beyond their usual circles and discover common ground. For something more focused on scripture, a Bible Trivia Quiz is always a hit. You can divide the room into teams and watch the friendly competition unfold. It’s a lively way to test everyone’s knowledge and learn new things about the Bible together.
Games for All Ages
When your group includes a mix of ages, from young adults to seasoned saints, you need games that everyone can enjoy. Bible Charades is a timeless choice that bridges generational gaps. Simply write down biblical people, places, and stories on slips of paper and have participants act them out for their team to guess. It’s full of laughter and requires no special skills—just a willingness to be a little silly. Another great option is a game like Apples to Apples: Bible Edition. This card game is known for its hilarious and often unexpected card combinations, making it one of the most fun Christian adult party games that is still simple enough for everyone to play and enjoy together.
Quick and Easy Games (No Prep Needed!)
Sometimes you need a great game on the fly without any time for preparation. For those moments, Bible Pictionary is a perfect go-to. All you need is a whiteboard or even just paper and pens. Players draw a person, story, or concept from the Bible, and their team tries to guess what it is. It’s a creative and engaging way to visualize scripture. Another zero-prep option is Follow the Leader's Commands, a simple game where one person gives instructions for others to follow. This activity is not only fun but also serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of listening and obedience in our walk with God, making it one of many fun group Bible games you can start in seconds.
How to Lead a Great Game Night
Hosting a game night is less about being a perfect entertainer and more about being a great facilitator. Your role is to create a space where everyone feels comfortable, seen, and ready to have fun. When people feel at ease, genuine connection and spiritual growth can happen naturally. It doesn't take a lot of complex planning, just a bit of thoughtfulness. By focusing on a few key areas, you can ensure your game night is a memorable and meaningful experience for everyone involved. Here are four simple steps to guide you.
Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
The goal is to make people feel comfortable from the moment they walk in. Put on some worship music, set out some simple snacks and drinks, and make sure the space is tidy and inviting. Playing games together is a fantastic way to help people relax, laugh, and build stronger relationships, even if they're meeting for the first time. A warm greeting and a relaxed environment signal to your guests that this is a safe place to let their guard down and simply enjoy being in fellowship with one another.
Lead by Example
As the leader, your energy sets the tone for the entire group. If you want others to be open and engaged, you have to be willing to go first. When playing a game that involves sharing personal thoughts or stories, the leader should share their answer first to help others feel more comfortable. This simple act of vulnerability shows everyone that it’s okay to be real and transparent. Your willingness to participate fully gives others the permission to do the same, turning a simple game into a powerful opportunity for connection.
Be Flexible and Read the Room
Even the best-laid plans sometimes need to change. Pay attention to the group’s energy. Is everyone engaged, or are they starting to look tired? Is a particular game falling flat? Don’t be afraid to adjust on the fly. If an activity is taking too long or not resonating, it’s perfectly fine to stop and move on to something else. You can always change the questions or even make up your own rules. The goal is fellowship, not a rigid agenda. Being flexible shows you care more about the people in the room than about sticking to a schedule.
Get Your Materials Ready
A little preparation goes a long way in making the night run smoothly. Before guests arrive, gather everything you’ll need so you’re not scrambling later. A good checklist includes having 2-3 different games ready, like our scripture memory game RHEMAin, along with name tags if you have new people. You might also want a timer, a small whiteboard for keeping score, and maybe some small, fun prizes for the winners. And of course, make sure everyone has access to a Bible. Having these items ready lets you focus on what matters most: your guests.
Overcoming Common Hurdles (And How to Help)
Leading a game night for your small group is incredibly rewarding, but let’s be honest—it can also come with a few challenges. What if people feel awkward? What if the quieter members of your group don’t participate? Or what if you’re short on time? These are completely normal concerns for any group leader.
The good news is that a little bit of planning can turn these potential hurdles into opportunities for even deeper connection. Thinking through these scenarios ahead of time helps you create a space where everyone feels seen, comfortable, and ready to have fun. It’s not about forcing fun but about thoughtfully removing the barriers that might stand in its way. Let’s walk through some of the most common challenges and how you can handle them with grace.
Easing Awkwardness and Building Trust
Walking into a room of new faces—or even familiar ones—can feel a little intimidating. The first few minutes of any gathering can set the tone, and your goal is to make it warm and welcoming. This is where icebreakers are so valuable. They give everyone a simple, low-stakes way to start talking and sharing. When a new group forms, these activities help people build friendships and create a sense of belonging from the very beginning.
Choose great icebreakers that are easy to explain and don’t put anyone on the spot. Think simple questions like, “What’s one small thing that brought you joy this week?” or a lighthearted game that gets people laughing. This initial connection builds a foundation of trust that makes it easier for everyone to open up during deeper discussions later on.
Encouraging Quieter Members to Join In
In every group, you’ll likely have a mix of personalities. Some people are naturally outgoing, while others are more reserved. It’s important to create an environment where quieter members feel just as included without feeling pressured to be the center of attention. The best games are often those that encourage people to share a bit about themselves in a comfortable way.
Consider games that can be played in pairs or small teams. This takes the focus off one individual and allows for more natural conversation. A game like RHEMAin is great for this because it centers on scripture, allowing people to participate at their own comfort level while still engaging with the group. The goal isn’t to change anyone’s personality but to offer different ways for everyone to connect and contribute.
Making the Most of Your Time and Space
Practical logistics can make or break a game night. Before you choose an activity, take a quick inventory of your resources. How much time do you have? A game that takes an hour won't work if you only have 20 minutes. How large is your group? An activity designed for six people might not scale well for a group of 15. Also, consider your physical space—do you need a large area for movement, or will everyone be sitting around a table?
Picking a game that fits your time, group size, and location helps everything run smoothly. It’s always a good idea to have a quick, no-prep backup game in your pocket just in case. If you need inspiration, you can always find more game ideas that are adaptable to different situations. Remember, flexibility is key! The ultimate goal is fellowship, not a perfectly executed agenda.
How to Choose the Right Game Every Time
Picking a game for your group can feel like a lot of pressure. You want something that everyone will enjoy, that fits the time you have, and that actually helps people connect with God and each other. The good news is, you don’t have to find a single, magical game that works for every person in every situation. Instead, the best game is simply the one that serves your group well tonight.
Thinking through a few key questions beforehand can make all the difference. Who is in your group? What is the goal of your time together? How can you make sure everyone feels included and comfortable? When you approach game selection with intention, it becomes less about finding the "perfect" activity and more about creating an environment for genuine connection. By considering your group’s unique personality, your spiritual goals, and the need for flexibility, you can confidently lead your small group with activities that are both fun and fruitful.
Know Your Group's Comfort Zone
The goal of any discipleship game is to build people up, not make them feel awkward or put on the spot. Before you introduce a new game, take a moment to think about the people in the room. Is your group brand new, or have you known each other for years? Are they mostly quiet and reflective, or are they a high-energy bunch? The best games are easy to learn and don't feel intimidating. For a group that’s still getting to know one another, choose simple icebreakers that encourage lighthearted sharing. As trust grows, you can introduce games that invite deeper vulnerability and discussion.
Align the Game with Your Purpose
Fun is a great starting point, but the most effective games are chosen with a specific purpose in mind. What do you hope to accomplish during your time together? If your focus is on hiding God's Word in your hearts, a scripture memory game like RHEMAin is a perfect fit. If you want to encourage teamwork and unity, a collaborative challenge would be better than a competitive trivia game. When you start with your "why," you can filter through the endless options and find a game that intentionally supports your group's spiritual growth. This simple step turns game night from just a fun activity into a powerful tool for discipleship.
Adapt for Different Needs and Abilities
Even the best-laid plans need a little flexibility. A great game leader knows how to read the room and make adjustments on the fly. Maybe an activity is taking longer than you expected, or you notice a few people aren't engaging. Don't be afraid to change the rules, modify the questions, or even switch to a different game entirely. It’s also important to consider the physical and emotional needs of your group. Choose activities that everyone can participate in, regardless of mobility. Being willing to adapt shows that you care more about the people in your group than you do about sticking to a rigid agenda.
What You'll Need to Get Started
Getting ready for a game night doesn't have to be complicated. A little bit of planning can transform a simple get-together into a memorable time of fellowship and fun. Whether you're a seasoned host or planning your first group activity, having a few key items and ideas ready will help everything run smoothly. The goal is to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable and ready to connect, so let's walk through what you'll need to make that happen.
The Essentials for Any Game Night
The best game nights start with a little preparation. Before your group arrives, take a moment to choose games that fit your group’s personality and the spiritual theme you want to explore. Some games, like charades or Pictionary, just need pens and paper, while others might require specific cards or questions. Of course, having a go-to game like RHEMAin on your shelf makes planning a breeze. It’s designed to get people talking and diving into scripture together. Don't forget the simple things, either—cozy lighting and a few snacks can make everyone feel right at home.
Helpful Apps and Digital Tools
If your group meets online or you just want to add a modern twist, digital tools can be a huge help. For virtual gatherings, use your meeting platform’s features like chat and screen sharing to keep everyone involved. You can also use external tools like a random name picker for choosing teams or a word cloud generator to visualize discussion points. A good Bible app on your phone is also great for looking up verses quickly. These simple digital icebreakers can make online fellowship feel just as connected as being in the same room.
Great Ideas for Any Budget
You don’t need a big budget to host a fantastic game night. In fact, some of the most memorable games can be played with common household items you already have. You can set up one-minute challenges with a biblical theme, like "Goliath's Target Practice," where players knock down plastic cups with a tennis ball. Or try "Moses' Red Sea Crossing" by having teams sort a bowl of red and blue items. These creative, low-prep activities prove that the most important ingredient for a great night is a willing spirit, not a full wallet.
Seeing the Fruit: How Games Lead to Real Growth
It’s easy to see game night as just a fun break from the usual routine, but it can be so much more. When we play together, we lower our guards, share a laugh, and connect in a way that a formal lesson sometimes can’t achieve. Think about it: some of the strongest bonds are formed through shared experiences, not just shared information. This is why games are such a powerful tool for discipleship. They create a relaxed atmosphere where people feel safe to be themselves, which is the perfect starting point for genuine connection. The shared goal of a game, whether competitive or cooperative, unites people and breaks down walls that might exist during a more structured study.
The right game, led with intention, doesn’t just entertain; it opens doors to meaningful conversation, reinforces biblical truths, and builds a foundation of trust within your group. It’s in these moments of relaxed fellowship that we often see the most authentic growth. Instead of just talking about community, you’re actively building it. By turning playtime into a purposeful activity, you can help your group connect with God and each other on a much deeper level, creating memories that strengthen your fellowship long after the game is put away. It’s about seeing fun not as a distraction from spiritual growth, but as a pathway to it.
Connect the Fun to a Deeper Lesson
The most effective discipleship games are designed with a spiritual outcome in mind. This doesn't mean every game needs a 20-minute sermon attached to it. Instead, it’s about choosing activities that naturally point back to a spiritual truth. Think about how a game’s rules or objectives can mirror a lesson you’re trying to teach. A team-building challenge can illustrate the body of Christ working together, while scripture memory games directly help your group hide God's Word in their hearts. When you intentionally connect the fun to a deeper lesson, the experience becomes more than just a game—it becomes a memorable illustration of faith in action.
Make Time for Reflection and Discussion
The real magic often happens after the final round is played. A game can be the perfect catalyst for conversation, especially for those who might be hesitant to speak up in a more traditional study. The key is to carve out a few minutes to talk about the experience. Don’t just pack up the box and move on. Ask simple, open-ended questions to bridge the gap between the activity and its spiritual application. You could ask, "What did that game reveal about how we communicate?" or "Did anything surprise you while we were playing?" These simple prompts create space for people to share insights and can lead to powerful moments of prayer and connection.
Watch for Lasting Growth and Connection
The fruit of a great game night isn't just a single evening of fun; it's the lasting impact it has on your group's relationships. When people laugh, strategize, and even fail together in a low-stakes environment, they build trust and camaraderie. This shared experience strengthens the bonds of your community, creating a more supportive and accountable environment for everyone. Over time, you’ll notice members feeling more comfortable being vulnerable, praying for one another, and encouraging each other outside of your meeting times. This is how a simple game night contributes to genuine, lasting spiritual growth and builds a thriving community rooted in fellowship.
Related Articles
What if my group thinks games are too silly or childish for a Bible study? That’s a common concern, and it really comes down to how you frame the activity. The goal isn't just to be silly; it's to use fun as a tool to build connection and explore faith in a new way. You can introduce the idea by explaining the purpose beforehand, saying something like, "Tonight, we're going to use a game to help us think about teamwork in the body of Christ." When your group sees that the fun has a purpose, it shifts the perspective from a childish activity to an intentional exercise in fellowship.
How do you move from a high-energy game into a more serious time of discussion or prayer? Creating a smooth transition is key. The best way to do this is by asking a simple question that connects the experience of the game to a spiritual truth. After the game wraps up, you could ask something like, "What did that activity reveal about how we communicate?" or "What did you learn about trusting your teammates during that challenge?" This simple step acts as a bridge, allowing the energy to settle while guiding everyone’s thoughts toward a deeper reflection.
What's the difference between a "discipleship game" and just any fun party game? The biggest difference is intention. While any game can be fun, a discipleship game is chosen specifically to help your group grow in their faith. It might be designed to spark conversation about a biblical topic, encourage teamwork, or, like our game RHEMAin, make memorizing scripture an engaging and shared experience. You're not just playing for the sake of playing; you're playing with a spiritual purpose in mind.
My group has a mix of personalities, from very shy to very outgoing. How do I pick a game that includes everyone? The best approach for a mixed group is to choose games that don't put any single person on the spot. Activities that can be done in pairs or small teams are fantastic because they take the pressure off individuals and allow quieter members to contribute in a more comfortable setting. Avoid games that require solo performances or deeply personal sharing until you've built a strong foundation of trust within the group.
Do I need to spend a lot of money on games to have a successful game night? Absolutely not! Some of the most effective and memorable games require nothing more than a pen, some paper, and a Bible. Activities like Bible Pictionary or Charades are classics for a reason—they get people laughing and engaging with scripture without any cost. The success of your night depends on the connection and fellowship you build, not on how much you spend.
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