Helping people explore their faith and their relationship with God can happen both during and outside of church services using fun church activities. There are many ways to encourage church members to learn about the Bible and the lessons they can take from scripture, both individually and with their church communities.
These church activities for youth, adults, families, small groups and ladies church groups offer unique and different ways to help people engage with the Bible and with each other. Try these activities today to help your church community learn together and have fun while they are doing it, or to welcome new members. You'll find different approaches to reading and understanding the Bible and its lessons, plus fun ways to build and celebrate deeper spiritual connections. Church outreach ideas are another connect members not only to one another, but to their community. Be sure to send out a church event invitation letter to generate interest and awareness for upcoming events once they're planned.
Table of Contents
- Fun Church Activities for Families
- Fun Church Activities for Youth
- Fun Church Small Group Activities
- Fun Church Activities for Adults
- FAQs
- Get the Free Church Event Kit
Fun Church Activities for Families
When it comes to fun church activities for families, the options are almost endless. From silly games that teach important lessons to crafts that bring the Bible alive to marriage ministry ideas, these activities will help inspire a love of faith and fellowship in your family. Here are some creative ideas:
Sticker Story Craft
This activity is perfect for families looking to explore the Bible through art. Participants create storyboards with characters and settings and use stickers with church-related images to illustrate their stories. Doing this helps family members learn more about church history and can reinforce spiritual lessons in a fun way.
What You Need:
- Bible
- Cardstock
- Scissors
- Glue
- Stickers with church-related images
Instructions:
- Have participants choose a story from the Bible.
- Participants should cut cardstock to create character cards, settings and props.
- Using the stickers, have participants illustrate their stories on the cards.
- Have them glue the cards together to create a storyboard that tells the Bible story in their own words and images.
- Ask them to share their stories and discuss the spiritual lessons they learned from them.
Bible Bowling
This game is a great church activity for families that encourages physical activity and Bible study. Participants use scripture references to create bowling lanes and bowl with a softball. Doing this encourages everyone to learn more about the Bible and think creatively while having fun.
What You Need:
- Bible
- Softball
- Markers or painter's tape
Instructions:
- Have the participants write down Bible references.
- Create lanes with markers or painter's tape on the floor.
- Have everyone take turns bowling with the softball.
- See who can get the highest score.
In between turns, ask them to explain why they chose their scripture references.
Ask them to explain what spiritual lesson they learned from the references they chose.
Bible Art
This game is an excellent example of church activities for youth and adults that encourages creativity and spirituality. Participants create art pieces based on a verse or passage from the Bible. Doing this helps them express themselves creatively while learning more about the Bible.
What You Need:
- Bible
- Art supplies (markers, crayons, pencils and paper)
Instructions:
- Ask the participants to pick out a Bible verse or passage.
- Have them create an art piece based on it.
- Let them use whatever materials they want (markers, crayons, pencils, paper) to create their art.
- Ask everyone to share what they created and the spiritual lesson they learned.
Music Making
This church activity is perfect for families who love music or want to explore faith through sound. Participants compose pieces of music based on a Bible verse or passage. Doing this helps them learn more about the Bible while having fun with music.
What You Need:
- Bible
- Musical instruments or sound-making objects (drum, xylophone, shakers, or any instrument you choose)
Instructions:
- Have participants pick out a verse or passage from the Bible.
- Have them create musical pieces based on it.
- Allow them to use whatever instruments or sound-making objects they want (drum, xylophone, shakers or whatever you choose) to create their music.
- Ask everyone to share what they composed and the spiritual lesson they learned.
This activity helps bring families together as they express their faith through music. It encourages creativity, imagination and spiritual growth. Plus, it's loads of fun!
Bible Trivia
This engaging church activity for all ages encourages Bible knowledge and competition. Participants answer questions about the Bible in a fun game-like setting. Doing this helps everyone to learn more about the Bible and teaches them how to work together as a team.
What You Need:
- Bible
- List of Bible trivia questions
Instructions:
- Divide the participants into teams.
- Have teams take turns answering questions about the Bible.
- The team that answers correctly gains points for their team.
- After each round, discuss the spiritual lesson behind each correct answer.
- The team with the most points wins.
Bible Scavenger Hunt
This fun game is an enjoyable church activity for all ages that encourages Bible knowledge and exploration. Participants search for clues based on biblical references, with each clue leading them to the next. Doing this helps everyone learn more about the Bible while teaching them to be observant and seek spiritual truths.
What You Need:
- Bible
- List of Bible references
Instructions:
- Divide the participants into teams.
- Give each group a list of Bible references for their scavenger hunt.
- Have each team start searching for clues. Start with the first clue leading them to the second and so on until they reach the end.
- After they find each clue, discuss the spiritual lesson behind it.
- The team that finds all the clues first wins.
These church activities for families are fun, engaging ways for people to explore the Bible and learn more about their faith. It encourages exploration, teamwork and spiritual growth among participants of all ages. With these activities, you can create fun and meaningful experiences that will help families foster a deeper understanding of Christianity!
Fun Church Activities for Youth
Youth church activities can be fun and engaging while teaching critical spiritual lessons. There are many creative ways to unite young church members in fellowship and faith, from youth group games and Bible studies to scavenger hunts. With all of these events, be sure to send out a church event permission slip when necessary. Here are some ideas in detail:
The Bible Maze
The Bible Maze is an interactive church activity for youth that encourages Bible knowledge and exploration. Participants navigate a maze where each checkpoint leads them to the next. Doing this helps young people learn more about the Bible and biblical stories while teaching them to think critically and apply spiritual lessons from scripture.
What You Need:
- Bible
- List of Bible references and questions
Instructions:
- Divide the participants into teams.
- Give each team a list of Bible references and questions for their maze and have them start navigating the maze. Let the each checkpoint lead them to the next until they reach the end.
- When they reach each checkpoint, discuss the spiritual lesson behind it.
- The team that navigates the maze in the shortest time wins.
- The team can discuss the spiritual lessons they learned from the activity.
- Encourage participants to reflect on how they can apply this lesson.
- Celebrate the victory with a prayer or song.
Ready, Aim, Starburst!
This fun game is an enjoyable church activity for youth that encourages Bible knowledge and exploration. Participants are divided into teams, each with a starburst representing the team. The goal is to be the first team to hit the starburst with a rubber band. Doing this helps young team members learn more about the Bible and Bible stories while teaching them to be perceptive and think critically.
What You Need:
- Bible
- List of Bible references and questions
- Starbursts (one for each team)
- Rubber bands (one for each team)
Instructions:
- Divide the participants into teams.
- Give each team a list of Bible references and questions.
- Place the starbursts at one end of the room.
- Have each team take turns firing their rubber bands at the starbursts in an attempt to hit them.
- When they hit the target, discuss the spiritual lesson behind each Bible reference and question.
- The team that hits their starburst with the lowest number of shots wins.
- Encourage participants to reflect on how they can apply this lesson.
- Celebrate the victory with a prayer or song.
Prayer Wall
A Prayer Wall is a fun church activity for youth that encourages them to be mindful and reflective of their faith. Participants are asked to write down any praises, worries or gratitude statements on a wall decorated with Bible verses and prayers. Doing this helps young church members learn more about the Bible while teaching them to think deeply about their relationship with God.
What You Need:
- Bible
- Blank pieces of paper
Instructions:
- Give each participant a few pieces of paper.
- Encourage participants to write down a praise, worry or gratitude statement on each blank piece of paper.
- Have them place the papers on a wall decorated with Bible verses and prayers.
- Discuss the lessons behind each statement.
- Allow each participant to reflect on their relationship with God.
- Encourage them to think about how each Bible verse and prayer applies to their lives.
- Allow the group to pray for all the worries, praises and gratitude statements posted on the wall.
- Celebrate the collective effort by singing a song of praise.
Blind Faith Throw
This game is a fun church activity for youth that encourages them to act on their faith and trust in God. Participants are given a paper target with a Bible verse written on it. With blindfolds on, they throw a ball to hit the target, relying solely on their faith and trust in God to guide them. Doing this helps young people learn more about the Bible and each individual's faith journey while teaching them to take action based on their beliefs.
What You Need:
- Bible
- Paper targets with Bible verses written on them
- Blindfolds
Instructions:
- Divide participants into teams.
- Give each team a paper target with a Bible verse written on it.
- Ask each team member to take turns being blindfolded and throw the ball at their target.
- The team that hits their target with the lowest number of shots wins.
- After they hit the target, discuss the spiritual lesson behind each Bible verse.
- Encourage participants to reflect on how they can apply this lesson.
- Celebrate the victory with a prayer or song.
These are just a few fun church activities for youth that can help foster faith and spiritual growth. By engaging in these activities, participants can learn more about the Bible and their faith journeys while growing closer to God. Whether playing games or engaging in reflective prayer exercises, these church activities can help spread the spirit of God in a fun and interactive way!
Fun Church Small Group Activities
Gather your family, friends and church group together and have fun with these exciting and engaging small group activities! Whether you are looking for a way to bond as a community or have fun, these activities will strengthen relationships and encourage spiritual growth. Get ready to explore the Bible with these fun church small group activities!
Act It Out
This game is a fun church activity that encourages small groups to explore the Bible through creative expression. Participants are given a Bible verse or story and act out what it says together as a group. Doing this helps small groups learn more about the Bible while teaching them how to apply their faith interactively.
What You Need:
- Bible
- Music (optional)
Instructions:
- Divide the group into smaller teams.
- Give each team a Bible verse or story.
- Ask each team to act out the Bible verse or story.
- Discuss the spiritual lesson behind it and how it applies to their lives.
- Celebrate the creative expression with a song of praise or prayer.
Group Bible Discussion
Group Bible Discussion is an engaging church small group activity that encourages participants to discuss their interpretations of the Bible. Participants are given a Bible passage and asked to share their thoughts as a group. Doing this helps small groups learn more about the Bible while teaching them how to express their faith in an open atmosphere.
What You Need:
- Bible
- Worship music
Instructions:
- Divide the group into smaller teams.
- Give each team a Bible passage.
- Ask them to discuss the passage as a group.
- Have them share their thoughts and interpretations.
- Discuss the spiritual lesson behind it and how it applies to their lives.
- Celebrate the open dialogue with a song of praise or prayer.
- Reflect on how this activity allowed them to explore their faith and express it in a safe environment.
Draw It Out
This game is a fun church activity that encourages participants to explore the Bible through art. Participants are given a Bible passage and asked to draw the story. Doing this helps small groups learn more about the Bible while teaching them how to express their faith artistically.
What You Need:
- Pencils
- Paper
Instructions:
- Divide the group into smaller teams.
- Give each team a Bible passage.
- Ask them to draw the passage as a group.
- Discuss the spiritual lesson behind it and how it applies to their lives.
- Celebrate the creative expression with a song of praise or prayer.
These fun church small group activities are a great way to encourage members to grow in faith and bond as a community. Whether you’re looking for an engaging activity or want some creative and meaningful fun, these church activities provide the perfect setting for spiritual growth. With these activities, there’s no doubt that your small church group will be off to a great start or continue to bond as a group!
Fun Church Activities for Adults
Church activities for adults don't have to be boring or confined to the same handful of ideas. From fun-filled games to meaningful discussions, plenty of church activities can engage and inspire adults.
Whether you're looking for a way to bring your small group closer together and create a sense of community or you just want to have fun, these church activities can help. Check out these fun church exercises for adults, from scripture-based charades to reflective prayer walks!
Scripture Charades
Scripture Charades is a fun church activity for adults that encourages them to explore the Bible in a unique way. Participants are given a Bible verse and then act out the verse without speaking. Doing this helps them learn more about the Bible and encourages spiritual growth while teaching them to think deeply about their relationship with God.
What You Need:
- Bible
- Blank pieces of paper
Instructions:
- Have participants write a Bible verse on each piece of paper.
- Place the pieces of paper in a bowl.
- Ask one participant to pick a verse from the bowl and act it out without saying any words.
- Have the other participants guess what the verse is.
- When participants guess the verse correctly, discuss the spiritual lesson behind the Bible verse.
- Discuss how the verse applies to their lives.
- Have the next participant pick a new piece of paper and act out the next verse.
- Repeat until all the verses have been acted out.
- Reflect on the spiritual lessons from this activity and how they can take the lessons with them as they go out into the world.
- Celebrate the collective effort by singing a song of praise.
God's Story Quiz
This game is a fun church activity for adults that encourages them to learn more about the Bible and their faith journeys. Participants answer questions based on stories from The Bible, testing their knowledge of scripture. Doing this helps participants learn more about God's Word while teaching them to think deeply about their relationship with God.
What You Need:
- Bible
- Questions related to Bible stories (one for each participant)
Instructions:
- Ask each participant to read their Bible story closely, then answer the questions.
- Discuss the answers together as a group.
- Allow participants to reflect on their relationship with God.
- Encourage them to think about how each answer applies to their lives.
- Allow the group to pray for all the worries, praises and gratitude statements discussed in the stories.
- Celebrate the collective effort by singing a song of praise or worship together through music or dance.
M&M's Game
This game is a fun church activity for adults that encourages them to think deeply about their relationship with God. Participants answer questions while enjoying M&M's! Doing this helps participants learn more about scripture and makes it enjoyable and interactive.
What You Need:
- Bible
- M&M’s
- Questions related to Bible stories (one for each participant)
Instructions:
- Ask each participant to read their Bible story closely and answer the questions.
- Give them an M&M reward after correctly answering the question.
- Discuss the answers together as a group.
- Allow participants to reflect on their relationship with God.
- Allow the group to pray for all the worries, praises and gratitude statements discussed in the stories.
- Celebrate the collective effort by singing a song of praise or worship together through music or dance.
- Enjoy the M&M's as a reward for all your hard work.
Good Deeds Scavenger Hunt
This game is an interactive church activity for families that encourages them to think deeply about their relationship with God and others. Participants search for clues related to good deeds while having fun together! Doing this helps participants learn more about serving others and how they can use their gifts to make a difference in the world.
What You Need:
- Clues related to good deeds or Bible stories (one for each participant)
- Worship music
Instructions:
- Ask each person to read their clue and answer the questions.
- Discuss the answers together as a group.
- Allow them to reflect on their relationship with God and others.
- Give each group member a set of tasks related to their clue (e.g., helping at a local soup kitchen, volunteering at an animal shelter, etc.).
- Allow the people to pray for all the worries, praises and gratitude statements discussed in the clues.
- Celebrate the collective effort by singing a song of praise or worshiping together through music or dance.
- Reflect on the spiritual lessons from this activity and how they can take the lessons with them as they go out into the world.
- Encourage the members to use their newfound knowledge of scripture to further their spiritual journeys.
- Reflect on how this activity helped them build a deeper connection with God and others.
- Celebrate each person's efforts.
- End with a prayer of thanksgiving.
Whether you’re looking for fun church activities for youth, adults or families, these activities are a great way to encourage deeper spiritual connections and foster greater relationships with God. In addition, fun church activities can be an excellent way to bring people together in faith and joyfully share the love of Christ. They can also help in growing your church's membership.
Be sure to send out a thank you for attending message to participants afterward. It will encourage them to want to attend future events at your church.
FAQs
How can church activities enhance community engagement?
Church activities are a great way to engage both your church community and the geographic community around your property. While your congregation regularly meets in services throughout the week, activities are a chance to people to connect in a more fun, relaxed setting.
Church services don’t provide as many chances for attendees to engage with one another one-on-one, so activities are a good place for those connections. Additionally, activities provide a place for members and visitors to participate in activities they enjoy and build common ground with each other.
Also, those who don’t currently attend church might be hesitant about coming to a church service on a Sunday, but could find an event like a craft fair, family fun day or musical performance less intimidating. Church youth group activities for adults and church youth group activities are both settings where you can welcome in visitors who will hopefully want to become regular attendees at your church.
How can we plan inclusive activities for all age groups in the church?
It’s important to offer activities that appeal to all age groups when coming up with church involvement ideas. If you focus only on one age group, say adults, you could be excluding those with families, kids in the community and even seniors who might want a more relaxed activity.
Try to come up with events that offer something for everyone, such as children's ministry activities, or at least offer the option of child care so parents feel free to attend and bring their kids as well. Try to avoid having too many church events that interest a very narrow slice of your community and focus on those with a broader appeal.
How can church activities aid in spiritual growth?
Church activities should be fun, but both church group activities for adults and church youth group activities are also opportunities for spiritual growth. By incorporating spiritual components into activities, you can also promote growth and learning. Maybe it’s fun contests where you ask attendees to show off their Bible knowledge for prizes, chances for people to gather in small groups and discuss key faith topics or giving out fun swag or takeaway items that reinforce key biblical messages and ideas.
No matter how you blend fun and spiritual components, try to make sure that attendees leave your special events with a smile on their face and a reminder of God’s love for them in their hearts. Whether it’s outdoor activities, engaging games, a family fun night or a game night, events are a chance to help people growth their faith.
What are some effective ways to engage youth in church activities?
Youth leaders have a unique challenge when it comes to working with middle and high school students. These students are going through a key time in their life and faith journey and making sure to engage them as part of church activities and events is a key part of the process.
For some church events, students can help as volunteers. Maybe the youth group is trying to raise funds for a missions trip and can fundraise by helping with parking for a concert or family fun day, or by selling concessions during the event. If there are students who enjoy working with kids, they could also help with childcare and making sure younger children have fun, safe activities to enjoy while their parents attend the event.
When possible, also try to create fun components of church event ideas that appeal to students. Offer pizza and pop and a chance to hang out with friends and play games or if your church has a gym or outdoor space suitable for student activities, make use of these to encourage youth to be part of church events.
How to balance fun and faith in church activities?
Fun and faith are both crucial parts of church events. Focus entirely on one and ignore the other and attendees walk away either having had a blast but not learning anything about God or their faith, or they leave a blah event where they received spiritual guidance but likely didn’t enjoy themselves enough to want to return for future events. This is true whether you're looking for engaging men's ministry ideas, women's ministry event ideas or church youth group games that will infuse your student ministry with energy.
Try to plan an event that blends fun and faith. Not every part of your event has to be 100 percent Bible-focused and deeply spiritual. Leave space for something fun like a water balloon toss, trivia contest, relay race, talent contest or other church involvement ideas that allow people to show off their personalities. When you do present spiritual messages and ideas at events, try to do it in a creative way that differs from the traditional setting or a sermon or formal message. By balancing fun and faith, you create more impactful events for all who attend.
Looking for More Helpful Tools for Church Events?
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- Permission slip
- Event planning checklist
- Church event letter templates
