Games & Icebreakers

Don't be afraid to start a game even when some are still confused. Your staff can help push these people along once you start.

5. Take more than 30 seconds to divide teams
Same principle as above. Have a quick tactic planned to divide teams fast. Always try to use natural divisions: grade levels, gender, half of the room, etc. Only # off as a last resort!

6. Have someone without ability or even a personality leading the game
Game leading isn't something you should just throw on a new staff member. They should be trained in the basics and given an opportunity to lead a game every once in a while. You'll find that some people just aren't gifted in being up-front. Don't use these people. A key to a successful program will be putting staff people in areas that they are gifted and feel comfortable.

By the way ... if something goes wrong, play it off. Games will go sour- it's a fact. If they do, use the opportunity to make fun of it. If a game goes wrong and the leader is funny about it, kids will still have a good time ... and that's the point, right?

7. Make sure the crowd can't see those playing the game.
"Of course" you say. But how many times have I seen some cool crowd breaker where a kid is getting dowsed with syrup or a girl is about to suck a jelly bean out of some jello and ... I couldn't see cause some stupid game leader was standing right in the way! If you're leading a game ... STEP ASIDE! If you're in a level room and you have a visual game ... elevate it somehow! You get the point.

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If you like this quick little article you'd love the entire chapter. This article is just a piece of a chapter in Jonathan's hit book THE TOP 12 RESOURCES YOUTH WORKERS WANT! The book goes into much more detail and gives examples you can follow. The book also includes the top games, events, ideas and discussion starters that youth workers want.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE BOOK:
"For years Jonathan McKee has been providing a dynamite (FREE!) resource for youthworkers through his website. Now you can get the best of his thinking in a single volume. It is handy, easy to read, and very practical. But don't let any of that fool you - it is also sharp, poignant, and real. I have been teaching and leading youth ministry for decades, and this is the best single volume on pragmatic programming I have ever seen. This is a must on every youthworker's shelf!"
Chap Clark, Ph.D., Director of Youth Ministry Programs,
Fuller Theological Seminary

"If you're just looking for another book on youth ministry philosophy, I suggest you look elsewhere. But if you want some practical ideas to help make your next youth meeting or activity really sizzle, I suggest you look no further than this book! My friend Jonathan McKee has been doing youth ministry long enough to know that even when you have a great philosophy, you still need to know what to do (and what not to do) when the kids show up. This book will not only give you the practical help you need, but it will renew your confidence and enthusiasm for youth ministry. I highly recommend this book!"
Wayne Rice, Co-founder, Youth Specialties
Executive Director, Understanding Your Teenager

"To say this book is practical would be an understatement. From cover to cover you'll find tips, tricks, ideas and resources that will strengthen your ministry to students. This book is one that you will reach for over and over again as you strive to build an effective youth ministry."
Kurt Johnston, Junior High Pastor; Saddleback Church
Author; Controlled Chaos...Making Sense Of Junior High Ministry

"Jonathan's heart for the volunteer youthworker shines through in this very helpful and very practical book. The ideas and concepts that Jonathan provides are the kind that you can use right away in your own youth ministry setting."
Dave Ambrose, Oak Hills Church - Youth Specialties

"Jonathan McKee knows youth ministry! As a youthworker and veteran Youth for Christ staff member, he's known for pulling together great ideas for games, planning, teaching, small groups, recruiting staff and especially for sharing these resources with others. Jonathan's book is an excellent compilation of many of these youth ministry classics - plus his own fresh and straightforward advice and expertise. It's a must have tool for all youthworkers to read and then keep within reach!"
Mike Work
National Director, DCLA Ministries
Youth for Christ, USA

"For the last few years I've been recommending Jonathon's Resources to youth workers around the country. This book will be a tremendous asset to anyone who has to lead a game, run a program, or come up with something meaningful and fun (in the next 5 minutes) for a roomful of teenagers. And what youth worker doesn't need that? "
Laurie Polich,
Author, Help! I'm a Small Group Leader

Jonathan McKee is one of the most creative and innovative youth leaders that I know. His new book will do more than simply give you fun ideas to use with your group; it will provide the foundation for many discussions on the issues of life. I wish that I had this resource back when I worked with teens. Not only does he provide details for working with kids, but he also provides details for working with "big church" leadership.
Al Menconi,
President,
Al Menconi Ministries

"It's a WOW!!  Nitty-Gritty-Day-In-and-Day-Out Practical. The Top 12 Resources Youth Workers Want will get you through dry spells, provide you with tons of easy-to-use tools and prepare you for more than a year of great ministry. The Top 12 reminded me of one of the reasons I love youth ministry: It's just plain fun!!"
Jenny Morgan, National Training Director, Youth for Christ/USA

"I'll be honest, most of the 'game' books I go thru I can't use, or have to spend half of the time re-writing stuff to fit my kids - but I like reading Jonathan. He talks to you on a level you understand and he gives you the stuff that you can use THAT WORKS. When you read this- you'll find yourself taking notes, marking pages, and planning out your entire year with stuff that youth ministers are starving for- GREAT IDEAS!"
Fred Lynch, Director of Urban Ministries, Josh McDowell Ministry

"The Top 12 Resources Youth Workers Want is an entirely different kind of youth ministry book. It's fresh, exciting, extremely useful and completely filled with great ideas you can use every week!"
Bill Muir, Sr. Vice President, Youth for Christ USA