This is really late but better late than never...
For those of you who may or may not know these past few weeks have been a very difficult/stressful time. There have been some family issues that have taken my time and attention away from school. Thank you all so much for your prayers and words of kindness. Things are starting to get a lot better but prayer and more help is still much needed. Thank all of you again for genuinely caring and being good friends!
In the "Humongous Book of Games for Children's Ministry" it discusses briefly the effectiveness of playing games in Children's ministry. It mentions ways to use games to drive home a point and other such techniques. I think that, when used wisely, games can be very effective but if they are used carelessly they can be more distracting than anything else. Where games used well in church growing up? What are some things we can do in order to be intentional with our game/lesson planning?
The "Humongous book of Games for Children's Ministry" is very intentional about using the games to tie into a Bible passage or into a lesson. Games when used this way can drive home a point and can still allow the children to play, which is integral to them learning. For me games were used in ministry growing up, and the games tied into the lesson helped me remember the lesson better. Using games like this in ministry needs to take place, however I believe that there is a time for games that do not necessarily tie into the lesson for that day. There is a time and place to just have fun, but if you can tie that into a Bible passage or a lesson then definetly do it, but they do not always have to be tied to a Bible passage.
ReplyDeleteEmily Grubbs
ReplyDeleteI agree with the book that games should be tied into a lesson/scripture. The best way for children to learn is to interact and experience, and through using a game that is incorporated with a bible verse children can be actively engaged in what they are learning. Although games may be distracting to some students, I think with supervision and control over what is being taught/played students can really learn a lot from interacting and playing. I can remember a few games from church in which it directly related to something that we talked about in our lesson, and I think that it is a great tool to use with students.
Obviously we should not use games as "filler" or in place of a lesson, nor should we choose a game the day-of. We need to think through games in terms of lessons learned/applicable and group dynamics. Playing an athletic game with a group full of physically unfit people will probably hinder the lesson more than bring it about. However, I found it cheesy in high school and even middle school when the pastors would explain the game in terms of the lesson, so I don't know how to go about that...
ReplyDeletePerhaps there is not a game that goes with a lesson... what do you do? Don't forsake the game but really explain as a transition that it's better to have the interaction as a group. Is there a lesson to be learned in the game that doesn't quite fit? Sure... if it is a solid game that relates to human dynamics.
ReplyDeleteI think that there should be games that go along with the lesson. But there should also be games that can be played just for fun. And as for explaining a game, I think that in the lesson you could say something like, "Do you remember that game we played? It goes along with..." i know especially for children's ministry anything that reiterates what your lesson is really helps the kids in remembering what you are trying to teach them.
ReplyDeleteGames can either go with a lesson or just be a fun game to play. I think that what matters is the context and age group. If on a Wednesday night with a group of teens, one could play a game that has nothing to do with the lesson, and it will not hinder the students' ability to learn. Also, a game could enhance the lesson. However, with children, I think that the game should go along with the lesson or else you lose their focus. If there are many different activities all teaching the same concept, they are more likely to learn and remember it.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think the quality of game is severely ruined when it the game is forced to fit a theme of worship. In most cases i think that a game doesn't really fit unless you force it too and then it kind of sucks. However I do think that games can be used to reinforce a lesson and make teens understand concepts better than any other way. I think for the most part games can teach things that are valuable though and can still be used to support your lesson by using teamwork or joy or something general to really make the connection. Also I think that a lot of times games are valuable enough without playing noahs ark dodgeball to go with the theme of your bible story.
ReplyDeleteI think that using games to teach kids the Bible is a good way to keep them focused. It lets kids play and it would help them to remember lessons better. Games also get the kids to play together and it will help them to get to know their peers. But I also think that kids need to have devotions and have Bible stories told to them.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in church games were used a lot and were very helpful in the teaching process. Like most VBS we had a game session and I feel that the way games were put on during that were very effective with explaining the significance of the game and getting them involved in the learning process. I feel that games are very helpful to ministry and that it gives kids the chance to have fun and still learn something. I do feel that there are games being put on just to occupy and distract the kids while their parents are in church, these kinds of games are wrong and I feel need to be reshaped to have the kids get something out of them.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest i can't remember playing games in church, i have a really bad memory :)
ReplyDeleteI think a way to be effective with game playing in to make sure before hand that game connects with the lesson for that day. I think if it is done that way it will be easier for children to understand what it being taught and the significance to the Bible passage being used. When teaching children one has to have an attention getter, the game can come in handy and be the attention getter and the tool to connect the lesson to their lives.
I like the idea of playing games in ministry because I think it helps people to build community. I also think that there are times for certain forms of games and that some are great for lessons and some are just great for fun. I don't think that a lesson should be made around a game, but i like to make games around my lesson. I don't think there always needs to be a game, but i think that if you want to use them then it is ok.
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