Spiritual Growth Through Activities: Small Shifts That Make a Big Difference

Sometimes, leaders fall into the trap of thinking spiritual growth only happens on Sundays—in sacrament talks, seminary, or formal gospel discussions.

But here’s the truth: Every youth activity can be a spiritual experience. You don’t need a whiteboard or a lesson manual. You just need intentional design and a few small shifts.

🔄 Shift #1: Add a Spiritual “Why” to Every Activity

Take whatever you’ve already planned—then ask,
“What gospel principle does this connect to?”

Building towers? → Spiritual foundations
Team scavenger hunt? → Following the Spirit, listening to others
Cooking night? → Feeding others as Christ did
Fitness relay? → Enduring to the end

Even fun nights can carry powerful messages. You just have to name them.

🔄 Shift #2: Don’t Skip the Reflection

We’ve said it before: Reflection is where growth happens.

After the activity:

Ask open-ended questions
Let youth share insights
Offer a short scripture tie-in
Bear a quick, personal testimony

Even just five minutes of reflection can change a night from “cool” to “meaningful.”

🔄 Shift #3: Involve the Spirit Early

Before you even plan an activity, pray. Ask:

“What do these youth need spiritually this month?”
“Who needs to feel seen, heard, or lifted?”
“What principle could we reinforce through action?”

Then listen. You’ll be guided to ideas that go deeper than just passing the time.

🔄 Shift #4: Use Symbols and Stories

If you’re doing an object-based or visual activity, look for natural ways to teach with symbols:

A maze can represent agency
A locked box can symbolize personal revelation
A blindfold challenge can represent faith

Gospel parallels are everywhere—youth just need someone to connect the dots.

🔥 Final Thought

You don’t need to overhaul your activity schedule. You just need to infuse it with intention.

Spiritual growth doesn’t require a classroom. It just requires that we invite the Spirit in.

Because when youth see the gospel in their real lives—they’ll start to live it for real.

Forged In Faith