Games aren’t bad. But games without purpose? That’s a missed opportunity.

We’ve all seen it: An activity night filled with meaningless competition, mindless running around, or chaotic energy that ends in sugar and a rushed spiritual thought. Everyone’s tired… but no one’s changed.

The first question to ask is: Why are we doing this?

If the answer is:

• “It’s just something to do.”
  
• “We needed to fill the hour.”
  
• “They like this one.”
  

…then it might be time to pause.

The real purpose of youth activities is growth:

• Spiritual growth
  
• Physical development
  
• Social maturity
  
• Life preparation
  

If the game isn’t contributing to any of those, you may want to rethink it.

Instead, ask:

• What principle could this teach?
  
• How can we incorporate scripture, service, or leadership?
  
• Can we add a debrief or reflection phase?
  

Here’s how a game can become meaningful:

Example: You play a trust-building game with blindfolds. It’s fun—but afterward, you discuss how we walk by faith, not sight, and how we learn to listen for the Spirit. Suddenly, it clicks.

The youth laugh, but they also learn.

Games can be tools. But like any tool, they need to be used intentionally. A hammer builds or destroys depending on how you wield it.

Use games to lift, teach, and forge faith, not just to kill time.