The time has come and you are hosting that first small group gathering, or group leader training. You wonder how to get everyone talking, or a way to “break the ice.” Well, wonder no more, we have got you covered. My name is Matt Wray, and I am the Small Groups director at Hillside Chapel, in New Albany, IN. I have been blessed to do a lot of traveling in my life. I have been to Rome, met the Pope, and have been to Central America.
You are probably asking yourself what any of that has to do with a post on ice-breakers? Well, since you asked, in that last sentence are two truths and one lie. I love to do this as a way to get people talking in a new group. Figured out which is which yet? If you are still wondering, I have never met the Pope. I have been to Rome and also to Central America. I did this ice breaker with my own small group just a few short weeks ago, and it was a blast.
If you are like me, you probably have no trouble talking to others, or striking up a conversation. When I was a kid we went on a family vacation to Cedar Point, and I made a friend in the arcade at the hotel from Chicago. Our parents met, and the next day he came to the park with us. Talking might come easy for you, but what about some of your leaders, or the people in your groups.
We asked for your suggestions on some of the best ice-breakers you have heard or used, and we received several responses from all around the globe. That is one of the best things about the Small Group Network, being able to learn from others from all around the world. I compiled a list of some of the best ones we received from you.
1. If you had a day with absolutely no obligations how would you spend it?
2. Lucky Penny: Each person takes a penny and looks at the date. You then go around the room and each person tells something interesting that happened during that year
3. Tell a story about your best friend from childhood. This works really well since it is personal, but not cheesy, and someone new would not feel uncomfortable with this.
4. How-Wow-Pow-Chow: How: Are you doing right now? Wow: A wow moment from last week. Pow: A hard moment from last week. Chow: The best thing you ate in the last week.
5. When was the last time you did something for the first time.
Remember, when you start thinking about an ice-breaker, your goal is to get your group talking. Sometimes this can be difficult, but with these examples, and others you might come up with, you will do just that. Have fun with these, and let us know if you use one, and the success that you have in getting your group to open up.
