The weather has turned colder, and you can already see a touch of color in the leaves. It’s the season of fall, and there’s change on the wind.
Use the season to your group’s advantage with these icebreaker activities.
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock.
Fall Memories
Did you know food and distinct smells both have a strong connection with memory? It’s true. Take advantage of that connection as a way of helping group members share a bit of their stories.
Before the group meeting, prepare a beverage or snack that is particularly connected to the fall season. Examples include mulled cider, apple cider, apple pie, pumpkin pie, maple cookies, snickerdoodles, cobbler, and so on. As you serve your group members, encourage them to share what they enjoyed most about the fall season when they were growing up.
Fall Roast
What could me more appropriate to the fall season than roasting marshmallows over a fire? If you have an appropriate space and the time to make it work, consider setting up a fireside roast for your group members. You could even conduct the entire group meeting around the fire.
Remember, diversity and fun are important elements in any group.
If you’re stuck inside, however, you’re not out of luck. Grab some skewers, or even a long-handled fork, and encourage your group members to roast a few ‘mallows over the gas or electric burner on your range. (You can also use candles, although you’ll need to compensate for the wax and make sure nothing will burn if one of them tips.)
Again, fun and creativity are great ways to make lasting memories in your group. So take a chance!
Sam O’Neal is a Content Editor on the Adult Ministry Publishing team at LifeWay. He has a passion for seeing discipleship and full-bodied Christian education done right in the local church—especially in the context of small group communities. Sam is also the author of The Field Guide for Small Group Leaders. You can follow Sam on Twitter @SamTONeal.