Sunday school games that require no materials are a fantastic way to engage children in activities that are fun, educational, and easy to set up. These games can be particularly useful when you need to quickly come up with a plan due to unexpected changes in schedule or when resources are limited. Here are several games that are perfect for Sunday school classes and can be played without any materials.
1. Simon Says: Sunday School Game
Age Group: Suitable for all ages
How to Play:
- One person plays the role of ‘Simon’ and stands in front of the class.
- Simon will give commands starting with “Simon says,” such as “Simon says touch your nose.”
- The children must only follow the command if it starts with “Simon says.”
- If Simon gives a command without saying “Simon says” and someone follows it, they are out of the game.
- The last person remaining becomes the next Simon.
2. Bible Story Charades
Age Group: Best for elementary age and older
How to Play:
- Divide the class into two teams.
- One child from the team comes up front and acts out a scene from a Bible story or a word related to the church without speaking.
- Their team has to guess what they are acting out within a set time limit.
- Each correct guess earns a point for the team.
3. Duck, Duck, Goose
Age Group: Preschool and elementary
How to Play:
- Have the children sit in a circle.
- One child is ‘it’ and walks around the circle, tapping each child on the head saying “duck” each time until they choose to say “goose.”
- The “goose” then gets up, and both have to run around the circle to take the vacant spot. The last one to sit down is the new ‘it.’
4. I Spy: Sunday School Edition
Age Group: Suitable for all ages
How to Play:
- One child chooses an object in the room but does not tell the others what it is.
- They say “I spy with my little eye, something that begins with (first letter of the object’s name).”
- The other children take turns guessing what the object might be.
- The child who guesses correctly gets to be the next one to spy something.
5. 20 Questions
Age Group: Best for elementary age and older
How to Play:
- One child thinks of a person, place, or thing related to the Bible or church.
- The rest of the class can ask up to 20 yes-or-no questions to try to guess what it is.
- The child can only answer with “yes” or “no.”
- If the class guesses correctly within 20 questions, they win. If not, the thinker wins and reveals the answer.
6. Freeze Dance with Worship Music
Age Group: Preschool and elementary
How to Play:
- Play a song and have the children dance around.
- Randomly pause the music. When the music stops, all children must freeze.
- Any child caught moving after the music has stopped is out.
- The last child remaining is the winner.
7. Bible Based Story Building
Age Group: Best for elementary age and older
How to Play:
- The teacher starts a story with one sentence related to a Bible theme.
- Each child adds one sentence to the story when it’s their turn.
- This continues until everyone has had a chance to contribute at least once.
- The result is a unique and often humorous story created by the whole class.
These games are not only fun but also enhance learning by incorporating movement, quick thinking, and teamwork. They can be adapted to any class size and require no preparation or materials, making them ideal for any Sunday school setting.
8. More Bible Game Activities for Sunday School
Creative and Craft-Based Games Engage children in Bible-inspired artwork and craft projects that bring scripture to life. Encourage them to express their creativity by drawing or painting scenes from Bible stories, or designing crafts related to specific Bible verses. These interactive activities deepen their connection to biblical themes while allowing them to explore their artistic talents.
Icebreaker and Introduction Games Help children feel welcome and comfortable in Sunday School with icebreaker games like “Bible Bingo,” “Apples and Oranges,” or “Ten Commandments Hot Potato.” These activities foster a sense of community, encouraging kids to get to know each other while learning important virtues like patience, persistence, and teamwork. Use simple props like bean bags and hula hoops to add an extra element of fun.
Indoor Active Games Keep kids engaged and moving with indoor active games that teach faith and biblical principles. “Bible Scavenger Hunts,” “Holy Spirit Green Light Game,” and “Reaching for Hearts” are just a few examples of interactive activities that promote energy, obedience, and support for one another. These games help children learn about friendship, patience, and the importance of an active faith.
Memory and Learning Games Strengthen children’s memory and learning skills with games focused on Bible verse memorization and word play. “Disappearing Words,” “Scripture Memory,” and “Supermarket” are activities that encourage retention, recitation, and teamwork while reinforcing biblical teachings. Use whiteboards, flashcards, or everyday items to make these games engaging and accessible for all ages.
No Preparation Games When time or resources are limited, turn to no-preparation games that still deliver powerful lessons. Bible trivia, charades, Pictionary, and role-playing are just a few examples of activities that require no advance planning. These games can be adapted to teach a variety of Bible stories, memory verses, or Christian virtues, making them a versatile addition to any Sunday School program.
Physical Activity Games Incorporate physical movement and exercise into Sunday School with games like “Dance Dance Freeze,” “Sloth Race,” and “Will It Crush.” These activities promote teamwork, coordination, and friendly competition while reinforcing Bible lessons. Use simple props like bean bags, hula hoops, and candy bars to create memorable experiences that keep kids active and engaged.
Team Building Games Foster a sense of community and cooperation among children with team-building games that encourage collaboration and communication. Activities like “Navigating Defeat” challenge kids to work together, practice patience, and develop persistence in the face of obstacles. These games help children build strong bonds with their peers while learning important virtues that apply both in and out of the Sunday School classroom.
