Leader Guide

Relay Game

You Can Do It! Play a game of second chances.

In Large Group, you were asked a question about Paul and the sorcerer named Elymas. What did Paul tell Elymas he would not be able to see for some time? The sunlight.

Paul could not let anything distract the governor from hearing about Jesus. John Mark may have been surprised by the opposition that they faced while sharing the Gospel; this was possibly a reason he chose to leave the apostles and return home.

Later, Paul refused to allow John Mark to accompany him on a second journey. Barnabas saw the potential in John Mark and gave him a second chance. The game we are about to play is about encouraging others and giving them a second chance. Actually, this game gives everyone a second, third, fourth, or as many chances as needed to be successful!

Demonstrate as you explain the game. This ball represents a word of encouragement. The sad faces on the boxes represent someone who needs that word of encouragement as quickly as possible. You must bounce the ball at least once on the floor before it goes into the box. Each player walks quickly to Line 1 and bounces the ball. If the ball goes in the box, five points are scored. The player retrieves the ball and brings it back to the next player to take a turn. If the player misses, he/she retrieves the ball and bounces the ball from Line 2. If the player makes it, two points are scored. If missed, the player retrieves the ball and moves to Line 1. At this line, players have as many turns as necessary to bounce the ball in the box to score one point. Everyone is successful!

The reason more points are scored for Lines 1 and 2 is because someone who feels sad needs to be encouraged as soon as possible! In this game, each team gets a second chance to win! The team that finishes first wins one category, and the team that scores the most points wins the other category. This can be the same team or different teams. Here is a very important part of the game for everyone: each team must continually encourage your teammates as they play. Clap and cheer them on with words of encouragement and motivation. This isn’t a time to be silent or shy!

Divide the class into Team 1 and Team 2. Have the teams form two separate lines behind the starting line and opposite their team’s box. A leader or volunteer will keep score on the board. All players shout their points to the scorekeeper—for example, “Team 1, five points” or “Team 2, one point.” Shout “Go” to start the game. The first player on each team moves quickly to the first line and bounces the ball toward the box. Continue as described above until all players on one team have finished. Put a star beside that team on the board. The other team continues to play until they finish. Record the scores and declare a second winner for the highest score.

Optional: If time permits, continue the theme of second chances; play as above and give each player an additional turn. Instead of players shouting their score, position a volunteer or leader at the boxes to shout each player’s score.

Conclusion: No matter how hard we try, we all will miss the mark and fall short as we follow Christ. God never gives up on us, and we can’t give up on each other.

Turn the boxes around to reveal the happy faces. This looks better, doesn’t it! Let us always be ready to encourage and motivate others—as long as it takes to build them up and be successful!