Leader Guide

Salvation Game

  • Bag of 100 multi-color pompoms, ½–1 inch in diameter or larger sizes, too
  • Four cotton swabs or flat wooden craft sticks, plus extras
  • Two hand towels (beige or white if possible)   
  • Two large plastic bowls
  • Table and two chairs
  • Whiteboard and marker or chalkboard and chalk, to keep score 
  • Timer, such as a stopwatch, clock or watch with second hand, or timer app
  • Helper to keep score
  • For larger classes create more groups. Add pompoms, cotton swabs or craft sticks, a towel, bowl, and chair for each additional group 

Have a sixth grade helper or another volunteer keep score on the board.

Place half of the pompoms (about 50) on each towel. There should be a mixture of all colors and sizes on each towel.

Place two chairs at the table facing the class. Place a towel of pompoms plus an empty bowl on the table in front of each chair.

Place two cotton swabs or wooden craft sticks by each towel.

In Peter’s vision, he was told not to call things unclean that God has made clean. As we have discussed, this meant more than clean and unclean food, this also meant that we should share the message of salvation with all people. Jesus came into the world and changed everything. Through Him, God provided salvation for all! 

Let’s say our SuperTruth together. “Salvation is for everyone.” 

Sit down at the table facing the children. Point to a towel of pompoms.

This towel represents the sheet in Peter’s vision. The pompoms represent all people; different sizes, shapes and colors on the outside, yet all are beautiful pompoms.

Hold up two cotton swabs or craft sticks and demonstrate how to use them like chopsticks to pick up a pompom and deposit it into the bowl.

In this game, each player will have 20 seconds to move as many pompoms—of all shapes and colors—from the towel to the bowl which represents salvation in Jesus. Each pompom is worth five points regardless of size or color. Why? Because we are all equal in God’s sight, and salvation is for everyone. You cannot touch the pompoms with your hands—you must only use the cotton swabs (or craft sticks)

Divide the children into two equal teams; one player may need to play twice.

Have teams form two lines a few feet away from the front of the table so they can all watch and cheer for their teammates.

Have the first player on each team sit in the chair directly across from their team. 

Shout, “Salvation is for everyone!” and start the timer for 30 seconds (or a time that you choose).

Players move as many pompoms from the towel into the bowl as they can.

After time expires, the next player for each team takes a turn.  

When all children have played once, count the pompoms in each bowl; record the score for each team.

Return all of the pompoms to the towels and play again. 

Play as many times as time allows. Name a winner for each round or combine scores from all rounds for a winner.

Conclusion: God sent Jesus to save everyone. It is important for us to see and love others as God does. He wants everyone to receive His free gift. Just as you moved the pompoms into the bowl, when you share the Gospel message with others, they can choose to believe in Jesus and receive salvation!