subject: Christian Icebreakers: Who Am I? [print this page] Materials Materials
List of names printed on nametags or address labels.
Icebreaker Description
In this icebreaker / crowdbreaker, youth will have a name pasted to their back and will wonder the room asking yes or no questions trying to discover who they are.
Preparation
Create a list of names. Names can be seasonal (Winter: Santa, Frosty, Jack Frost, etc.) or follow a theme (Superheros: Batman, Superman, The Hulk, etc.). They can be people, places or even objects related to the lesson for the day.
Icebreaker Activity
Place one of the nametags on the back of every person as they enter the room.
They must now try to guess what is on their back by going around the room asking other people yes or no questions about the nametage on their back.
These questions must be yes-no questions (ex. Q. "Am I green?" A. "Yes")
Depending on the size of the group, only one question can be asked to each person in the room (to get everyone talking to everyone else). For small groups you may allow 2 questions.
The first person to guess the name on their back is the winner.
Variation
Choose names that go together. Not only must each person discover his / her identity, but then must also find his / her partner.
Variation
Instead of "yes" or "no" questions, as the guests move around moving from person to person they must name one fact about the person or one thing that person did. As soon as a person is successful in guessing who he is, he goes and sits down. The one who is giving information about the other tries to keep it somewhat vague so that person will not be able to sit down before he does. All information must be factual and honest.
Variation
Write down names of Jesus for everyone. Messiah, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Messiah, Christ, Bread of Life, Living Water, Resurrection, Life, The Way, The Truth, The Life, Emmanuel, Alpha and Omega, Ancient of Days, Annointed One, Branch of the Lord, Bridegroom, Chief Cornerstone, God's Son, Shepherd, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Word, Lamb of God, the First and the Last, the Vine, Rock of Ages, etc. (see the Appendix of the book Experiencing God for a more complete list if you need more)
Optional Debrief
Do names reveal a person's character? Why or why not?
Why did God sometimes give people new names in the Bible?
Do you know the meaning of your name?
If you could change your name, what name would you like to have? Why?
Conclusion
Names in the Bible were often chosen to reflect the character of a person. Sometimes when a person's life was changed by an encounter with God, he would give them a new name.
Application
We are called Christians because we are to be Christlike. What can you do this week to be more christlike and reflect your life in Christ?
