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A change of heart is an important part of faith. God calls people to turn away from sin and choose love. This game helps youth understand that change takes action. It is not just about thinking differently but also doing something new.

This Change My Heart relay race is fun and active. It helps youth see that replacing sin with love is a process. Each small step matters. They will learn that change does not happen all at once. It takes time and effort.

The game also teaches teamwork. Each player helps their team complete the task. This shows that faith is not just personal. People help each other grow in holiness. Youth will see that support from others makes change easier.

This Change My Heart game also connects to scripture. Ezekiel 11:19 talks about God giving people new hearts. The game shows this idea in a simple way. Replacing stones with candy hearts is like God giving a heart of flesh instead of a heart of stone. Youth will see how God changes hearts through His love.

From Stone to Sweetness How God Changes Hearts

This game connects to many Bible stories. One example is St. Paul. He started as Saul, an enemy of Christians. But God changed his heart. He became one of the greatest preachers of the faith. This game helps youth see that real change is possible.

The game also reminds us of the Prodigal Son. He left home and made bad choices. But he turned back to his father, who welcomed him with love. Like the candy hearts replacing the stones, God’s love replaces sin with something better.

This game shows how confession works. When we confess our sins, God removes our “heart of stone” and gives us a new start. He does not just take away sin. He fills our hearts with His grace. Youth will see that God does not leave them empty but gives them something good.

In youth ministry, this game makes learning fun. It helps youth connect faith to action. They see how God’s love is real and changes lives. It makes big ideas easy to understand. It also helps them remember that God is always ready to give them a new heart.

Change My Heart Game Rules and Instructions

Materials Needed

  • Candy hearts (enough for each team)
  • Small stones (same number as candy hearts)
  • Heart outline printed on paper (one per team)
  • Two bowls per team

Setup

  1. Place one heart outline on the floor at the far end of the room for each team.
  2. Arrange stones on each heart outline to form the shape of a heart. Each team should have the same number of stones.
  3. At the starting line, place two bowls for each team. One bowl should be empty. The other should hold the candy hearts (same number as the stones).
  4. Divide the group into teams. Have each team stand in a line at the starting point.

How to Play

  1. On “Go,” the first player from each team runs to their heart outline.
  2. The player removes one stone and brings it back to place in the empty bowl.
  3. The player takes one candy heart from the candy bowl and runs back to place it in the empty space where the stone was.
  4. The player runs back to tag the next teammate.
  5. The next player repeats the process.
  6. The first team to replace all their stones with candy hearts wins.

Variations and Safety Tips

  • Discuss the meaning of the game after playing to help youth reflect on its message.
  • If playing with younger children, shorten the distance they must run.
  • To make it harder, require players to hop or skip instead of running.
  • Play on a smooth surface to prevent tripping.
  • Remind players to be careful when running to avoid collisions.

Resources for the Change My Heart Relay Race Game

Melt My Icy Heart Game

The Change My Heart relay race game is a great way to show how God changes hearts. Another fun activity that fits this theme is the Melt My Ice Heart game. In that game, players try to melt a frozen heart, showing how God’s love softens a hardened heart. Both games help youth understand conversion in a hands-on way.

Using these two games together can make a lesson even more meaningful. The Change My Heart relay race game shows how God removes sin, while the Melt My Ice Heart game shows how He warms and softens hearts. These games work well for lessons on repentance, forgiveness, or God’s mercy. Try them together for an engaging and memorable youth ministry activity! Click here to learn more about the Melt My Ice Heart game.

Why play games in youth ministry?

More Youth Ministry Games

The Change My Heart relay race game is a fun way to teach about conversion. It helps youth see how God replaces sin with love. This game is active, simple, and great for Catholic youth ministry.

Looking for more games? Visit our youth ministry games page for more ideas. You’ll find engaging activities that teach faith in a fun way. Games help youth learn, build friendships, and grow closer to God. Check out the full list and find the perfect game for your group! Click here to explore more youth ministry games.

Questions and Answers for the Change My Heart Relay Race Game

What is the Change My Heart relay race game?

The Change My Heart relay race game is a fun activity that teaches about conversion. Players replace stones with candy hearts to show how God changes hearts. It is a great way to connect faith with action.

What age group is best for this game?

This game works well for children, teens, and even adults. Younger kids may need a shorter running distance.

How many players are needed?

You need at least two teams with three or more players per team. Larger groups make the game more exciting.

Can this game be played indoors?

Yes! The Change My Heart relay race game can be played in a classroom, gym, or any open space. Make sure the area is safe for running.

How does this game teach about faith?

This game shows how God removes sin and fills hearts with love. It connects to Bible stories and the sacrament of confession.

Hearts, Stones, and a Little Bit of Running

This Change My Heart game is a simple way to teach an important lesson. It shows how God changes hearts, just as players replace stones with candy. Faith is not just about words. It is about action and transformation.

Youth will remember this game long after they play it. The running, the teamwork, and the fun make the lesson stick. It helps them see that God’s love is real and active. Change takes effort, but with God, it is always possible.

This game also brings scripture to life. Bible stories about conversion make more sense when youth experience the idea in a fun way. They see that God’s grace is sweet, like the candy hearts, and that He always gives us something better when we turn to Him.

Try this Change My Heart game with your group and see how they respond. It is a great way to get youth moving, thinking, and growing in faith.

Your Turn

The best way to see the impact of this game is to try it! Gather your group, set up the game, and watch how they react. It is an easy way to make learning about faith exciting and memorable.

We would love to hear your thoughts! Did you add a fun twist to the game? Did your group have a favorite part? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments. Your feedback can help others make the game even better!

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