Common Ground Game

The Common Ground game is a simple and fun activity that helps youth connect with one another in a meaningful way. It’s easy to play and requires no materials, making it a great option for any group setting. By stepping into the circle for things they have in common, participants start to see shared experiences and interests. This helps break the ice and creates a sense of belonging, which is especially important in building a welcoming and inclusive environment.

One of the key benefits of this game is how it encourages youth to notice others in a new way. As they see who steps into the circle for each statement, they may realize they have more in common with people they don’t usually talk to. This opens the door for friendships and reminds them that everyone has value and unique experiences to share. It’s a simple but effective way to build understanding and connection.

The game also allows for moments of lightheartedness and fun, while still offering opportunities to reflect on deeper themes. By including prompts that focus on kindness, service, or challenges youth might face, the game gently introduces meaningful conversations. It’s an easy way to help youth transition into a lesson or discussion about dignity, respect, or how we treat one another.

Overall, Common Ground is more than just an energizer—it’s an opportunity to foster empathy and inclusion. It helps youth recognize shared humanity, even in small ways. This game creates an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and seen, setting the stage for deeper engagement in group discussions or lessons.

Finding God in the Circle

The Common Ground game can help connect youth to important Biblical themes. One theme is recognizing the dignity of every person. In Genesis 1:27, we learn that every person is made in the image of God. During the game, when participants step into the circle, they see shared traits and experiences. This can remind them that, despite differences, everyone is created and loved by God. It’s a simple way to reflect on how we are all connected as part of God’s creation.

Another theme is inclusion, which is something Jesus showed throughout His life. In Luke 14:1-14, Jesus tells His followers to invite the poor, the crippled, and the blind to their table, not just their friends. This game gently introduces the idea of reaching out to others, even those we might not know well. It opens hearts to see the value in people who are different from us or who we don’t often notice.

This game can also tie to gratitude. The Bible reminds us to give thanks for the blessings we receive. Prompts in the game can encourage youth to think about things they are thankful for, like family, friends, or opportunities to help others. Recognizing these gifts helps them see how God is at work in their lives.

Playing Common Ground doesn’t feel like a formal lesson, but it creates a foundation for Biblical reflection. It invites youth to see the world through God’s eyes—filled with love, gratitude, and respect for all people. It’s a fun way to bring faith into focus and prepare hearts for deeper discussions.

Equipment/Materials Needed

• None! This game requires no materials, just space for the group to stand in a circle.

Setup Instructions

1. Find an open space large enough for your group to form a circle.
2. Ask everyone to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the circle. Make sure there’s room in the center for people to step in.
3. Explain the rules to the group so everyone knows what to expect.

Game Play Instructions

1. Begin by saying, “Step into the circle if…” and complete the sentence with a statement that might apply to some people in the group.
2. Participants who relate to the statement step into the center of the circle.
3. Allow a moment for everyone to look around and see who shares the common ground with them.
4. Those in the circle step back to the outer circle, and you move on to the next statement.
5. Continue for as many rounds as you like, using prompts that are a mix of lighthearted and meaningful.
6. If time allows, invite participants to suggest their own prompts to keep the game fresh and fun.

Example prompts to Use

• Step into the circle if you have a pet.
• Step into the circle if you have a sibling.
• Step into the circle if you like pizza.
• Step into the circle if you have ever been to the beach.
• Step into the circle if you have ever helped someone with their homework.
• Step into the circle if you have a favorite saint.
• Step into the circle if you like to play sports.
• Step into the circle if you have ever been on a hike.
• Step into the circle if you like chocolate.
• Step into the circle if you have ever tried to learn a musical instrument.
• Step into the circle if you have ever prayed for someone else.
• Step into the circle if you know how to cook or bake something.
• Step into the circle if you have ever been part of a church activity.
• Step into the circle if you’ve ever been scared of the dark.
• Step into the circle if you like movies.
• Step into the circle if you’ve ever had a really funny moment with a friend.
• Step into the circle if you’ve ever helped a family member with chores.
• Step into the circle if you’ve ever felt nervous before doing something new.
• Step into the circle if you’ve ever been kind to someone who needed help.
• Step into the circle if you’ve ever been surprised by someone’s kindness.
• Step into the circle if you’ve ever gone fishing.
• Step into the circle if you’ve ever had to say sorry to someone.
• Step into the circle if you like to sing, even just for fun.
• Step into the circle if you’ve ever had a favorite teacher.
• Step into the circle if you’ve ever felt grateful for your friends.

Additional Notes and Variations

• Safety: Make sure the center of the circle is not crowded. Encourage participants to take turns stepping in and to be mindful of personal space.
• Quiet participants: Let quieter youth participate at their own pace. No one should feel forced to step in if they’re not comfortable.
• Theme variation: Tailor prompts to fit specific topics or themes. For example, for a gratitude theme, use statements like “Step into the circle if you are thankful for your family.”
• Smaller groups: If your group is small, use fewer prompts or ask participants to share a short explanation about why they stepped in for certain prompts.
• Larger groups: Consider splitting into smaller circles for easier participation.

This game is simple to set up, easy to play, and a great way to help your group connect while reflecting on shared experiences.

What is the Common Ground game?

The Common Ground game is an easy and fun activity where participants step into a circle if a statement applies to them. It helps people see what they have in common with others. It’s a great icebreaker and works for any size group.

Do I need any materials to play the Common Ground game?

No, you don’t need any materials. All you need is space for the group to stand in a circle. It’s a simple, no-prep game.

What size group can play the Common Ground game?

The Common Ground game works for both small and large groups. For large groups, you can split into smaller circles to make it easier for everyone to participate.

How does the Common Ground game help youth?

The game helps youth notice shared experiences and interests. It creates a sense of connection and encourages them to see others in a new way. It’s a simple way to build understanding and inclusivity.

What kinds of statements should I use for the game?

Use a mix of lighthearted and meaningful prompts. For example, “Step into the circle if you like pizza” or “Step into the circle if you’ve ever helped someone.”

Can the Common Ground game be adapted for different themes?

Yes, you can adjust the prompts to fit specific themes like gratitude, service, or faith. This makes the game a great lead-in to lessons or discussions.

Is the Common Ground game safe for everyone to play?

Yes, it’s a safe game. Just make sure there’s enough space in the center of the circle for people to step in without bumping into each other.

How long does the Common Ground game take to play?

You can play the game for 10-15 minutes or longer, depending on how many prompts you use. It’s flexible and easy to adjust for your group’s schedule.

What should I do if someone doesn’t want to step into the circle?

It’s okay if someone doesn’t want to participate in every round. Let them observe and join when they feel comfortable. The goal is to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

This game is a fun and simple way to get people moving, laughing, and connecting. It’s more than just an icebreaker—it helps participants notice the little things they have in common. Through shared experiences, youth can build a sense of belonging and start to see how much they are alike, even if they are different in other ways.

The activity also opens up opportunities to reflect on deeper themes, like how we are all created in God’s image and how we can treat each other with respect and love. By stepping into the circle, youth are reminded to look for the good in others and appreciate what makes each person unique.

Whether you use this game as an energizer or a way to tie into a lesson, it’s a great tool for building relationships. It helps create a welcoming environment where everyone feels seen and included. Simple games like this can make a big impact.

So next time you’re looking for a fun and meaningful group activity, give this one a try. You’ll be surprised how much stepping into a circle can bring people closer together and prepare them for bigger conversations about faith and community.

Try this Common Ground game with your group and see how it brings people together in a fun and meaningful way. It’s easy to set up, works for any size group, and gets everyone talking and connecting. Plus, it’s a great way to transition into deeper lessons or discussions.

After you play, share your thoughts in the comment section. Let us know how it worked, and feel free to share any variations or new prompts you tried. Your ideas can inspire others to make this activity even better for their own groups!