Looking for a creative and meaningful icebreaker or opener for your group this week? Download the Story Cards, then read the instructions on how to use them below.

We live in a visual culture. When you have people interact with pictures instead of just asking them questions, they open up in surprising ways. It’s a great way to get past surface topics and start to really get to know people. You may learn new and eye-opening things about people you thought you already knew well.

Story cards can be used with brand new groups to help people get to know each other, or in established groups to dig deeper into existing relationships.

Instructions:

• Print out the Story Cards, cut them apart, and bring them to your next group meeting. (Alternately, pick a few pictures from the Story Cards and email/text them to your group before your meeting.)
• Spread the story cards out in the middle of the room so people can see them when they first walk in. Or, if you’re sitting around a table, spread the cards out on the table where everyone can reach them.
• Ask each person to pick a card that illustrates what’s going on in his or her life right now. Here are several examples of questions you might use:

• • Pick a card that represents your week so far.
  • Pick a card that represents how you feel about this time of year.
  • Pick a card that captures your current level of stress in life.
  • Pick a card that reminds you of your childhood.
  • Pick a card that reminds you of your first date.
  • Pick a card that illustrates one of your favorite vacations.
  • Pick a card that reminds you of a person that helped shape you spiritually.
  • Pick a card that represents an event that helped shape you spiritually.
  • Pick a card that reminds you of one of the most difficult seasons of your life.
  • Pick a card that reminds you of one of the best seasons of your life.
  • Pick a card that represents a goal you have achieved.
  • Pick a card that illustrates a goal you still want to achieve.
  • Pick a card that represents an area in which you want to change this year.
  • Pick a card that captures the way you feel about your relationship with God today.

• Ask why each person picked the card he or she did.

Don’t be surprised if your group members go deep quickly. And don’t be surprised if someone doesn’t share anything. Your response to what they say has the potential to deepen or hinder the relational bonds in your group, so proceed with wisdom.

Feel free to be creative and develop your own questions. Story cards can help get conversations going around lots of different topics. Ask questions that will help people connect with their own stories and with others.

This idea has been adapted from a resource created by North Point Ministries.