Camaraderie Builders:

1. Communication Cooperation

Half of the groups are assigned to develop Principles of speaking in the group and the other half principles of listening. Brainstorm about principles that would help the group communicate better. Groups are free to use their bibles if they want. List ideas on a piece of paper then when they are done brainstorming transfer their ideas on a poster paper using markers to creatively and effectively convey their ideas.

You will have 10 minutes. Then ask each group to present and explain its principles.

After they present – say” Principles can help us communicate effectively with each other but only if we recognize that each person here has an important contribution to make to the group. Sometimes people feel that they don’t have much to offer to the group or that they are in the group to learn from others, not to teach others. But that’s simply not true. Each person has important contributions to the group as a whole. “

Read 1 Cor 12:12-27 and discuss the following questions in your group:

· How did each person in your group contribute to the principles?
· How did each of the small groups contribute to the principles?
· What does this imply about the role of each person in the group?

Close by praying for each other, thanking God for one another’s presence in and contribution to the group.

2. Insiders and Outsiders

Goal – Highlights the importance of not excluding others.

Before the meeting, draw a brick wall on a sheet of news print and hang it where everyone can see it. Draw at least 15 to 20 bricks large enough for people to srite in.
People are to mingle around talking to each other while they wait for you to call out a number; they are to form a group that has that number of people in it. Everyone who doesn’t land in a group of the right size is out and must stand alone at the edge of the room with his back to the group.
Call out numbers between 3 and 5 until only 3 people remain.
Call out “two” to bring the event to an end and announce the winner.

Then ask people to form groups of 3 to 4 as quickly as possible – and without excluding anyone. Have them discuss the following questions. After each question ask for volunteers to report their groups answers. Ask:

· How did it feel to be excluded? To exclude others from your group?
· How is this activity like what happens to you in your day-to-day life?
· How is this activity like what happens in your group? How is it different?

Give each group a sheet of paper and a pencil. Instruct groups to spend five
minutes brainstorming about all the barriers that might keep people from feeling
included within the group.

After 5 minutes, ask group representatives to write each of their groups’ ideas within
a brick on the newsprint. When all the ideas have been listed, direct groups to read
Eph 2: 11-22, and then answer the following questions:

· How does this apply to the way we treat other people? People outside the group?
· Why do you think god wants our group to be a place where people feel included?
· What can we do to make sure we always include everyone within our group?

More Coming Soon!