A church youth-group game or growth exercise focused on hope. Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Workshop exercises: 1) Introduce the theme and read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. 2) Give teams simple safe supplies such as paper, cups, tape, or index cards. They build a structure representing hope, explain the symbolism, and connect it to the Scripture. 3) Ask students what they learned about hope. 4) Have each participant choose one practical way to apply the lesson this week. 5) Close with a short prayer or optional reflection.
Teaching notes: Keep the activity age-appropriate, voluntary, welcoming, and centered on Christian character. Use 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 in context and invite discussion rather than forcing personal disclosure. Adapt for group size, mobility, disability, available space, and time. Avoid humiliation, hazing, dangerous physical contact, elimination that repeatedly excludes the same youth, or sharing private information. Maintain normal church safeguarding and adult-supervision practices.