How do you get a group of people to start talking and start being real? We’ve developed Story Cards as a way to help people share about their lives and spiritual journeys. You’ll be surprised how using photographs as a storytelling tool can draw your group into deeper reflection and more meaningful conversations.
You may already have a pack of Story Cards that you were either given at GroupLink or a leader development event or that you bought from Connections. If so, you probably think of them as a tool to use when your group is brand new. It's true they're a great way to get people to begin to connect with one another.
But Story Cards are just as effective when used as an icebreaker in well-established groups. Here's all you have to do:
Spread the Story Cards out in the middle of the room so people can see them when they first walk in.
Ask each person to pick a card that captures their response to one of the questions that follows.
Go around the room and have everyone share why they picked the card they did.
Here are some options you can use for group members that already know one another:
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 childhood.
Pick a card that reminds you of your first date with your spouse (for Married Groups).
Pick a card that represents 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 remind you of one of the best seasons of your life.
Pick a card that represents a goal you have achieved.
Pick a card that represents a goal you still want to achieve.
Feel free to be creative. Ask questions that will help people connect with their own stories and with one another.