Here’s a quick, simple game that works wonders when you can’t seem to get the whole family “on board”.  You can play it with a group of any size. You don’t need equipment or materials.  It fosters collaboration,creativity, and a sense of closeness.   And, if you play it enough, it may have miraculous side effects (more on that coming up).

What it is
The game is called “Yes, Let’s!” It’s a foundation of Improvisational Theatre, affectionately known as Improv.  When we were looking for ways to help our family get better at listening to God and each other, we started experimenting with Improv as part of that process.  We were amazed at how God used these simple activities to teach us about being the church and accomplish his purposes in our lives.

How to play
One player starts, saying “Let`s ____” filling in what they want to do. Then they actually do that. A second player jumps in, saying “Let`s ____” (something else to advance the group activity). Both players say “Yes, let’s do that” and start doing whatever was suggested. Third player jumps in, suggests what to do, and again all players loudly agree to do it, and actually do it. Continue till everyone has suggested something.  Here’s an example:

We’ve used this game with everyone from our own children (ranging from infant to teen) to teenagers in a youth group setting to adults at a conference.  In each group, it goes beyond the typical “ice breaker” game and fosters a healthy group dynamic.  No one turned up their nose or rolled their eyes. Everyone participated and had a blast.

Why you should try it:

• It gives kids (who normally don’t have much decision making power) a chance to practice leadership in a fun, low stakes environment.
• There’s something powerful (especially for people who hear ‘no’ as often as young children do) about having a group of people not just enthusiastically agree to your idea, but do it with you.
• It levels the playing field when you’re working with a wide variety of ages/ability levels
• It primes the group for collaboration in higher stakes situations

Warning! This game may have miraculous side effects!
God used this game to teach us about how we relate to him as a father.  Instead of arguing or hesitating, when he tells us to _____,  he wants us to say “Yes, let’s ______” and then actually do it.  As we collaborate when very little is at stake, we’re preparing to step into greater risk and greater obedience together.

After months of practice, God is challenging our family to follow him on a journey full of uncertainty.  We’re selling our house and our possessions moving to a foreign country with no employment.  He said “Go”, and we said “Yes, let’s go”.  We’re experiencing the reality of the kingdom: everyone has more fun when we obey the Father.

Your turn: Try this game with your family.  What do you notice?