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Write the following words on sticky name tags, or on paper plates strung with string that can be worn around the neck.

• Frustrated
• Angry
• Ecstatic
• Eager
• Depressed
• Stupid
• Content
• Sad
• Anxious
• Insecure

When people arrive, have them randomly choose one of the words and wear it. Once everyone has been given a word, explain that you want each person to pretend that they are feeling the way their card indicates. Ask ...

Topics:	Creativity, Discussion starters, Emotions, Fun, Icebreakers, Sharing
Filters:	Facilitator, Group Leader, Host, Lead
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	Psalm 16:9, Psalm 55:4, Psalm 109:22
Date Added:	December 03, 2006

Bring a box of colored pencils to the small-group meeting. Pass around the box and ask everyone to pick one colored pencil that best describes their mood today. Then give everyone an opportunity to explain why they chose that color.

Topics:	Creativity, Discussion starters, Emotions, Icebreakers, Sharing
Filters:	Facilitator, Group Leader, Host, Lead
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	Psalm 45:1
Date Added:	September 07, 2006

Write the following words on an index card, one per card. Then ask each group member to pick the word that most closely describes how they have been feeling this week.

• Mischievous
• Disgusted
• Confident
• Anxious
• Depressed
• Ecstatic
• Confused
• Exhausted
• Overwhelmed

Invite group members to explain their current attitudes, if they want.

Topics:	Discussion starters, Emotions, Icebreakers, Questions, Sharing
Filters:	Facilitator, Group Leader, Host, Lead
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	1 Samuel 2:1, Psalm 55:4, Jeremiah 8:18
Date Added:	October 12, 2005

Pass out the following pairs of words to the group, and ask each person to circle the one that they most identify with today. After everyone is finished writing, go down the list of paired words and allow group members to give their answers—and explain why they choose them—if they wish.

• self-control            —            out of control
• self-denial            —            self-awareness

Topics:	Attitude, Emotions, Icebreakers, Sharing
Filters:	Facilitator, Group Leader, Host, Lead
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Peter 1:5-7
Date Added:	April 06, 2006

At one time or another, small-group members will likely hear this statement: "I can't talk about that; I might cry."

If a group is functioning well and has reached a reasonable level of maturity, the tears of a member will be as acceptable in the group as the laughter or smiles of a shared joy. Unfortunately, reaching the point where tears are acceptable is difficult for most groups. In part, this ...

Topics:	Emotions, Empathy, Group dynamics, Sympathy
Filters:	Counseling groups, Group Leader, Support groups, Train
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Job 5:11, Matthew 5:4, Romans 12:15
Date Added:	January 30, 2008

Which of the following are you most afraid of? Why?

• Mice in your house
• Dogs in the neighborhood
• Snakes in the yard
• Spiders in the basement
• Bears in the woods

Topics:	Discussion starters, Emotions, Fear, Icebreakers, Worry
Filters:	Facilitator, Group Leader, Host, Lead
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	Psalm 23:4, Matthew 10:28, Philippians 4:6-7
Date Added:	August 12, 2004

Leader: Write each of these responses on index cards to pass while your group completes this statement: Typically, I am …

• worry free
• a worry wart
• a worry slave
• a worry moderate

Topics:	Emotions, Icebreakers, Questions, Worry
Filters:	Facilitator, Group Leader, Host, Lead
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	Matthew 6:25-34, Luke 12:11-29
Date Added:	November 12, 2003

Leader: Have your group share what they do for a living; wife and mother, accountant, teacher, carpenter, etc.

Secondly, ask them to share 3 words that would describe their jobs; challenging, frustrating, rewarding, etc.

Topics:	Discussion starters, Emotions, Icebreakers, Questions, Work
Filters:	Facilitator, Group Leader, Host, Lead
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	Ecclesiastes 3:22, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17
Date Added:	June 12, 2003

One day God is sitting around visiting with the angels and He begins to speak highly of you. In a proud, fatherly way, what would He say that would show He was pleased with you?

Topics:	Discussion starters, Emotions, Encouragement, Experiencing God, Icebreakers, Presence of God, Support
Filters:	Facilitator, Group Leader, Host, Lead
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	Matthew 25:19-23, Luke 19:15-19
Date Added:	May 12, 2003

Bring a heating pad, or an old hot water bottle, or another item that implies "comfort." Use this item as an illustration of our need for comfort. Pass this item while each person answers this question: Where, or to whom (besides a spouse), do you turn for comfort?

Topics:	Discussion starters, Emotions, Encouragement, Experiencing God, Icebreakers, Presence of God, Support
Filters:	Facilitator, Group Leader, Host, Lead
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	Job 7:13-15, Psalm 23:4, Psalm 119:52
Date Added:	April 12, 2003