• 150 questions

Christian Icebreaker Questions for Bible Study and Small Groups

One card, one quick answer each, then open your Bibles.

Christian Icebreaker Questions for Bible Study and Small Groups

Potluck line: first through, polite middle, or waiting for seconds?

Next step Funny icebreaker questions

All 150 questions

Funny 50

  • Balaam's donkey talked back to him. What would your car, bike or pet say about you? Numbers 22:28-30. The donkey speaks and asks Balaam why he has struck her three times.
  • Be honest: do you read the bulletin or just fold it?
  • Besides your name, what should your name tag say tonight?
  • Camp bunk beds: top or bottom, and why is the other one wrong?
  • Campfire job: fire builder, song leader, marshmallow expert or storyteller?
  • Christmas pageant casting: which part did you play, or which would you want?
  • Church van road trip: who in this group picks the music, and should they?
  • Church workday: do you grab the paint, the rake, the kitchen or the clipboard?
  • Clapping on one and three, two and four, or never: where does this group stand?
  • David tried on the king's armor and took it straight off. What did you try once and drop? 1 Samuel 17:38-39. Saul dresses David in his own armor; David says he has not tested it and takes it off.
  • Deviled eggs at a church lunch need a new name. What are they called now?
  • The door greeters need a secret handshake. Show us your proposal.
  • Egypt had frogs in the beds and in the ovens. Which room would be your last straw? Exodus 8:3. The frogs come into the bedrooms, onto the beds, and into the ovens and kneading troughs.
  • Eutychus dozed off in a window during Paul's midnight talk. Where do you nod off? Acts 20:7-12. Paul talks until midnight, Eutychus falls from the third floor, and he is brought in alive.
  • Give your honest three-word review of church coffee.
  • Highlighter, pencil notes, sticky tabs or spotless pages: what does your Bible look like?
  • How many desserts is it polite to take at a church lunch? Defend your number.
  • How many verses of a hymn is the right number of verses?
  • Israel ate manna for forty years. Which meal are you already tired of cooking? Exodus 16:35. The children of Israel eat the manna for forty years.
  • It rains for forty days and you are on the ark. Which chore do you call first? Genesis 7:12. It rains on the earth for forty days and forty nights.
  • Jesus nicknamed James and John the Sons of Thunder. What would your nickname be? Mark 3:17. James and John are called Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder.
  • John the Baptist lived on locusts and wild honey. Oddest thing you have eaten? Matthew 3:4. His food is locusts and wild honey.
  • Jonah spent three days inside a fish. What would you have complained about first? Jonah 1:17. Jonah is in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
  • Lake, craft cabin, sports field or snack shack: where would camp find you?
  • Methuselah lived 969 years. Which hobby would you finally get good at? Genesis 5:27. All the days of Methuselah are nine hundred sixty-nine years.
  • Name a food that has no business being inside a gelatin mold.
  • No warning at all: would you rather lead the singing, the prayer or the kids' talk?
  • Pew, padded chair or folding chair: which is best for a long sermon?
  • Potluck line: first through, polite middle, or waiting for seconds?
  • Samson's strength was tied to his hair. Where would your superpower be hidden? Judges 16:17. Samson says that if his head is shaved, his strength will leave him.
  • Small group seating: couch corner, floor, kitchen chair or next to the snacks?
  • Sound desk, nursery, parking lot or choir: which goes worst with you in charge?
  • This group is now a camp cabin. What is the cabin called?
  • What goes into your retreat bag every time and never comes out?
  • What in the church lost and found is probably yours?
  • What is the oddest thing you have found in a church kitchen drawer?
  • What is your record for the longest goodbye in a church parking lot?
  • What nearly made you late tonight?
  • What would you name a church softball team?
  • Which Bible name would you never read aloud without a practice run? Isaiah 8:1. A favorite answer is the name Isaiah is told to write down: Maher Shalal Hash Baz.
  • Which book of the Bible have you started the most times without finishing?
  • Which camp or cafeteria meal can you still taste, for the wrong reasons?
  • Which camp or picnic game were you secretly very good at?
  • Which comfort item do you refuse to go on a retreat without?
  • Which meal in the Bible would you most like to have been at? Genesis 18:6-8, John 6:10-11 and John 21:9-13. Three to pick from: Abraham's meal for three visitors, the loaves and fish, and breakfast on the beach.
  • Which snack would get you to every single meeting of this group?
  • Who in this group would win a chili cook-off, and who should judge it?
  • You are handed the microphone for announcements. What is your opening line?
  • You get the church sign for a week. What do the letters say?
  • You may bring one dish to every potluck for the rest of your life. What is it?

Bible-themed 50

  • A mustard seed starts tiny and ends up a tree, Jesus said. What small start of yours grew? Matthew 13:31-32. The smallest of seeds grows until the birds lodge in its branches.
  • A widow borrowed every empty jar her neighbors had. What do you borrow most often? 2 Kings 4:3. Elisha tells her to borrow empty containers from all her neighbors, and not just a few.
  • A widow's two small coins outdid the big gifts. What small gift has meant a lot to you? Mark 12:41-44. She puts in two small brass coins, and Jesus says she gave more than all the others.
  • A woman swept the house for a lost coin, then called the neighbors in. What did you lose? Luke 15:8-9. She lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and calls her friends and neighbors to rejoice.
  • Abraham set out without knowing where he was going. What is your best trip with no plan? Genesis 12:1 and Hebrews 11:8. He goes out, not knowing where he is going.
  • Bartimaeus was told to hush and shouted all the louder. When are you the loud one? Mark 10:46-48. Many rebuke the blind beggar, and he cries out much more.
  • Daniel asked for ten days of vegetables and water. Which vegetable would get you through? Daniel 1:12. He asks for a ten-day test on vegetables and water.
  • Daniel spent a night in a den of lions. Which animal would you least want to bunk with? Daniel 6:16-22. Daniel is put in the den, and in the morning he says the lions' mouths were shut.
  • David was the youngest of eight, out with the sheep. Where are you in your family's order? 1 Samuel 16:11 and 17:12-14. Jesse has eight sons, and the youngest is keeping the sheep.
  • David's harp calmed a troubled king. What music calms you down? 1 Samuel 16:23. David plays the harp, and Saul is refreshed and well.
  • Dorcas was remembered for the clothes she made. What are you known for making? Acts 9:36-39. The widows show Peter the tunics and other garments Dorcas made while she was with them.
  • Esther walked in to see the king uninvited. What is the bravest door you have knocked on? Esther 4:11 and 5:1-2. Nobody may go in to the king without being called; Esther goes, and he holds out the golden scepter.
  • Four fishermen left their nets on the spot. What would be hard for you to walk away from? Matthew 4:18-22. Peter and Andrew leave their nets at once; James and John leave the boat and their father.
  • Four people took a roof apart to get one man to Jesus. What have friends done for you? Mark 2:3-4. Four people carry a paralyzed man, remove the roof and let his mat down.
  • Genesis says God rested on the seventh day. What is the first thing you do on a day off? Genesis 2:2. On the seventh day God finishes his work and rests.
  • Hannah made her son Samuel a new little robe every year. What has someone made for you? 1 Samuel 2:19. His mother makes him a little robe and brings it to him from year to year.
  • Israel circled Jericho for seven days before the wall fell. What was worth a long wait? Joshua 6:3-4 and 6:20. Once a day for six days, seven times on the seventh, and the wall falls down flat.
  • Israel left Egypt before the bread could rise. What do you grab when you are running late? Exodus 12:34 and 12:39. The people carry their dough before it is leavened.
  • Jesus told the grown-ups to let the little children come. What did you love at age seven? Mark 10:13-14. The disciples turn the children away, and Jesus says to allow them to come.
  • Jonah loved his shade plant and raged when it withered. What small comfort would you miss? Jonah 4:6-9. Jonah is exceedingly glad of the vine that shades him, and angry when it withers.
  • Jonathan gave David his own robe, sword and bow. Best thing a friend has ever given you? 1 Samuel 18:4. Jonathan gives David his robe, his sword, his bow and his sash.
  • Joseph's father made him a coat of many colors. What is your favorite thing to wear? Genesis 37:3. Israel loves Joseph and makes him a tunic of many colors.
  • Levi threw Jesus a great feast and filled his house with guests. Who is your best host? Luke 5:29. Levi makes a great feast in his house, with a great crowd of tax collectors and others.
  • Lydia traded in purple cloth. Which color would you choose to work with every day? Acts 16:14. Lydia is a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira.
  • Mary and Joseph searched three days for the boy Jesus. Did you ever get lost as a kid? Luke 2:42-46. He is twelve, he stays behind in Jerusalem, and after three days they find him in the temple.
  • Mary's perfume filled the whole house with its scent. Which scent would you bottle? John 12:3. Mary anoints Jesus' feet, and the house is filled with the fragrance of the ointment.
  • Moses went over to look at a bush that burned but never burned up. What made you stare? Exodus 3:2-4. The bush burns with fire and is not consumed, and Moses goes over to see the sight.
  • Moses' sister stood far off to see what became of him. Who looked out for you as a kid? Exodus 2:3-4. The baby's basket is set in the reeds, and his sister stands far off to see what happens.
  • Naaman was angry that his instructions were so simple. What simple advice do you ignore? 2 Kings 5:10-13. Told to wash in the Jordan seven times, Naaman goes away angry until his servants talk him round.
  • Nehemiah's crew rebuilt a city wall in fifty-two days. Which project of yours is dragging? Nehemiah 6:15. The wall is finished in fifty-two days.
  • Noah finished the ark before a drop of rain fell. What do you always get ready early for? Genesis 6:22 and 7:4. Noah does all he is told, and the rain is still seven days away.
  • Offered anything, Solomon asked for wisdom. What would you have been tempted to ask for? 1 Kings 3:5-9. Solomon is told to ask, and he asks for an understanding heart.
  • Paul and Silas sang in a jail cell at midnight. What do you hum when things go wrong? Acts 16:25. About midnight Paul and Silas are praying and singing hymns, and the prisoners are listening.
  • Paul ended his letter to Rome with a long list of hellos. Who would be first on your list? Romans 16:3-16. Paul sends greetings to a long list of people by name, starting with Prisca and Aquila.
  • Paul escaped Damascus lowered down the wall in a basket. What is your best exit story? Acts 9:23-25. His disciples take him by night and let him down through the wall in a basket.
  • Paul made tents alongside Aquila and Priscilla. Who could you work beside all day? Acts 18:2-3. Paul stays and works with them, because by trade they are tent makers.
  • Paul's ship ran aground and broke apart off Malta. What is your worst travel story? Acts 27:41-44 and 28:1. The ship runs aground, the stern breaks up in the waves, everyone reaches land, and the island is called Malta.
  • Proverbs says to go and watch the ant. Which animal's work habits are closest to yours? Proverbs 6:6-8. The ant has no chief, overseer or ruler and still gathers her food in the harvest.
  • Psalm 150 calls for trumpets, harps, tambourines, flutes and cymbals. Which is yours? Psalm 150:3-5. Trumpet, harp and lyre, tambourine, stringed instruments, flute and loud cymbals.
  • The queen of Sheba came to test Solomon with hard questions. Who would you question? 1 Kings 10:1-2. She comes to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions.
  • Rebekah drew water for a traveler's ten camels. What is the most you did for a guest? Genesis 24:10 and 24:19-20. The servant arrives with ten camels, and she draws water for all of them.
  • Rhoda was so glad to hear Peter, she left him at the gate. What has joy made you forget? Acts 12:13-16. Rhoda knows Peter's voice, runs in without opening the gate, and Peter keeps knocking.
  • The risen Jesus served his disciples breakfast on the beach. Your best breakfast ever? John 21:4-13. Jesus stands on the beach; there is a fire of coals with fish and bread, and he says, Come and eat breakfast.
  • Ruth took field work, gathering grain the harvesters left. What was your hardest job? Ruth 2:2-7. Ruth gleans behind the reapers from the morning on.
  • Samuel got up three times in one night, sure that Eli had called him. What wakes you up? 1 Samuel 3:4-8. Samuel runs to Eli each time, and the third time Eli understands who is calling.
  • Seven years of work felt like a few days to Jacob. What makes time fly for you? Genesis 29:20. Jacob serves seven years for Rachel, and they seem to him only a few days.
  • Shepherds were on the night shift when the angel came. What is the latest you have worked? Luke 2:8-9. Shepherds are in the field keeping watch by night over their flock.
  • Twelve scouts saw one land. Ten saw giants, two a good land. Which are you on a Monday? Numbers 13:2, 13:31-33 and 14:6-8; Deuteronomy 1:23 counts the twelve. Ten feel like grasshoppers beside giants; Joshua and Caleb call it an exceedingly good land.
  • Two travelers walked the road to Emmaus deep in talk. Who do you most like to walk with? Luke 24:13-15. Two of them are walking to Emmaus, talking over everything that has happened.
  • Wise men followed a star to find a child. How far have you traveled to see someone? Matthew 2:1-2 and 2:9-11. Wise men from the east follow the star to where the young child is.

Deeper 50

  • Daniel prayed at an open window three times a day. Which daily habit do you never skip? Daniel 6:10. His windows are open toward Jerusalem, and he kneels three times a day.
  • Do you pray best out loud, silently or on paper?
  • Elijah got a nap and a meal before anything else. Which do you need more this week? 1 Kings 19:5-8. Twice he sleeps under a juniper tree and is woken to eat.
  • High and low of your week, one sentence each.
  • Is there a verse you know by heart? The reference alone is fine.
  • Jesus asked a blind man, What do you want me to do for you? How would you answer tonight? Mark 10:51. The question Jesus puts to Bartimaeus, word for word in the World English Bible.
  • Jesus got up while it was still dark to pray alone. Are you sharper at dawn or at night? Mark 1:35. Early in the morning, while it is still dark, he goes out to a deserted place and prays.
  • Jesus pointed to birds and wildflowers to talk about worry. What in nature slows you down? Matthew 6:26-28. See the birds of the sky; consider the lilies of the field.
  • Mary kept what she had seen and pondered it in her heart. What are you still turning over? Luke 2:19. Mary keeps all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.
  • Moses' arms got tired, so two others held them up. Who holds your arms up? Exodus 17:12. Aaron and Hur hold up his hands, one on each side, until sunset.
  • Name one person you are grateful for today, and give one word for why.
  • Nehemiah prayed in the pause before answering a king. When did you last pray in a hurry? Nehemiah 2:4-5. The king asks what he wants; Nehemiah prays to the God of heaven, then answers.
  • One word for how you are walking in tonight.
  • One word for what you would ask God for this week.
  • Paul said he had learned to be content. What are you content with right now? Philippians 4:11. Paul says he has learned to be content in whatever state he is in.
  • Paul thanked God every time he remembered the church at Philippi. Who is that for you? Philippians 1:1-3. Writing to the believers at Philippi, Paul thanks God whenever he remembers them.
  • Psalm 117 is two verses long. What would your two-line psalm of thanks say? Psalm 117. The whole psalm is two verses of praise.
  • Psalm or proverb: does poetry or plain advice suit you better?
  • Samuel set up a stone to remember help received. What would your stone mark this year? 1 Samuel 7:12. Samuel sets up a stone and names it Ebenezer.
  • Ten were healed and one came back to say thanks. Who do you still owe a thank-you? Luke 17:12-18. Ten men are healed, and one turns back and gives thanks.
  • Timothy's faith came through his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. Who was that for you? 2 Timothy 1:5. Paul remembers the faith that lived first in Lois and Eunice.
  • What are you asking God for patience with? Small and silly answers count.
  • What do you have today that you once only hoped for?
  • What do you hope is true of this group a year from now?
  • What do you hope we read or talk about in this group?
  • What good thing this month did you not see coming?
  • What is giving you hope right now?
  • What is one good thing on your calendar before we meet again?
  • What is one thing about this group you are glad of?
  • What is one thing from this week you want to say thank you for?
  • What saying of a grandparent, or someone like one, has stuck with you?
  • What short prayer do you find yourself repeating lately?
  • What would you like to set down at the door before we start?
  • When did you last say thank you and really mean it?
  • Where did you find a bit of peace this week?
  • Which book of the Bible have you spent the most time in?
  • Which grown-up at church did you think was the coolest when you were small?
  • Which hymn or song would you choose for a hard day?
  • Which kindness done for you has the other person probably forgotten?
  • Which line of the Lord's Prayer do you need most this week? Matthew 6:9-13. The prayer Jesus teaches, from Our Father in heaven to deliver us from the evil one.
  • Who at church learned your name first?
  • Who has been patient with you lately?
  • Who taught you to pray, or at least tried to?
  • Who would you like this group to pray for? A first name is enough.
  • Whose Bible would you love to flip through, notes and all?
  • Whose example in this group do you quietly copy?
  • Whose kitchen table did you learn the most at?
  • Whose prayers do you like listening to, and why?
  • Whose voice do you hear when you read a certain verse or sing a certain song?
  • Why did you come tonight, honestly? Because there is food is a fine answer.

How it works

These 150 Christian icebreaker questions open a Bible study or small group with one quick answer each. Fifty are funny, fifty start from a Bible story and fifty go a little deeper. None asks anyone to confess or testify.

Read the full guide

Match the cards to the room

Most groups start under New group: 116 cards that assume no history together. Old friends holds 34 that do, such as who in the group would win a chili cook-off. The 50 Bible icebreaker questions under Bible-themed give the story, then ask about you: "David's harp calmed a troubled king. What music calms you down?"

Three icebreaker games about faith from the same cards

Toss a ball: whoever catches it answers, then throws it on. Draw a number: everyone takes a numbered slip, the leader pulls a matching number from a bowl, and that person answers. Answer in pairs: neighbors get a minute each, then tell the circle what their partner said.

  • For funny Christian icebreaker questions, press Funny: fifty cards on potlucks, camp bunks and church coffee.
  • The deep Christian icebreaker questions under Deeper start small: "One word for how you are walking in tonight."
  • The list under the tool names the passage behind 78 cards, all 50 Bible-themed cards among them.

Questions and answers

How many ice breaker questions for Bible study do we need each week?

One. Go round the circle once and open the study. The deck does not remember last week, so press Next card past any card the group has already answered.

Do the biblical ice breaker questions test Bible knowledge?

No. Each Bible-themed card tells the story before it asks, so a first-time visitor can answer. The passages were read in the World English Bible at ebible.org and come only from books that Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox Bibles share.

Are these Christian ice breaker questions for adults or for youth?

They were written for adult small groups, and nothing in them is unfit for a mixed-age room. For a youth group, the icebreaker questions for teens hold 16 youth group and camp cards written for ages 11 to 17.

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