Twelve Disciples Name Circle

Jesus chose twelve men to be his close followers. They were fishermen, a tax collector and others. They learned from Jesus, travelled with him and later told others about him.

Their names are hard to remember at first. This game uses rhythm to help everyone learn them together.

Verse to remember (Mark 3:14): Jesus chose twelve people to be with him and to be sent out to share his message.

1. Sit in a circle. Teach the rhythm: pat your knees twice, clap twice.
2. Say the twelve names slowly in the rhythm, one name per round: Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Thaddaeus, Simon, Judas.
3. Start with one player. On the clap, that player says one disciple name. The next player says the next name, and so on around the circle.
4. If a player pauses or forgets, the group helps by saying the name together, with no pressure.
5. Speed up gradually after each round.
6. Finish after two or three rounds, and say all twelve names together once more.

How it ends: Ask each player to name one disciple they remember and one thing they know about him.

Leader can say: “Jesus called ordinary people, and he calls us too.”

For little ones: Teach just four names first: Peter, Andrew, James and John. Let little ones clap along while older players say the names.

For teens and adults: Older players can add a fact for each name, such as Peter the fisherman or Matthew the tax collector.

Safety: Keep the tone friendly. Never tease anyone who forgets. Give a helper to anyone who wants one.

After the game, sit together and ask:

• Which disciple would you like to meet?
• Why do you think Jesus chose ordinary people?
• How can we follow Jesus today?

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