WAVE YOUTH — HOPE FAMILY CHURCH

RELATIONSHIP
GAMES NIGHT

GAMES MASTER GUIDE · FRIDAY NIGHT
Runtime7:40 – 9:00
Duration80 min
Crowd40–60 youth
Games5
01
Name Game
7:40 · ~10 min
02
How Well Do You Know?
7:50 · ~15 min
03
This or That
8:05 · ~10 min
04
Relationship Court
8:15 · ~20 min
05
Hot Seat
8:35 · ~25 min
Run of Show
7:40
01 · Name Game
~10 min · Ice breaker, gets everyone warmed up
7:50
02 · How Well Do You Know Your Partner?
~15 min · Pairs up youth, tests friendship knowledge
8:05
03 · This or That
~10 min · Everyone moves, high energy re-energise
8:15
04 · Relationship Court
~20 min · 6 cases, 2 volunteers per round
8:35
05 · Hot Seat
~25 min · 4 leaders, 6 questions each + crowd Q&A
9:00
Wrap up
Close out the night
GM Tip: Keep energy high between games — don't let dead air settle. Have hype music ready for transitions. You're the vibe curator tonight, not just the host.
01

The Name Game

Ice Breaker · All Relationships
Time
~10 min
Players
Everyone
Format
Circle / Group
Round
Option 2 only
The Twist — "Unpopular Opinion"

Each person says their name + an unpopular opinion about relationships. After they share, the crowd reacts — agree 👏 or disagree 😬. Keep it quick and fun.

Examples to demo yourself first:
"I'm [your name] and my unpopular opinion is — couples who post every single day are compensating for something." / "I'm [name] and I think being friends first before dating is overrated."
How To Run It
  • 1
    Get everyone standing — circle or rows depending on space.
  • 2
    Demo it yourself first. Make yours funny so the tone is set immediately.
  • 3
    After each person, crowd reacts: clap if they agree, groan or "nah" if they don't.
  • 4
    Keep pace fast — 3 seconds max thinking time, then move on with a laugh.
  • 5
    With 40–60 people, do a section of the room, not everyone. Stop when energy peaks — don't drag it.
GM Tip: React to every answer — a quick "ohhh", "wait wait wait", or "that's actually facts" keeps the crowd locked in. Your reactions set the tone for the whole night.
02

How Well Do You Know Your Partner?

Friendships · Pairs
Time
~15 min
Players
Pairs
Format
Write & Reveal
Questions
40 banked
How To Run It
  • 1
    Ask everyone to pair up with someone they think they know well.
  • 2
    Person A covers their ears. You read a question about Person A to the room. Person B writes their answer.
  • 3
    Person A answers out loud. Person B reveals. Match = 1 point each.
  • 4
    Swap roles. Repeat for 4–6 questions total. Most matches wins.
Random Question Picker
TAP NEXT TO START
Press "Next Question" to pull a random question
All 40 Questions
01
What is their dream vacation destination?
02
What's their go-to comfort food?
03
What would they do with R10,000 right now?
04
What's their biggest fear?
05
What job would they do if money wasn't a thing?
06
What song is probably on repeat on their phone?
07
What time do they actually wake up on a Saturday?
08
Who do they call first when something good happens?
09
What's their love language?
10
What's the last thing they bought that wasn't necessary?
11
What's their biggest pet peeve?
12
What do they stress eat?
13
What's a habit they're trying to break?
14
What's their go-to excuse when they don't want to go out?
15
Who in their family are they closest to?
16
What would their friends say is their most annoying habit?
17
What's a skill they wish they had?
18
What do they do when they're upset — talk or go quiet?
19
What's their hot take that nobody agrees with?
20
What's something they've worked on about themselves?
21
What's the first thing they notice about a new person?
22
What's something they'd never do for money?
23
What's a movie or show they can watch over and over?
24
Would they rather apologise first or wait it out?
25
What's their most used emoji?
26
What kind of parent do they think they'd be?
27
What do they judge people for but probably shouldn't?
28
What do they do when they need to decompress?
29
What's a boundary they hold firm on?
30
What's the weirdest thing they find attractive in a person?
31
Would they rather have more time or more money?
32
What's a compliment that means the most to them?
33
What's a deal breaker for them in any relationship?
34
What would their 10-year-old self think of them now?
35
What's something they're low-key proud of that others don't know?
36
What's their most controversial opinion about social media?
37
What's the nicest thing someone has ever done for them?
38
What do they think makes a friendship last?
39
What's something they've changed their mind about in the last year?
40
What's one thing they need from a best friend that most people don't give?
03

This or That

All Relationships · High Energy
Time
~10 min
Players
Everyone
Format
Run to a side
Slides
20 rounds
How To Run It
  • 1
    Left side of the room = BLUE option. Right side = RED option.
  • 2
    Put the slide up. Everyone physically runs to their side. No standing in the middle — you pick for them if they do 😂
  • 3
    After each split, pick one person from each side to defend their choice in 5 seconds max.
  • 4
    Play music during the scramble, pause when people land. Keep the pace rolling.
GM Tip: This is your re-energise moment. If the split is very one-sided, roast the smaller group a little — it's all love. The defending part is what makes this more than just movement. Don't skip it.
All 20 This or That Slides
01
Stuck on a date that won't end
BLUE
01
Be on a date that ends too quickly
RED
02
Your youth leader chooses your partner
BLUE
02
Stay single for 5 years
RED
03
GF/BF/Crush sees your search history
BLUE
03
GF/BF/Crush sees your old pics
RED
04
Make the plans
BLUE
04
Always go with the flow
RED
05
Funny one in a group
BLUE
05
Wise one in a group
RED
06
Have deep convos
BLUE
06
Chill and laugh
RED
07
Call someone the wrong name
BLUE
07
Forget their name completely
RED
08
Be ignored in a group
BLUE
08
Be the centre of attention awkwardly
RED
09
Parents read your messages
BLUE
09
Friends hear all your family convos
RED
10
1 real friend
BLUE
10
10 fake friends
RED
11
Romantic message accidentally sent to your parents
BLUE
11
Family message accidentally sent to your crush
RED
12
Love more
BLUE
12
Be loved more
RED
13
Be single forever
BLUE
13
Always in the wrong relationship
RED
14
Date someone exactly like you
BLUE
14
Date someone completely opposite you
RED
15
Friends who challenge you
BLUE
15
Friends who comfort you
RED
16
Confront someone
BLUE
16
Avoid conflict to keep the peace
RED
17
Strict parents who care
BLUE
17
Relaxed parents who don't guide you
RED
18
Forced to tell the whole truth to your partner
BLUE
18
Forced to tell the whole truth to your parents
RED
19
Loyal bestie
BLUE
19
Loyal BF/GF
RED
20
Always agree with your parents
BLUE
20
Always argue your point
RED
04

Relationship Court

All Relationships · Debate Format
Time
~20 min
Volunteers
2 per round
Rounds
6 cases
Jury
The crowd
Court Protocol
  • 1
    Call for 2 volunteers per case. Assign one as Defence (they say the person is innocent) and one as Prosecution (they say the person is guilty).
  • 2
    Read the charges out loud as the Judge (script below each case).
  • 3
    Defence speaks first — 45 seconds. Then Prosecution — 45 seconds.
  • 4
    Crowd votes by noise — cheer for who they agree with.
  • 5
    You deliver the final verdict. Be dramatic about it 😂
Your Opening Line (get someone else to read this)
"All rise. Court is now in session. The Honourable Games Master presiding. Please be seated. We have a very serious case before us today. I will be reading the charges. The Defence will speak first, then the Prosecution. The jury — that's all of you — will decide the verdict. Are we ready? Good. Let us begin."
CASE 001
The State vs. Liam Thabo
Judge reads aloud
Today, Liam Thabo stands before this court charged with the following: On multiple occasions, the accused received a message, saw it, and left it on READ — for THREE whole days — before replying with just two words: "Sorry, was busy." The prosecution says no one is that busy. The defence says life happens. Court will now hear both sides.
Defence angle
People genuinely get busy. Not everyone is on their phone 24/7. There's no rule about reply speed in a friendship.
Prosecution angle
You SAW it. You chose to ignore it for 3 days. "Busy" doesn't last 72 hours. That's not being busy — that's choosing not to reply.
CASE 002
The State vs. Zara Dlamini
Judge reads aloud
Zara Dlamini is charged with refusing — on multiple occasions — to let her partner anywhere near her phone. Not to scroll. Not to make a call. Not even to glance at the screen. The defence says this is her right. The prosecution says this level of secrecy in a relationship raises serious questions. Court will now hear both sides.
Defence angle
Everyone has a right to privacy. Having your own space does not mean you have something to hide. Trust shouldn't require phone access.
Prosecution angle
If there's genuinely nothing to hide, why the total block? The resistance itself is what's suspicious. Trust and transparency go hand in hand.
CASE 003
The State vs. Keenan Sithole
Judge reads aloud
Keenan Sithole is charged with taking his partner's best friend's side during an argument — publicly, in front of a group of people. Not quietly. Not privately. Out loud. In front of everyone. His partner was left looking wrong in public. The defence says he was just being honest. The prosecution says there's a time and a place. Court will now hear both sides.
Defence angle
Siding with whoever is actually right shows integrity. Blindly backing your partner when they're wrong is not loyalty — it's dishonesty.
Prosecution angle
You pull your person aside privately. You don't embarrass them in public. Even if they're wrong, you protect their dignity first and have the conversation later.
CASE 004
The State vs. Amara Nkosi
Judge reads aloud
Amara Nkosi is charged with digital negligence. For over two months, she has not liked a single post, not reposted one story, not reacted to anything from her partner online. Not one thing. But this court has evidence that during this same time, she liked and reposted content from other people — regularly. The defence says social media isn't love. The prosecution says the pattern tells a different story. Court will now hear both sides.
Defence angle
Likes and reposts have nothing to do with real love. Needing your partner to engage with your posts to feel valued is an insecurity issue, not a relationship issue.
Prosecution angle
You find time to do it for strangers and friends but not your own partner? That's not about social media — that's about making your person feel invisible.
CASE 005
The State vs. Devon Mahlangu
Judge reads aloud
Devon Mahlangu is charged with laughing too hard — and I mean really, really laughing — at a joke told by someone else, while his partner was right there. His partner had told a joke earlier. Devon gave a small smile. Nothing more. But when this other person spoke? Devon doubled over. Slapped his knee. Had tears. The defence says you can't control laughter. The prosecution says Devon had a choice. Court will now hear both sides.
Defence angle
Laughter is involuntary. Devon can't fake it. If the other joke was genuinely funnier in that moment, that's just honest — it's not a statement about his partner.
Prosecution angle
You hype someone else up while your own partner gets nothing? Whether it was intentional or not, your partner noticed — and that matters.
CASE 006
The State vs. Tia Mokoena
Judge reads aloud
Tia Mokoena stands charged with completely forgetting her partner's birthday. No post. No message. No voice note. Not even a single emoji on a story. The day came and went. The defence says not everyone is big on birthdays. The prosecution says a message takes ten seconds. Court will now hear both sides.
Defence angle
Some people just don't place value on birthdays and that's valid. If it was never discussed as important, Tia shouldn't be put on trial for it.
Prosecution angle
A private message takes 10 seconds. Not even that? It's not about the birthday — it's about making someone feel like they matter to you.
05

Hot Seat

Romantic Relationships · Leaders Panel
Time
~25 min
Leaders
4 on panel
Format
6 Qs + crowd Q&A
Timer
5 sec per Q
Format: Alternating light/funny then deep questions. After each leader's 6, open 1–2 questions from the crowd. Keep answers fast — no long speeches. You move it along.
Light / Funny
Deep / Real
GR
Griffin
Single · The Unattached Expert
GM Intro Script
"First up in the Hot Seat — the man, the myth, the single legend. He doesn't have a partner to answer for, which honestly makes him the most dangerous person up here. He's been watching relationships from the outside, taking notes, forming opinions. Let's see if he can back them up. Please welcome Griffin to the Hot Seat!"
1
What's your biggest red flag that you try to ignore in yourself?
2
Have you ever liked someone you knew wasn't good for you — and what did you do about it?
3
Would you rather stay single forever or settle for someone who's almost right?
4
What's one thing you absolutely refuse to compromise on in a relationship — no matter what?
5
What's one mistake people your age keep making in relationships that you just don't get?
6
If the right person showed up today — are you actually ready for them? Be honest. 👀
ET
Etrilda
Newly Married (under 1 year) · The Newlywed
GM Intro Script
"Next up — she's fresh into the married life. Less than a year in, still in that glow era. Some of you might think marriage is just a longer relationship. She's here to set the record straight. She's also my wife so she has to be nice to me after this. Please welcome Etrilda to the Hot Seat!"
1
What's the most underrated thing about being married that nobody talks about?
2
What does love actually look like day-to-day — not the feelings, but the real choices?
3
What's something about marriage that genuinely surprised you — in the best way?
4
How do you keep choosing each other on the days it's not easy?
5
What's one thing you wish someone had actually told you before you got married?
6
What's one brutally honest piece of advice you'd give someone who's about to get married?
ME
Melissa
±5 Years Married · The Mid-Game Veteran
GM Intro Script
"Now we're getting into real territory. She's been married about 5 years — long enough to know what actually goes on behind the highlight reel. Long enough to have had the same argument more than once. Long enough to have some real talk for us tonight. Please welcome Melissa to the Hot Seat!"
1
Who is more stubborn in arguments — and don't lie 👀
2
What's something you had to completely unlearn once you'd been married for a while?
3
What's a disagreement you've had more than once? Like it just keeps coming back 💀
4
What actually keeps a relationship healthy over time — not the cute answer, the real one?
5
Who puts in more effort romantically — be honest, the crowd will know if you're lying 👀
6
What's one thing couples at your stage get completely wrong that you wish someone warned you about?
ED
Edwin
±13 Years Married · The OG
GM Intro Script
"And finally — the man who has seen it all. 13 years. That's not a relationship era, that's a career. He's been through the honeymoon phase, the hard phase, the 'we figured it out' phase and probably back again. If there's anyone whose answers we need to hear tonight, it's this man. Please welcome Edwin to the Hot Seat!"
1
If your partner came with a warning label, what would it say? 💀
2
What has actually kept your relationship strong over 13 years — really, not the Sunday school answer?
3
What's one habit you tried to change in them, fought about it, and eventually just gave up on? 😂
4
After everything — what matters more long-term: feelings or commitment? And why?
5
What's something about your partner that still low-key annoys you to this day?
6
If you could restart your relationship from day one, knowing everything you know now — what would you do differently?
GM Tip: After each leader's 6 questions, open it up: "Alright, who's got a question for Edwin? Keep it respectful but keep it real." Manage it tightly — 1–2 questions max per leader. Save the longest crowd Q&A for Edwin — his answers will land hardest.