Story of Your Name

Description
Everyone has stories, often fascinating ones, based around their names. Use this icebreaker to learn about the names of people in your group. This could also be used as a children's sermon.

Activity
Divide participants into groups of 3-5 people and have each person take a turn telling the story of his/her name.

• "Where does your name come from?"
• "Do you like your name? Why or why not?"
• "Do you know the meaning of your name?" Explain
• "How did you get your name?"
• "Why did your parents give you your first name or middle name?"
• "Do you have any pet names / cute names your family or friends call you?"
• "What nicknames have people given to you?"
• " What's the story of your last name/ family name?"
• "Where did it come from?"
• "What do you know about your family name?"
• "How far can you trace back your family tree?"
• "What were some interesting people and events in your family history?"

People can share as much or as little information as they like.

Discussion
Ask each group to share the most interesting story they heard.

Application
Throughout the Bible God called people by name. Sometimes he even changed the name of people in the Bible to reflect their character and reinforce the decisions they made in following him. God knew Moses by name (Exodus 33:17). He called Jacob by name (Isaiah 43:1-3). God called Jeremiah before he was even born. (Jeremiah 1:5)

Psalms 139:14-18 tels us that God not only knows us by name, but our whole personal history was written before even one day came to pass. Jesus calls us each by name and guides us (John 10:3). Whatever your name, always remember God knows you by name and loves you. He has a plan for your life and your future if you will trust Him.