For this icebreaker, you'll need one small object for each person in you group -- such as a rock, coin, tissue, or pencil -- and a brown paper bag. Place all your items into the bag, and have chairs arranged in a circle before everyone arrives.

Have your group sit in a circle, with you being a part of the circle. Reach into the bag without looking, and pull out an object. Tell the group your name and how the object you pulled out describes you or your personality.  Pass the bag around the circle and let each person pull out an object. Make sure the bag completes the circle before anyone shares; this will give group members time to think about the object they are holding and how it relates to them.

Then, give people time to share about their objects. With a rock, someone might say that he or she's solid in his or her faith; a tissue might suggest that the person is soft-hearted; a coin might spark a discussion of how valuable someone's time is.

You'll be amazed at the responses you get, and how group members will get to know one another far beyond just telling each other their names.

Pam Carter is a youth leader at Landmark Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Arkansas. She's married to Tim Carter, who's pastor and also a regular contributor to smallgroupministry.com. She has two incredible sons, Bo and Blake, and a granddaughter, Jade Allison.