Growing relationships through "Board Games" in Glasgow

The “Board Games” project is a unique and innovative initiative taking place in Glasgow. Designed to bring young people together in a welcoming and relaxed environment, this project combines entertainment with meaningful connections. Through shared moments of laughter and interaction, the initiative aims to create a sense of belonging among participants,  while reflecting Christian values of friendship and hospitality. It’s an exciting way to engage with others in a refreshing and purposeful setting.

While the Board Games is undoubtedly a source of fun, it has a deeper purpose: fostering genuine and lasting connections with members of the community, particularly young people. By creating a space where everyone feels at ease, the project seeks to demonstrate that faith can be lived out in an approachable, light-hearted, and authentic manner - without pressure or preconceptions. It’s a way to form relationships that truly matter.

The idea for the Board Games originated with Ps Allan Zukowski, in collaboration with the Care Group. The Care Group is a programme that facilitates informal gatherings for open discussions on Biblical themes, designed to strengthen both faith and fellowship. Building on this foundation, the Board Games emerged as a creative means of extending these values into the broader community, offering a new way to connect with others.

The success of Board Games would not be possible without the dedicated support of the Care Group members. They play a vital role in organising the events, welcoming participants, and fostering an inclusive atmosphere. This group, which is rooted in promoting community and spiritual growth, has embraced the Board Games as an extension of its mission, demonstrating how teamwork and shared values can create meaningful opportunities for connection.

The Board Games takes place every other Saturday evening and is typically hosted at the homes of participants. This setting offers an intimate and friendly atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. Each gathering is carefully planned to ensure there is something for everyone, from engaging conversations to exciting games, while creating a space that encourages connection and mutual respect.

One of the highlights of the Board Games is the wide range of games available to suit all preferences. From strategy-based American and European games to fast-paced card games and even Bible-themed games, there is something to appeal to every participant. The variety not only ensures an enjoyable experience but also opens the door for meaningful interaction and shared moments of joy.

Building Friendships

The Board Games offers more than just entertainment; it provides a platform for forming genuine friendships in a relaxed and supportive environment. Young people from different backgrounds come together to enjoy an evening of fun and connection. The aim is for these relationships to develop naturally, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and free to be themselves, while fostering a sense of community and belonging.

In just four months since its launch, the project has already connected with four friends from non-Adventist backgrounds. Although the main focus remains on creating moments of joy and interaction, these gatherings have opened up opportunities for meaningful conversations and mutual understanding. The early results highlight the potential of this initiative to engage with even more individuals in the wider community.

Benjamin Bakina, the Youth leader of Glasgow church, said that “the Board Games serve as a dynamic bridge, connecting individuals to Care Group through shared moments of fun and fellowship. These gatherings provide a welcoming space where friendships naturally form, opening doors for deeper conversations about faith. As relationships strengthen, many become curious about the community behind the games. Board games create an inviting first step into a fait-based journey, where fun leads to meaningful connections in Care Group” .

Talking about making friendships, through Dandy Aparicio we were able to make new friends and he says that “the Board Games provide a unique way to build lasting friendships with new people, breaking down barriers through laughter and shared experiences. They offer a relaxed setting where individuals can connect beyond small talk, creating bonds that extend beyond the gaming table. In his words: In the simple joy of playing together, we find an opportunity to form genuine friendships that enrich our lives and reflect Christ’s love in action”.

At the end of each Board Games, there is a special moment for prayer, where participants are invited to join if they feel comfortable. For those who choose not to, the moment is still respected, reflecting the group’s commitment to inclusivity and mutual understanding. This simple act demonstrates that spirituality can be approachable and shared in a way that is uplifting and considerate.

Pastor Claudiu Popescu, former Youth Sponsor for the Scottish Mission for over 10 years, in whose heart there is still a deep longing to see the youth reaching their highest potential in all areas of life,shared that  “retention of  youth is a very debated topic in any church setup that takes seriously its  future regardless of the denomination flavour . The SDA church globally is concerned with retaining young people as many who leave  church are young adults . Some studies have found that over 70% of youth leave the SDA church by the time they reach 22 years.  I’m thrilled to know that the youth department in Glasgow  church takes this challenge seriously by implementing creative initiatives like the Care Group and the Board Games group,  in which they can connect and developed meaningful and genuine relationships with young adults with or without a Christian  background beyond the church walls . I’m hearing very positive reports of this two initiatives which I hope can be replicated in many other churches across the Scottish Mission.”