Cartoon discussion starters can get a small group or youth group talking in seconds. A cartoon is open to interpretation, so everyone has something to say, whether they’ve been coming for years or this is their first week. This guide explores the different ways churches use cartoons to open up conversation, with question ideas and tips for finding cartoons that suit your group.
This post is part of our guide, Cartoons in church life and ministry (coming soon).
Why do cartoons start conversations so well?
Because there’s no wrong answer. A cartoon invites people to say what they see, and that’s something anyone can do. In other words, you don’t need to know the Bible inside out or have the right words ready. You just need to notice what’s funny, or what feels familiar.
That low pressure matters, especially in a new group. A shared laugh relaxes people. Then, once someone has spoken once, they’re more likely to speak again. Cartoons can also open the door to harder subjects, such as doubt, conflict or forgiveness, in a gentler way than a direct question. That’s what makes cartoon discussion starters such a useful tool for group leaders.
How can cartoons work in a small group?
In a small group, there are many ways to use cartoon discussion starters. Here are a few that groups use.
- As an icebreaker. Starting with a cartoon gives everyone an easy first thing to talk about before the study begins.
- Alongside the passage. A cartoon on the same theme as the week’s reading can help people see the passage from a new angle.
- As a follow-up to Sunday. A cartoon linked to the sermon can carry the message into the week. Our guide to using cartoons in sermons has ideas for pairing the two.
- As a comparison. Showing two cartoons on the same subject and asking which feels truer can spark a lively debate.
- As a closing thought. Ending on a cartoon can give people something to reflect on until the group meets again.
How can cartoons work in youth ministry?
Young people often respond to humor straight away. So cartoons are a natural fit for youth groups. A cartoon on screen as everyone arrives can set a relaxed tone. Alternatively, cartoon discussion starters can be the hook for the evening’s topic, from friendship and pressure to faith and doubt.
Cartoons can also travel well beyond the weekly meeting. They can work at retreats, camps and youth services, or in the youth group’s own social media. Our guide to cartoons in church emails and social media explores some of those options.
What questions can you ask about a cartoon?
In general, simple, open questions work best. Here are some that leaders like to use:
- What’s happening in this cartoon?
- Why is it funny, and is it also true?
- Which character do you relate to most?
- Has something like this ever happened to you?
- What might someone from this week’s passage say about it?
- What would you want to say to the person in the cartoon?
However, you don’t need to use them all. Often one good question is enough to get cartoon discussion starters going, and the group will take it from there.
How can you find cartoons for your group?
A good place to start is the Faith Collection (coming soon), which we put together for churches. You can browse it by sermon theme, such as forgiveness, gratitude, generosity, patience, prayer and community. It also includes church life and Bible stories, from Noah’s ark to Sunday school, which can work well for younger groups.
You know your group best, so trust your sense of what will get them talking. To learn more about how CartoonStock works with churches, visit our page for churches.
What should you know about licensing?
Each way you use a cartoon is its own use, so the license follows where the cartoon is going. For example, showing a cartoon on screen and handing out printed copies are different uses. Our friendly guide to cartoon licensing for churches explains how that works. If you’re planning a series of sessions, tell us your plans and we’ll help you find the right fit.
Questions about cartoon discussion starters
Can cartoons work with children as well as teens?
Yes. Simple cartoons about Bible stories or everyday life can work well with children. Younger groups often enjoy describing what they see. That can then lead naturally into the story or theme.
What if the conversation goes somewhere unexpected?
In fact, that’s often a good sign. A cartoon can bring out questions people didn’t know they had. You can always gently steer back to the theme, but sometimes the detour is where the best conversation happens.
Can we hand out printed copies to the group?
Yes, with a license for that use. Let us know how many people you’ll be sharing with and how, and we’ll help you get it right.