What Is Connection Bingo?
The get-to-know game, explained
Connection bingo is a get-to-know game where people mingle to find others who match a prompt.
Find someone who has been on a mission trip. Find someone who grew up on a farm. That kind of thing.
Every match is a new conversation. That's the whole point.
How Classic Connection Bingo Works
The paper version
- Everyone gets a card with a grid of squares.
- Each square has a prompt.
- People walk around and collect a signature for each match.
- The first person to fill a row calls bingo.
It's simple, and it works.
It also has a few weak spots.
Where Paper Bingo Falls Short
Signatures, not conversations
- People rush to collect names instead of talking.
- Printing cards and finding pens for a crowd takes time.
- Cards get left on tables, so nobody remembers who they met.
Here are a few alternatives to paper networking bingo if you've run into this.
Connection Bingo vs Human Bingo
Same idea, different goal
Human bingo and people bingo are usually about finishing the card first.
Connection bingo puts the focus on the conversation behind each match.
So the prompts go a little deeper, like "Ask someone to share a time they saw a prayer answered."
Digital Connection Bingo
One prompt at a time
Jam Bingo is a digital take on connection bingo.
There's no card and no squares. Here's how it works:
- Guests scan your event QR code. No app to download.
- They get one prompt on their phone.
- They find someone who matches and have a quick chat.
- They scan that person's QR code to unlock the next prompt.
Every scan saves the connection, so people can follow up later.
Where Churches Use It
Fellowship, singles, newcomers
- Christian singles coffee socials
- Newcomer lunches
- Small group kickoffs
- Young adult nights
- Multi-church singles events
Connection Bingo Questions
Start light, then go a little deeper
- Find someone who orders the same coffee as you.
- Find someone who grew up in a different city or country.
- Find someone who has been on a mission trip.
- Ask someone what worship song they've had on repeat lately.
- Ask someone who has had the biggest influence on their faith.
- Find someone who is here for the first time.
Want more? Here are 52 intentional prompts for connection bingo.
Or start from our church connection bingo template.
Tips to Run It Well
Keep it easy
- Explain it in one sentence, then let it run.
- Give it 20-30 minutes so people have real conversations.
- Ask a few leaders to play first. Others follow fast.
- Close by asking a couple of guests what they learned about someone new.
Try Connection Bingo
At your next church event
Create a Jam Bingo in about 10 minutes and give everyone an easy reason to meet someone new.
Want to see what guests will see first? Try the demo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is connection bingo?
Connection bingo is a get-to-know game where people mingle to find others who match a prompt, like "Find someone who grew up in a different country." Each match starts a conversation, so people meet new faces in a fun, low-pressure way.
What's the difference between connection bingo and human bingo?
They're close cousins. Human bingo usually focuses on filling a card as fast as possible. Connection bingo puts the focus on the conversation behind each match, with prompts that go a little deeper.
How do you play connection bingo without paper?
Use a digital version like Jam Bingo. Guests scan one QR code, get one prompt at a time on their phone, find a match, and scan that person's code to unlock their next prompt.
How many people can play?
Paper versions work best for 10 to 40 people. A phone-based version scales to hundreds, since nobody has to print, hand out, or collect cards.
What are good connection bingo questions for church?
Try prompts like "Find someone who has been on a mission trip," "Ask someone what worship song they've had on repeat," or "Find someone who is here for the first time." Keep them faith-friendly and easy to answer.