THE EASY START
Choose a category together, then take turns drawing and answering cards. Use the Stay Here follow-up when someone wants to explore further. Stay for as long as you like.
THE OFFICIAL GAME GUIDE · CURRENT PROTOTYPE
PULL UP A CHAIR.
STAY A WHILE.
No perfect answers needed. Here’s how to create room for conversations that continue beyond the cards. These instructions may be refined following testing.
01 / THE HEART
SAME CHURCH.
MORE ROOM TO CONNECT.
You can recognise someone's face without knowing what matters to them. Stay After was created to open up opportunities for voluntary connection, familiarity and care. Friendships don't have to be forced, and no one owes anyone a personal story.
All you need is a willingness to listen, a card to begin with and enough room for people to choose how much they want to share.
02 / HOW TO PLAY
SIX SIMPLE STEPS.
01
CHOOSE WHERE TO START.
Start with Meet Me to ease in, or choose a category that feels right for the people playing.
02
PICK A CARD.
Read the question aloud and take turns. Give people room to finish, and let anyone pass without explanation.
03
STAY HERE, IF YOU WANT TO.
Use the “Stay Here” follow-up only if the person answering wants to explore a little further.
04
CHOOSE A RESPONSE.
Use a Response card if you want to guide what happens next. Listening, asking, thinking together, prayer or checking in are all options.
05
MAKE ROOM FOR FUN.
Pick an Intermission card whenever the group wants to mix things up, once the person speaking is ready to move on.
06
KEEP GOING. OR DON’T.
Try another card or leave it there. The aim isn't to finish the deck; it's to make the moment count.
03 / DIFFERENT WAYS TO PLAY
ONE DECK.
YOUR WAY.
Choose a way to play that works for the people and the moment. Some invite group conversation, others allow quiet reflection.
LET CURIOSITY LEAD
Spread out a selection of cards. Everyone secretly picks a question they'd genuinely like to hear people answer. Shuffle the chosen cards, draw one at a time and see where the conversations go.
CHOOSE WHAT FITS
Lay three cards face up. Each person chooses the question that best reflects where they are today. Share a little or a lot. There's no pressure to explain your choice.
SAY IT WITHOUT SAYING IT'S YOU
Choose a question together. Everyone writes their answer privately, then folds and shuffles the slips. Read the answers aloud and discuss what comes up, without guessing who wrote what.
NEW FACES. NEW CONVERSATIONS.
Split into pairs or trios and draw a question. After a few minutes, switch conversation partners and pick another card. In larger gatherings, create smaller groups and rotate between them.
YOUR PACE, YOUR SPACE
Pull a card for personal reflection. Sit with the question, write in a journal or use the Stay Here follow-up to go deeper. Keep your answer private or share it with someone later, if you choose.
However you play, keep it voluntary: you can pass, change the question or stop. A good conversation doesn't have to become a friendship, but it can open the door.
04 / THE CATEGORIES
FOUR WAYS TO KNOW EACH OTHER.
MEET ME
Open up the conversation with questions about everyday life and who we are right now.
KNOW ME
Explore values, preferences and experiences that shape how we see ourselves.
SHOW ME
Make space for honest experiences of faith, church and community.
STAY WITH ME
Talk about support, boundaries, repair and the different ways we care for one another.
05 / RESPONSE CARDS
TELL US WHAT YOU NEED NEXT.
Sometimes knowing how to respond matters just as much as knowing what to ask. Keep the optional Response cards nearby. You can change your mind or choose not to use one.
JUST LISTEN
“I'd like to be heard. Please just listen for now.” Give your attention without jumping into advice.
ASK ME MORE
“I'm happy to share a little more.” Invite gentle follow-ups and let the person choose where to stop.
HELP ME THINK
“I'm open to another perspective.” Ask what kind of help would be useful before sharing ideas.
PRAY WITH ME
“Please pray with me about this.” Ask whether they want prayer now or later and respect what is private.
CHECK ON ME
“I'd appreciate you checking in after today.” Agree together who will follow up, when and how.
06 / A LITTLE CARE GOES A LONG WAY
GOOD CONVERSATIONS NEED ROOM.
Can I skip a question?
Always. Pass, pause or choose another card without having to explain why.
Do I need to give advice?
No. Listening is often enough. Ask before offering advice.
Do we have to agree?
No. Be curious and respectful. The aim is to understand, not to win.
What about personal stories?
Ask permission before sharing anyone's story outside the group. If someone's safety is at risk, seek appropriate support rather than promising complete secrecy.
What happens after playing?
Let the moment carry on naturally: remember what they shared, say hello next time or invite someone to spend time together again, if you both want to.
A LITTLE LONGER. A LITTLE CLOSER.