Taking a Deeper Look into Godly Play
Did you attend one of the wonderful Godly Play workshops at Training Day?
Many parishes now include Godly Play regularly as part of their core children’s (and adult) ministry.
Rev. Summer Benton from All Saints Hataitai told us how using Godly Play is something they would like to do.
“We feel strongly that what we teach our children has space for them to begin to understand the bigger story of God and learn to recognise the Holy Spirit within them as they encounter that story,” she says.
And having Godly Play at Training Day?
“Our kids loved the fact that there was an offering for them at training day. Things like that go a long way in ensuring they truly feel part of the mission we are called to as a family and see that they are a part of a movement of God that is bigger than what they are exposed to in our day-to-day context.
Reverend Deacon Colette Stevens is passionate about Godly play and its potential to grow faith in our young people. Last year, while studying at St John’s Theological College her essay Play is Children’s Worship: The Spirituality of Godly Play won the St Hilda’s prize award.
She told us, “I love the simplicity Godly Play. It enables our youngest disciples to connect with God's heart.
“With a simple prop, children as young as 2 or 3 years old can become storytellers, sharing the tales of God's faithfulness and mission with their friends and families.
“It, also, does not require a great knowledge of God and the stories of God's people. This means it is ideal for seeker-friendly settings, yet its spiritual depth still challenges theologians,” she said.
Her article discusses Godly Play as an approach to Christian spirituality that engages participants, especially children, in a profound exploration of faith through storytelling, creative play, and contemplation.
She describes the principles and practices of Godly Play, its strengths and weaknesses, and its reflection of Christian spiritual principles. Then, she highlights the importance of creating a sacred space, the process of storytelling and wondering, the response and feast that follow, and the criteria for evaluating the nurturing of children's spirituality.
She concludes with a caution about the potential oversimplification of spirituality without proper training and emphasizes the need for a deep and authentic relationship with God.
Godly Play makes a regular appearance in many parishes throughout the Diocese. If you are wanting to learn more about it – get in touch with Diocesan Children and Family Resourcer, Natalie Moreno on natalie@anglicanmovement.nz.
