Godly Play: starting 19 April

What is Godly Play?
Godly Play is an international Christian movement centered on childhood spirituality. It begins with children’s innate sense of the presence of God. It offers Christian language as a support for their ongoing spiritual formation. It teaches a process that aims to promote an inner working model for life-long Christian learning.

Why is it called Godly Play?

It is Godly Play because all are invited by God to come and to play. Brenda Leigh Timmer, a Godly Play trainer working in South Africa, says;

"What makes it Godly Play is the delight-filled, surprising and life-giving playful engagement of God."

A deep understanding of what it means really to play and an appreciation of the central role of play in the life and learning of children is fundamental to this approach to God.

Is it ‘just for children’?
Adults, in many settings, also find Godly Play invaluable for their ongoing journey of discipleship.

Godly Play is for everyone, the smaller group context allows everyone to be valued and welcomed as an individual. Fundamental to Godly Play is a focus on the vital importance of childhood spirituality for everyone. It is not intended to exclude anyone.

What age of children does it work for?
People of any age can benefit from a Godly Play approach. Our vision is that childhood spirituality should be taken seriously; and childhood is foundational to every life. The approach can support the spiritual quest of people of any age. Young people are discovering Godly Play, as are those who support older people, including those living with dementia.

What is the theology behind it?
Godly Play begins with a foundational theology of the spirituality of childhood. The basic assumption is that children know God; they know what it is to play hide-and-seek with the elusive presence of God within themselves and in the world. Fundamental to Godly Play is the opportunity for wondering, an understanding of sacred space, an appreciation of the value of silence, a small group size and a particular expression of hospitality. Godly Play offers a free response time that does not include prescribed activities.