Godly Play® is a method of Christian education and spiritual direction primarily for children aged 2–12. The goal of Godly Play is to teach children the art of using religious language, parable, sacred story, silence, and liturgical action to help them become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence around them and in their lives.

Godly Play was developed and has been classroom tested since 1972 by Episcopal priest, author, and teacher Jerome W. Berryman. Godly Play is used in all regions of the United States in diverse denominations such as Episcopal, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Catholic, and Presbyterian. Godly Play is used in schools, hospitals, homeless shelters, retirement centers and other settings. Godly Play is also used internationally, especially in the United Kingdom, Finland, Germany, Canada, Tanzania, and Australia and in Spanish-speaking ministries in many locations.

The Story of the Red Box: Why We Do Godly Play

Godly Play is a children's program. But, it is also so much more. Godly Play is a way of looking at life, God, and children, differently. This way can be hard to explain. In Godly Play, when something is hard to explain we tell a story.

Imagine I have a red box. This box can help tell us about Godly Play. This box is very red. It needs to be red because sometimes when adults hear about Godly Play it is like Pentecost: they are forever changed and just have to tell someone. This box also has shiny bits all over it. When we come up close to it we see little bits reflected. This is like coming close to God. We never see all of God revealed at once. Every time we come close to God we get another glimpse. I wonder why? Sometimes it is frustrating, because we want it all now. But if we think of it like playing hide and seek or peek-a-boo with God, then it is wonderful. This box has a lid on it. Jesus says that we need to come to God like children. I wonder if this means that we need to be open. I guess it means we need to open the box. Let's open the box to see what is inside.

When we come close to God, one of the things we often see is love. God loves us unconditionally — even when we feel unlovable. One of our jobs is to model this love to the world. We need to be careful about this, because it is very hard to love people without condition. It is tempting to give people admiration instead of love. When we do this we say we love them for what they do. People can become addicted to admiration, causing them to seek it in ways that are destructive. I wonder what happens when a person is addicted to admiration and does not receive it. We need to strive to love and accept people for whom and what they are just like God does us.

Children are an important part of Godly Play. Some think that when we teach children, they are like empty vessels and we are supposed to fill them. But, really, children are already full. It is our job to give them the ability to share the spirit that is within them — much like uncorking the vessel. Godly Play helps children share themselves by giving them the spiritual words and allowing them the space to discover and understand their spiritual selves. Anne Sullivan did this for Helen Keller. Helen was blind, deaf, and mute. She was cut off from the rest of the world, until Anne Sullivan gave her the ability to communicate. This was really a gift to the rest of the world, because she was then able to share the wonderful person that she was. It is our job to give children the words to share their beauty with the world.

Language is also a tool that helps children work on some very difficult questions — the same questions adults have to work on. Godly Play gives children a safe place to play with existential issues such as understanding, limits to themselves — how to be alone and struggling with issues of freedom and independence, wondering about the meaning of life, issues of mortality.

We often think about play in a demeaning way. "Oh he is just playing." But children learn by playing. Play is very important. Good play is:

• spontaneous
• voluntary
• just for the fun of it
• creative
• problem solving
• fully absorbing

The children's work in Godly Play is to play. Adult's work is to:

• Help to create a sacred space with the children. The sacred space is like the inside of this egg. Eggs are the perfect environment for a new life to develop. They provide everything necessary for that new life until it reaches a certain stage. Eggs are remarkably strong protecting that developing life. Yet, they are also fragile enough so that when it is time that new life can break free.
• Share stories. Native people teach about their culture and traditions through storytelling. The storyteller is a highly respected member of the community and necessary to the continuation of the people.
• Be a blessing. Throughout the Bible, God blesses people. The Blessing includes two parts. First, affirmation. God tells people they are good and have something wonderful to offer. Second, expectation. God expects that we use our gifts to Glorify God in some way. In Godly Play we say “Each of you is uniquely wonderful. God loves you. Now do good work.”

Living Godly Play is not easy. But, remember God's presence is sprinkled through it and that makes all the difference.

Godly Play classes will be offered during the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services on Sunday mornings in the Todd Center.