GODLY PLAY Ages 4 years to 2nd Grade
"Godly play" is a term coined by Jerome Berryman to describe a Montessori approach to children's spiritual formation. It is based on creating a sacred space for caring adults to present the stories of the Bible, wonder about them together, and then allow the children open-ended opportunities to engage the story on their own terms.
Cherry Log Christian Church believes in children. Godly Play is for children ages 3 years-2nd grade. On Sundays 9:30am – 12:15 (children may enter at 9:30 or 10:45-11am), children will gather to worship, learn, grow, and “play” in a ministry called “Godly Play.” Remember, “play” is the work of childhood. The stories are told with simple wooden figures, without interpretation or moral instruction. After a story is presented, the children and the storyteller wonder together about aspects of the story that draw their interest. For example, after telling the story of the parable of the Good Shepherd, they might together wonder: what were the sheep thinking as they followed the shepherd? or do these sheep have names? or how do the sheep feel to be inside the sheepfold?
After a time of exploring the story with “wondering questions”, the story is put away, and the children choose their “work.” They respond to the story in their own way, being led by the Holy Spirit. The children may spend time creating whatever they feel is most important, most interesting, or most compelling in the story. Children may work on a puzzle or project or respond by working with clay, paint, colored paper or crayons. They may also “re-work” the story by carefully using the story pieces or even create a dress-up drama. There are a variety of response materials and several caring adults to assist the children in this important work.
This is play…it is Godly! It is meeting and listening to God along with children rather than teaching them the right way to think or what they should know. God’s stories are very powerful and offer plenty to ponder without elaboration on what they "mean." Godly play is contemplative and often deeply satisfying for the adults who listen for God as they love and assist each child. Each Sunday, the children take home a story sheet that tells families the focus of the morning’s worship: the Bible story, the scripture used and suggested “wondering questions” to help parents and children continue the rich spiritual conversation.
Sometimes it is hard to get children to go to church. But Godly Play is different. Be forewarned! Most children get so excited about this new experiential way of learning God’s sacred stories, that sometimes they don’t want to leave. Often parents hear, “But, I’m not done yet!” The relationships built between the children, the Storyteller (Dr. Kristi Mulchahey), and volunteer Greeters can become life-long friendships. Godly Play is an exciting new ministry and makes it easier for families to grow in their love and faith in Jesus Christ. Still…be careful, your children may insist on going to church!
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