Godly Play provides a time and a space for children ages 3-10ish to engage with God and with the story of God’s people in the bible. A Godly Play session includes a time to gather the circle and get ready, a time to listen to a story, a time of wondering, a time for children to respond to the story through their choice of art materials, and a time for a feast. Answers or meanings are not imposed by a teacher. Instead, children are encouraged to wonder about what the story means, in the circle and through their own art. The Godly Play classroom is staffed by two adults, a storyteller and an assistant called a doorkeeper. At Charles River Church, children go to Godly Play during the talk in the main worship gathering and return for communion and worship with the community.

 

Godly Play was developed by Jerome Berryman. It has its roots in the educational approach initiated by Maria Montessori.