What is Godly Play?
Focused on honoring the centrality, competency, and capacity of children, Godly Play is an imaginative approach to supporting their spirituality and the adults who nurture them.
Through story, wonder, and play, Godly Play practice invites us to a way of being that fosters creative responses to God’s call in our lives.
CHILDREN: THE HEART OF GODLY PLAY
CENTRALITY
Children are fully human, important, and deserving of being honored.
COMPETENCY
Children are fully spiritual, already know God, and are known by God.
CAPACITY
We respect how capable children are and trust them to make meaning for themselves.
Regarding children in this way, we engage not only the spirituality that they are born with but also their continued exploration of the mystery of God throughout childhood and beyond.
VALUES
Principles to ensure we center, nurture, and honor children
INTENTIONALITY
We create environments with quality materials and carefully curated resources, tangibly demonstrating the sacredness of the space and the importance of children.
RELATIONSHIP
We regard the dignity of each child as precious, significant, and worthy of care and tending. We engage welcoming and inclusive practices to help children feel a sense of belonging.
OPENNESS
We approach children with curiosity, inviting them to a practice of wonder and discovery that enables them to express their individual spirituality.
OUR PRACTICE
Exploring the mystery of God's presence in our lives
STORY
Foundational faith stories coupled with family stories, told with simple materials, are the bedrock of faith formation and expand our ability to access meaning making that influences moral and ethical decision-making.
WONDER
Wonder is innate to children
and that it is what makes learning meaningful. Without wonder, learning is primarily rote or done for transactional reasons instead of centered on a sense of awe and curiosity.
PLAY
Play is the work of children, and we honor work of the child. Play engages the imagination and creative process, leading children to make meaning.
Together, stories, wonder, and play inspire and encourage children and adults to discover and live as their authentic selves.
DISCOVER
MEMBERSHIP
PROGRAM DIRECTORY
RESOURCE LIBRARY
TRAININGS & EVENTS
Godly Play Circles is an information hub for members and the public, offered by Godly Play Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3). Visit our website for more information about the Foundation, its mission, and its work.
