Godly Play – A Christian drama program.

 

 

In this post-modern age, the American evangelical church is remembering the dynamic and effective place art can have in God’s kingdom.  Because the arts revitalization trend is still very new, most of the work that is being done to incorporate arts into the life of the church has yet to be documented.  In light of this, it is rather difficult to find a quality program that utilizes the arts within the context of a youth ministry.  Valuable Christian arts programs are you there, and more are being developed all the time.   In his Jul/Aug 2003 article for YouthWorker, Jason Minnix, a youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Beaverton, describes using a program designed for children that was also effective in his youth work.  This article in its entirety is posted on-line and can be found by visiting this link at  http://www.youthspecialties.com/articles/topics/spiritual_life/play.php.The program Godly Play TM is a method of Christian education and spiritual direction for children and youth. Godly Play was designed and written about by Episcopal priest, author, and teacher Jerome Berryman.

 

PURPOSE OF PROGRAM

 

“The purpose of Godly Play TM is to teach the art of using religious language - parable, sacred story, silence, and liturgical action - to help kids become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives.” 

 

 

GOALS OF PROGRAM

 

 

Godly Play TM is a journey of discovery and the goal is to create a safe space - a place where ideas, opinions, and gifts are deeply respected.

 

 

Godly Play TM is also a way to experience and share the ongoing story of the People of God. 

 

 

FUNCTIONS OF PROGRAM

 

 

Rooted in the Montessori tradition, a Godly Play TM classroom is a place of exploration and discovery.  Each child/youth is greeted at the entrance and helped to get ready to enter the room quietly.  The shelves hold the stories of the People of God, surrounding the room with the history of God’s people.  Everything in the structure of Godly Play TM is designed to give them the space to explore their own relationship with God. 

 

 

Craft activities are used differently than most curricula.  Rather than having children create something pre-packaged to show Mom or Dad, each child creates an expressive response to what is individually thought and felt after “receiving” the story in a group setting.  They have the opportunity to “enter” the story, “wonder” about it, and then create meaning in their own lives.

 

 

Godly Play TM combines and integrates the two primary gateways to knowing for young children - language (verbal) and play (non-verbal) by providing sensorial materials to work with in a safe, stimulating environment.

 

 

Workshops, curriculum, texts, and conferences are available.

 

 

See www.godlyplay.net

 

 

TONE AND TESTIMONIES OF PROGRAM

 

 

Here is an excerpt of the article that Jason Minnix wrote about his experience using Godly Play TM in his youth ministry:

 

"My first experience with Godly Play was with a group of 12 kids, ranging from 6th graders to college students. Kelly, my door person, was marvelous. She watched the students outside the door and, one at a time, invited in those who seemed ready. They entered ready but unsure. I was there. I took time that day to prepare myself and was early so I could anchor the circle with my presence. I had the advantage of having history with each of the kids. I was able to greet each by name and with genuine welcome. Also, I was able to guide each one to sit in a place around the circle where they wouldn't distract one another.  I intentionally laid out a three-dimensional parable from a gold wooden box. Each person was intrigued by the story as it unfolded. Some of the students who offered initial insights during the wondering were some who don't usually feel they're very knowledgeable about God or God talk in general. I was readily affirming and left it open to go on. This was a great confidence boost for one particular teen. I felt pleased by her growing confidence as she continued to offer contributions. Two kids came in late. One, a seventh grader, started to talk and mess with the parable materials. He was put in check by the other students in the circle almost immediately.  Next, the parable of the Good Shepherd began. I ended up reading the parable, which didn't seem to distract as I thought it might. I forgot to not make eye contact, and when I did during a few of the more vulnerable places, I saw the youth back up and be inhibited to enter further. Overall, they were entirely attentive and moved by the experience. They remained reflective during the closing wondering sequence. They seemed to be still engaged with the story and themselves. There was only one distraction out in the hall. Instinctively, one of the adult helpers met that person and told them what was going on. They sensed that what was happening was sacred.  I put the story away. Then we went around and each student had a choice between paints, pencils, or markers. Kelly was splendid about helping them find their work. She intuitively knew what needed to happen. Each went to work in silence—this had never occurred during our times together. Usually there are a few who are afraid to be alone and always fill their solitude with sounds, but not tonight. I went from person to person observing their work. Some shared with me what they were going for. One person sat awaiting inspiration. When it came, he drew an intricate tree.  After a while, it was time to wrap up. No one was ready. I turned off the light and explained that it was time to come back to the circle. I assured them I'd keep their work if they wanted and give them the opportunity to return to it next week. The following week we did a work time and share time at the end. They voluntarily shared their work and what it meant to them. Each person was respectful of the others' work. Only one person had to be reminded.  Before saying good-bye I asked each to come to me in turn before they left. I shared with each person some insight I'd gathered about them from that night. One youth was visiting for the first time. He had a safety pin stuck through his lip. He promised to be back the next week. 

 

 

“This experience of Godly Play was one of my most meaningful ministry encounters with God's children. We continue to do Godly Play monthly in our youth group with profound results. The choice of response through art of various media continues to be valuable as it allows each person to engage the story where they are.” - Jason Minnix, First Baptist Church, Beaverton

 

 

IMPLICATIONS

 

 

1. Godly Play TM is an innovative program that can be translated into numerous situations and ministries in the church.  Teenagers, being a community of the church body that seeks truth readily, could use a program like this, that lets them experience God’s presence and includes them in a artistic and kinesthetic way.

 

 

2. Even teenagers can participate in an intensely spiritual activity.

 

 

3. Artistic expression is a valid and effective way to engage adolescent spirituality.

 

 

Mary Lins and Katy Palmer, c CYS