Godly Play is a Montessori based approach to spiritual formation that involves storytelling, prayer, art, silence and liturgy which serve as an introduction to the life of faith, the rhythm of worship and religious language. Godly Play is based upon the recognition that children have an innate sense of the presence of God. All they lack is the appropriate language to help them identify and express it so it can be explored and strengthened. The Godly Play approach teaches classical Christian language in a way that enhances the child’s authentic experience of God so it can contribute to the creative life of the child and the world.
Grants and Bursaries
Parish Development Grants are available for those looking to develop Godly Play in their parish. More information on these grants and how to apply is now available in our resources section.
Bursaries are also available for those attending Godly Play training. Please email the Missioner for Christian formation for more information: jschaap@vancouver.anglican.ca
How to Get Started
In order to help parishes understand what is involved in starting a Godly Play program, we have put together an overview of the process of starting Godly Play in a parish. This guide includes the costs involved for different sized parishes and types of programs, lists of all the necessary materials and the most affordable ways to source them as well as helpful advice for what to invest in first.
'How to Build a Godly Play Program'
For parishes who are assembling their materials, the following catalogues, with pictures of materials may be helpful in this process. Each one follows one volume of The Complete Guide to Godly Play and they were put together by The Rev. Eileen Nurse at St George, Fort Langley.
Training
Upcoming training information is available here. https://godlyplaybcevents.weebly.com/
Godly Play training is one of the most important parts of building a sustainable Godly Play program. Training is available to become a Godly Play leader at various times throughout the year.
For more information on Godly Play, please visit the program’s website: Godly Play or Godly Play Canada.
Godly Play Enrichment
This is a gathering for those using Godly Play for spiritual formation in their parish or interested in developing their own skills in Godly Play. Sessions are 2 hours and each one focuses on a particular aspect of Godly Play.
Parishes Using Godly Play
Below is a list of the parishes of the diocese who use Godly Play for spiritual formation. Click on any of them for more information on their ministry with children, and contact information.
St Brigid, A ministry of Christ Church Cathedral