Godly Play
Creating a space where children can wonder, slow down, and discover God’s presence
Sunday mornings, 10:30-11:30am, in person in the Sanctuary building, chapel (upper level, education wing).
What Is Godly Play?
Godly Play is a Montessori-inspired approach to spiritual formation that invites children into the stories of our faith with imagination, play, and wonder. It helps children experience God in ways that are meaningful, developmentally appropriate, and deeply respectful of their unique spirituality.
In Godly Play, children aren’t told what to believe. Instead, they are given space to listen, wonder, question, and discover how God is moving in their own lives.
Why We Use Godly Play
Our use of Godly Play grows directly out of HUMC’s values:
- Love in Action Matters
- You Matter
- Authentic Relationships Matter
Children Have Full Access to God
We trust that every child already has a meaningful connection with the Holy. Godly Play honors this by letting children bring their own experiences, wisdom, and questions into the circle.
Every Child Matters
Children learn in different ways — through movement, silence, play, art, asking questions, and making connections. Godly Play embraces neurodiversity, different learning styles, and all levels of understanding. Each child’s voice is valued.
Authentic Relationships Shape Faith
We cultivate environments that are intentionally welcoming, consistent, and grounded in care. Children thrive when they are surrounded by adults and peers who genuinely see and hear them. The circle becomes a place where relationships grow, trust develops at each child’s pace, and children learn to listen to one another with compassion.
What Happens in Godly Play?
Each session follows a gentle, predictable rhythm:
1. Entering the Space
Children are welcomed individually by trained leaders who help them transition into a calm and purposeful environment.
2. Hearing the Story
A storyteller shares a biblical or liturgical story using simple, beautiful materials designed to spark imagination and curiosity.
3. Wondering Together
Children explore open-ended questions like:
- I wonder what part of the story you liked best?
- I wonder where you see yourself in this story?
- I wonder what this story might be saying to us?
There are no right answers — only invitations to reflect.
4. Work Time (Response Time)
Children choose how to respond: through art, storytelling, journaling, or quiet contemplation. This play is considered sacred work.
5. Blessing
Children receive a blessing before returning to their families.
Who Is Godly Play For?
Godly Play at HUMC is designed for children age 4 through 6th grade, though we welcome children of many abilities and learning styles. Families can always speak to our Director of Children’s Ministry with any questions about their child’s readiness.
Children are always welcome to remain in worship with their families; Godly Play is an option, not an expectation.
Our Leaders
Godly Play sessions are led by trained and supportive storytellers and door people who are committed to creating a space marked by care, consistency, and respect. All leaders complete Safe Sanctuaries training and background checks.
What We Hope Children Learn
More than anything, we want children to leave Godly Play knowing:
- They are beloved by God
- Their questions matter
- Their stories matter
- God is with them in every part of their life
- Faith is something we practice through love, justice, curiosity, and compassion
When & Where
Godly Play meets on Sunday mornings during the 10:30am service, upstairs in the Education Wing (Chapel), and occasionally during the 11:15am service in Warehouse 839 (room 5 off the kitchen).
Families can meet our Godly Play leaders outside of the Children’s Ministry office, and our welcome teams are happy to help new families get connected with the Children’s Ministry team. Come down the long hallway from the Sanctuary and meet at the bottom of the stairs — look for grownups in green God Loves You No Matter What tee shirts.
Staff Contacts
Lindsay Robinson, Director of Children’s Ministry (lrobinson@hilliardumc.org)
Nikki Buskirk, Director of Middle Grades Ministry (grades 3-6) (nikki@hilliardumc.org).
All children are ALWAYS welcome in worship!