Symposium
August 19, 14:15-15:15
Symbolical spaces of God’s transformative action in our lives: the sea, the desert, and the mountain
According to the Bible, God does not shape us in a uniform way but through different existential spaces. These spaces are not merely locations but inner states in which people become accessible in different ways. There are three fundamental spaces. The sea, when people lose their sense of security. The desert, when people lose their comforts. The mountain, when people gain a new perspective. God does not renew us always in the same way. Sometimes we are shaped through chaos, sometimes through emptiness, and sometimes through heights. There is no single model, but every path can lead to God.
Speaker:
Rev. Dr. Virgil László, Hungary, Lutheran pastor and associate professor, head of the New Testament Department of the Lutheran Theological University in Budapest
August 19, 15:45-16:30
Are You Ready?
Thresholds are very important in Godly Play. Which is why it is important for the adult guides to have already crossed the threshold into a Godly Play space long before the children arrive. But in this address Andrew will suggest that there are thresholds that it is important we cross even before we cross the threshold into a physical space. These are thresholds where we pause and contemplate before we move on. And he will suggest that there are at least 4 of these thresholds; 4 of these places of readiness, places where we ask the question: are you ready? Accordingly we will explore what it is to be theologically, spiritually, pedagogically, and emotionally ready to lead Godly Play.
Speaker:
The Rev’d Canon Dr Andrew Sheldon, Canada, Anglican priest and professor, Godly Play storyteller and trainer, and former Godly Play Advocate for International Development
August 20, 9:00-10:00
Clearing the Way for Grace
A hope-filled vision, rooted in Jerome Berryman’s theology of childhood challenges adults to see children not as distractions or future believers, but as present participants and bearers of grace. Blending theological insight, lived ministry experience, and storytelling, the talk names the hidden assumptions that marginalize children while inviting listeners into a richer, more faithful way of being with them in worship and community. Through the Clearing the Way for Grace initiative and the Godly Play tradition, it calls scholars and practitioners alike to join a shared work of renewing both church practice and theological imagination.
Speaker:
The Rev. Dr. Cheryl V. Minor, USA, Director of the Center for the Theology of Childhood at the Godly Play Foundation
Conference
August 20, 10:45-12:00
Building a world who cares
When the world discuss the need for security and wonder how to prepare for crisis, an answer may be equipping children to deal with their existential questions in a good way. Creating spaces where children can explore life, connect to self, other people and the world is vital in building a world that cares about each other. The talk explores how the connection between spiritual experiences and ethical awareness and action look, how faith formation and lived action connect and how Godly Play models and supports this.
Speaker:
The Rev. Dr. Jenny Sjögreen, Sweden, Lutheran Priest, Godly Play trainer
August 21, 16:45-18:00
Coming close – Existential Questions in the Bible and in the Lives of Young People Today
“This book is full of stories” – says the Godly Play storyteller, gesturing towards the Bible. This book is also full of questions. The people of God seek answers, seek connection and seek redemption. Those around Jesus ask him numerous questions, but Jesus responds with twice as many questions of his own. Why are there so many questions in the stories of the Bible? What does this mean for our work with the biblical stories? Where am I in the story with my questions?
Speaker:
Prof. Dr. Eszter Kodácsy-Simon, Hungary, theologian and Religious Education teacher, Godly Play trainer
August 22, 10:45-12:00
Contextualizing Godly Play? I Wonder… — Cross-Cultural Explorations
Godly Play storytellers and -trainers often bring Godly Play into situations that represent cultural systems different from their own. Sometimes Godly Play does not “work” or “get off the ground” in such situations. How do we maintain a style of Godly Play faithful to the context – or might the context even change something in Godly Play? What can we do to support relevance and sustainability?
Speakers:
Joan Truby, South Africa, child counsellor specialising in play therapy, Godly Play South Africa coordinator and trainer
Prof. Dr. Martin Steinhäuser, Germany, professor for congregational education and church work with children, Godly Play senior-trainer