Godly Play Went Home: An Exploratory Study of the Experience of Godly Play in Homes during the Covid-19 Pandemic through the Lens of Caregivers

Abstract

This study explored caregivers’ experiences of virtual Godly Play in the United States, South Korea, and the UK during COVID-19 lockdowns. Thematic analysis of thirty-three caregiver surveys and six semi-structured interviews revealed four themes: support/community, intergenerational Godly Play, spiritual maintenance and growth for the family, and the gift of wonder. This study shows that the experience of Godly Play at home during the pandemic benefited caregivers. As the pandemic subsides and we return to child-centered programming in churches, this study highlights the importance of including and equipping caregivers in nurturing their children’s spirituality.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• Godly Play
• children’s spirituality
• religious education
• pandemic spiritual formation

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cheryl V. Minor

Cheryl V. Minor has been the director of the Center for the Theology of Childhood at the Godly Play Foundation since 2016. As the director, she has been involved in curriculum development, training, and research for the Godly Play Foundation. She recently published “Godly Play in Middle and Late Childhood.” Email: [email protected]

Hannah Sutton-Adams

Hannah Sutton-Adams is a third year Ph.D. student at Boston College. Her areas of research interest include theology, trauma, and children’s spirituality. She has served as the research assistant at the Godly Play Foundation since 2021.