Sources of Inspiration
Living Stories Sermons is deeply inspired by the rich traditions of Godly Play and Montessori education, which emphasize tactile learning, open-ended exploration, and a sense of wonder. At the same time, Living Stories has been uniquely adapted for use within the communal, intergenerational context of Sunday worship.
Drawing Inspiration
Godly Play: Living Stories borrows from Godly Play’s commitment to storytelling, wondering, and the use of tactile materials to make sacred narratives come alive. Just as Godly Play encourages children to explore the mysteries of faith through creative play, Living Stories invites people of all ages to engage Scripture with imagination and curiosity.
Montessori: The Montessori method prioritizes hands-on learning and fostering independence, which resonates in Living Stories’ approach to interpretation. Participants are encouraged to actively wonder, reflect, and share insights, rather than passively receive answers.
These methods honor the inherent creativity and capability of each participant, empowering individuals to engage with Scripture on a deeply personal level while contributing to a shared experience.
How Living Stories Is Different
While Living Stories shares a philosophical kinship with Godly Play, it is tailored specifically for use in the Sunday liturgy and includes key adaptations:
Lectionary-Based: Living Stories adheres to the Revised Common Lectionary, ensuring that each story aligns with the readings used in traditional worship services. This connection anchors Living Stories within the rhythms of the Church year, making it an integral part of congregational life.
Intergenerational Participation: Unlike Godly Play, which is typically designed for children in a classroom-like setting, Living Stories is intentionally crafted to include people of all ages, from children to elders. This intergenerational focus reflects the communal nature of worship and enriches the storytelling with diverse perspectives.
Communal Sermon Creation: In Godly Play, wondering often centers on personal reflection. Living Stories transforms this into a communal act, where participants co-create the sermon through shared wondering and dialogue. The facilitator guides the discussion without providing interpretive answers, trusting the Holy Spirit to speak through the voices of the congregation.
Integrated into Liturgy: Godly Play exists outside the structure of Sunday worship, while Living Stories is fully integrated into the liturgy, replacing the traditional sermon with an interactive experience. This shift requires minimal adaptation to the service, maintaining its flow while inviting deeper engagement with the Gospel.
Adapted Materials: Living Stories Sermons use tactile storytelling tools similar to those in Godly Play, but we do not currently offer a store, nor do we recommend any particular objects for use. We rely on churches adapting their own materials, or sourcing new ones of their own. Additionally, we create 2-dimensional images that sometimes assist in storytelling, especially when the lectionary reading has many spoken words but little action; these images are the only materials we produce in-house. This balance of sourcing materials in a variety of ways helps us share a model that is easy to implement without overburdening church budgets.
A Unique Offering
Living Stories celebrates the imaginative, tactile, and participatory spirit of our sources of inspiration while adapting these methods for a broader, liturgical context. By doing so, it bridges the gap between ancient traditions and contemporary worship, offering a new way for congregations to encounter the sacred story together.
This innovative model honors its roots while charting its own path—one where every voice has a part in sharing the Gospel story. And that’s where the real magic happens — when preachers begin to see themselves as facilitators, rather than sole interpreters.