Episode 8: SACRED PLAY SERIES pt 3 | PLAY AS SACRED SPACE – MEETING GOD IN IMAGINATION

What if your child’s imagination isn’t just innocent—it’s spiritual?
In this episode of Parent Forward, we explore how imaginative play creates sacred space for children to meet God—and how it can invite us back into wonder, too. From stuffed animal sermons to cardboard castles, play isn’t a distraction from spiritual formation… it is spiritual formation.

Drawing on insights from C.S. Lewis, Karl Rahner, Eugene Peterson, and children’s spirituality experts, Julie offers a poetic and practical vision of parenting that honors the holy in your child’s creativity—and rekindles it in you.

from this episode:

Why kids experience God most naturally through imagination

How theology without imagination becomes flat

A story about Julie’s daughter and her stuffed animal “church”

Reflections from Jared Patrick Boyd, Catherine Stonehouse, and Scottie May

The invitation to reawaken your own wonder as a parent

Mentioned in the Episode:

Imaginative Prayer by Jared Patrick Boyd

Listening to Children on the Spiritual Journey by Catherine Stonehouse & Scottie May

Mimi L. Larson, Executive Director of the Center for Faith and Children, also check out a book she compiled to children’s ministry directors: Bridging Theory and Practice in Children’s Spirituality: New Directions for Education, Ministry, and Discipleship

C.S. Lewis on baptized imagination

Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places by Eugene Peterson

Writings of Karl Rahner on experiential faith

Explore More:

Follow Julie on Instagram @parentforwardpodcast

Listen to the full Sacred Play series

Get exclusive access to behind-the-scenes content, book recommendations, and spiritual practices that pair with each episode. Join Here

Support the Podcast:
If this episode gave you permission to loosen up and laugh, would you consider:
✔️ Sharing it with a friend
✔️ Leaving a review on Apple Podcasts
✔️ Tagging me on Instagram

You never know who might need an invitation to play again.