Power in Silence

On this episode we talk with Melinda Wenner Bradley (she/her) about the importance of silence. Melinda is a licensed Godly Play Trainer and the Director of Communications and Training for Faith & Play Stories. Since 2005, she has been sharing Godly Play and Faith & Play stories in children's programs, intergenerational worship, school classrooms, teacher workshops, and international travel in the ministry among Quakers. Her teaching ministry weaves together interests in children’s spiritual lives, program development, and support for families and teachers in faith communities and schools. Melinda advocates shifting religious formation away from scholastic models and toward experiential, belonging-focused ways of being with children and inviting them into spiritual community with all ages. The Godly Play method and stories, and for Friends the Faith & Play stories, are vital resources for making that change and nurturing growth in faith communities. Melinda holds a BA from Bryn Mawr College, MA in Education from the University of Michigan, and MA in Ministry and Leadership from Lancaster Theological Seminary. She is a co-author and editor of Faith & Play: Quaker Stories for Friends Trained in the Godly Play Method (FGC Press). In 2014, Melinda co-founded the Quaker Religious Education Collaborative, a grassroots, international network of religious education practitioners supporting life-long spiritual formation. She is the parent of three young adults who were raised on Godly Play and Faith & Play stories and are her most beloved circle.