Game Church grows connections, shares Jesus

By Rev. Stephanie Smith

Rev. Matt Stout, pastor of Garden City UMC, has pioneered an innovative ministry: Game Church. Born out of his love for Dungeons & Dragons, this bi-monthly gathering - meeting every other Thursday night at Savannah Game Lions in Pooler, Ga. - is a one-of-a-kind intersection where faith and gaming converge. 

In Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), a group of players forms an adventuring party who explore fantasy worlds together as they embark on epic quests and level up in experience. Those gathered become characters they create, battle foes, uncover secrets, and find treasure.

By using D&D as a tool for spiritual exploration, Game Church creates a space that nurtures community and encourages players to delve into moral and spiritual questions within a supportive and unique environment.

Rev. Stout’s vision for Game Church extends far beyond gaming. For him, it's also about fostering a space where everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs, feels welcomed and valued. This spiritual community is built on transparency and support, with honesty being a core value.

Each Game Church gathering is an opportunity for individuals to discuss a Jesus story, share personal experiences, and offer prayers for one another. This fosters a sense of camaraderie and support that extends beyond the game itself. 

“Our time of lifting up prayer concerns is what has really grown our connection to each other,” Rev. Stout said.

By meeting people where they are and inviting them into the world of D&D, Game Church creates opportunities for authentic discussions about spirituality, morality, and the human experience. Rev. Stout sees Game Church as a place where the gospel message can be shared with those who might otherwise never set foot in a church.

“Gamers attending Game Church come from diverse backgrounds,” said Rev. Stout. “What's intriguing is how those without a religious affiliation are discovering a sense of belonging among fellow enthusiasts and are open to learning about Jesus. A recent addition to our community has identified as an atheist but expresses a desire to join and participate in our Game Church gatherings.”

Through the shared experience of storytelling and adventure, Game Church demonstrates that faith can be found in unexpected places, including the realms of fantasy and imagination. This unique approach inspires hope and offers a new perspective on spirituality.

“I visited Game Church to immerse myself in their activities,” said Rev. Stephanie Smith, a South Georgia Cultivator under the umbrella of Congregational Development. “During the Jesus Story segment, I observed a young man discreetly flipping through his D&D book, seemingly disengaged. However, as the narrative shifted to the parable of the Good Samaritan, incorporating elements familiar to him like Orcs and Half-Elves, his attention was captivated.

“It was remarkable to witness the depth of connection he experienced thereafter. He actively participated in sharing personal prayer concerns and seamlessly integrated the essence of the story into the subsequent gameplay of Dungeons & Dragons,” said Rev. Smith.

Are you interested in learning more about Game Church or starting your fresh expression ministries and how they're transforming communities? Delve deeper into this innovative approach to church by exploring resources online at Discipleship Ministries: www.umcdiscipleship.org/equipping-leaders/fresh-expressions. Whether you're a church leader or someone passionate about sharing Christ's love, fresh expressions offer exciting ministry opportunities in today's diverse world. Embrace the adventure of discovering how God can bring hope and transformation through these innovative approaches.

Rev. Stephanie Smith is the associate pastor at Pittman Park UMC in Statesboro and is working with district and conference communications.