Ministry Leader Training

Can Adam and Eve Come Out to Play?

Shaping A Theology of Play in the Image and Likeness of God

Why cultivate a playful spiritual life? Why incorporate play into our ministry settings?

Rev. Dr. Jason Brian Santos will help us explore the often-overlooked value of "play” through multiple lenses: cultural, sociological, philosophical, and Biblical – with the aim of constructing a practical theology of play that reframes our understanding of the image and likeness of God within us.

During our session, we’ll explore why we should engage in playful activities, what tabletop games might offer our efforts in faith formation, and how we can hold the value of play in tension with the realities of the world around us. Offering us tools to develop more playful ministries, this session will ground us in practices certain to transform both our congregations and our daily lives. Join Youthfront’s Matt Saunders and Rev. Santos for this unique event designed for pastors, youth and children’s ministry workers.

Details:

Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: Leawood Presbyterian Church – 2715 W 83rd St, Leawood, KS 66206

Registration fee: $10 (includes lunch from Joe’s KC)

Jason Santos

Jason Santos: The Rev. Dr. Jason Brian Santos is a North American practical theologian and the pastor of Community Presbyterian Church, a small mountain congregation located in Lake City, CO. He is an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He holds a Ph.D. in practical theology from Princeton Theological Seminary, where he also earned his Master of Divinity. He also holds a Master of Arts degree in Systematic Theology from Wheaton College Graduate School. He is the author of A Community Called Taizé (IVP, 2008). Currently, he lives in an almost 150 year old manse with his wife, Shannon and his 14 year old son, Silas. His oldest son, Judah is a student at St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In his free time, Jason plays and designs board games.

Matt Saunders

Matt Saunders:

Matt Saunders, Senior Director of Camps, has been part of the Youthfront staff since 2012. He is passionate about curating playful and engaging spaces for youth to experience redemptive moments. Prior to joining Youthfront, Matt served as a youth worker for 15 years. His churches were in Idaho, Calgary (Alberta, Canada), and Kansas. He is a curriculum developer, speaker, adjunct professor, and published game designer. Matt received his Master of Liberal Arts degree with a concentration in history and game-based learning from Baker University. Matt is married to Sheila, and they have two college age students, Kryon and Raylee. With his free time, Matt loves to play and design board games, puzzle hunts, and escape rooms.

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Price: $10.00

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