The Play Collective

We believe in the power of PLAY!

We believe in…

Playing on purpose

Leading into the future

Art, Storytelling, and You, oh my!

Yes, and…

We can…

  • Lead keynotes and workshops for conferences and retreats

  • Consult with congregations, judicatories, or non-profits

  • Mentor or coach leaders

  • Guide teams in setting imaginative but actionable goals

This creative approach to ministry is what makes us powerful, unique leaders, and crucial resources for churches who recognize the need to make change. We partner together and with you to imagine new realities and envision how your ministry can thrive in an uncertain future. Look at our bios and what we offer, and contact us to talk about next steps we can take together. 

Emily King

Yes, and…

Learn more about Emily.

Stephanie Luedtke

Leading into the future

It’s so easy to lean on what we know and what’s worked in the past. But have you noticed? Things that worked in the past are less and less successful these days. The world is changing fast, and the opportunity for the church is not merely to keep up, but to lead the way. In the Bible God says (more than once), “I’m doing a new thing!” And God invites us into that new thing. We have the chance to lead the way and present new ways of embodying God’s love, of being together as God’s creation, of serving our neighbors. We just need to gather our courage and learn how to see what’s coming down the road ahead of us.

Learn more about Stephanie.

Heather Roth Johnson

Art, storytelling, and you, oh my!

Arts and storytelling in worship connect faith to the human heart in powerful, lasting ways. Through music, visual art, drama, and narrative, worship becomes more than spoken words—it becomes an experience that invites participation, imagination, and memory. Stories help pass faith from one generation to the next, making timeless truths accessible to children, meaningful to adults, and reflective for elders. Art crosses cultural and age barriers, allowing people to encounter God emotionally as well as intellectually. When worship engages creativity and story, it honors how people learn, remember, and believe, strengthening community and faith across all generations.

Learn more about Heather.

Jen Rome

Playing on purpose

When we think about Jesus taking on human flesh, we often think to suffering and the cross. But becoming flesh also means that Jesus came to be with us as a child. Through Jesus, God goes on a life-long playdate with us. Play is an essential means of connection for the young. Those of us who are grown can grow and heal by playing in God's story in worship, in learning, in meetings, and in fellowship.

Learn more about Jen