Part Eight – We will speak the truth in love. Ephesians 4:14-15
Storytelling to Illustrate the Good News of Jesus
It is LOVING to communicate through storytelling. People listen to stories.
“Stories are, at heart, like the baton handed over in a relay team, only when they are passed from one generation to the next.
They give each of us a visual template of what to expect, a map of the “wilderness”, but most of all, the best stories provide a sort of psychological preparation for life’s inevitable struggles.
In short, stories are prescriptions for courage. They illustrate how to run the race. And win. We are not born with courage. We may possess bravado, even arrogance. Youth normally does.
But courage is a quiet, spiritual muscle discovered only when you face your greatest fear. Stories embolden, strengthen and establish how we can become our very best.” – “Do Story” by Bobbette Buster
Psalms 78:1-4
What is a parable?
A short moral story with a symbolic meaning that was often expressed with imagery and metaphor.
Parable uses:
Riddles
Allegories
Proverbs (Wisdom)
Predictions
Enhance a message
Pronounce Judgement
Matthew 13:10-13
Luke 15
Stories help us:
Engage more of our brain
Understand
Pay attention
Trust
Be motivated to help (Generosity)
3 Possibilities that may occur when we tell a story.
1. You may learn more about the Good News of Jesus.
2. You may experience a sense of joyful fulfillment in sharing the story.
3. You may help someone connect with the powerful Good News of Jesus.
Everyone can share an aspect of the Good News of Jesus with people in their lives, by storytelling.
3 Motives we should never forget in our storytelling:
1. Love
2. Gratitude
3. Compassion
Types of stories to tell:
Testimony of your Salvation
Personal interactions with God
Answers to prayer
Personal, Biblical, historical accounts
What should we do?
1. Reflect on today’s verses.
2. Pray, asking God for help in this area.
3. Think about what the Good News of Jesus means to you.
4. Write truths of the Good News of Jesus.
5. Create stories that communicate the truths of the Good News of Jesus.
6. Ask someone for help improving your stories.
7. Ask God if there is an action step for you this week.
“The Universe is made of stories, not of atoms.” – Muriel Rukeyser, Poet & Author
Book Recommendations:
“Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairytale” – Frederick Buechner
“Do Story” by Bobbette Buster