International (IMB/MNN) — More and more, the art of storytelling is becoming the primary way to transmit detailed information to a crowd.
In developing nations, it is the primary way to get key concepts memorized in a low-literate or illiterate community.
But storytelling doesn’t come naturally, unless you’re Jesus Christ.
Throughout Scripture, He told parables–stories–that were both obvious and thought-provoking. People have been copying His example since then as they share His Words and Truth.
So how do you re-tell the stories of Jesus?
You include emotion, conflict, resolutions, characters, because as the International Mission Board notes, who doesn’t love a good story? The Bible is packed with story after story that’s not only drama-filled, but also shows God’s power and love.
What follows are eight tips to remember:
- Don’t change the Bible’s meaning: Storying doesn’t mean embellishing or adding details. God’s Word is powerful and will speak for itself.
- Put the story in your heart: Ask God to help you apply every story to your life. Pray for the people who will hear your stories.
- Use common language: Sometimes words or ideas in the Bible are hard to understand, especially for cultures that prefer oral learning. Use words everyone can understand, and be sure to explain religious concepts.
- Know the characters: The Bible is full of people who saw God work in their lives in miraculous ways. Bring these people to life in your story.
- Act natural: No one wants to listen to a boring story. So don’t stare at the ceiling or speak in a monotone voice. Just be yourself. Tell the story as if you were talking with a friend.
- Be familiar with the story: Listen to the story, act it out, draw a storyboard — get creative. Do whatever you can to learn the story and be comfortable telling it.
- Tell just enough: If you give too many details, the story is cumbersome and hard to remember. But if you don’t give enough, people won’t understand. Find the right balance for each story.
- Practice: The best way to tell a really good story is to practice–a lot!
I appreciate your emails to me. They are informative & give me something more to pray about. Donald
Thank you for sharing that Donald! We are so blessed to be used of God in this way 🙂 Thank you for your prayers!