While eating lunch with friends the other day, I was reminded of the power of story. People listen to stories and remember them. They often impact us in a way that other forms of teaching don’t. Maybe that’s why such a large part of the Bible is in narrative form.
At Herald of Truth, Steve Ridgell has developed a seminar called Sharing Our Story. It emphasizes the use of stories in teaching others about Jesus, both stories from the Bible and stories of our own experience with God. It’s a powerful seminar; this isn’t really meant to be a promo, but I would highly recommend it to any congregation.
On our HopeForLife.org website, we use videos of people telling their story to help introduce people to the gospel message. Again, I have to say that there is a power in those testimonials that a step-by-step presentation could never have.
Preachers have long complained that their listeners remember the stories and not the points. One of my professors at ACU tried to teach us to use stories to our advantage, making the point with the stories. Jesus didn’t explain most of his parables; the story was the message.
In what ways have you seen the power of story in your own life?
I love the video testimonies! We need to take the time to get to know our brothers and sisters in our own congregations.
Very much so. One very influential Bible teacher on my life, constantly used stories and illustrations. He was able to take things we are very familiar with to illustrate deep Biblical truths. You never forget those illustrations and they have proved helpful time and time again in teaching others. Furthermore, from the usefulness of illustrations, I have been encouraged to look for them in my own surroundings. And low and behold they are there. This universe was created to show forth the power of God and the majesty and glory of His Christ.