What was Your Favorite Story?
Do you remember the stories you were drawn to as a kid?
Stories of heroes and villains, friendships, the power of community, and overcoming difficulties and challenges. There is no denying the allure of stories. They have such an ability to draw us together collectively. Teaching us something about the subject, the situation and even ourselves.
In the context of small groups, storytelling is the personal narration of our life experiences. It is something, I believe, that is part of the very fabric of who we are as image-bearers of God.
The Master Storyteller
Stories played such an incredible role in the life and ministry of Jesus. So often, we find a crowd of people gathered around him, leaning in and listening intently to him. Stories about a lamp (Matthew 5:14-16), a Sower (Matthew 13:1-23), or the rich fool (Luke 12:13-21).
These stories are known to us as parables and were used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. Jesus was a master storyteller. His ability to take profound spiritual truths and package them in the form of relatable stories was incredible.
Did you know he also told others to go and tell their own stories?
Mission and Story
Right after the whole event on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus calmed the storm, he and his disciples encountered a man “…in the Gerasene Country opposite Galilee, [who was] full of demonic spirits” (Luke 8:26-39). We don’t know much about this man. But we do come face-to-face with his reality. He had often been tied up, chained, and kept under guard, but each time he broke free. The demonic power would then drive him into remote places away from human contact. He was imprisoned by evil – broken, needy, and isolated.
His story was tragic.
Until that is, he encountered Jesus and his life was irreversibly transformed. And where do we find him after this interaction with Jesus? Sitting at his feet in the posture of a disciple. He had finally found true freedom and peace in the presence of Jesus.
When it was time for Jesus to leave he begs to go with them. You can almost hear the desperation in his voice, “I can’t stay here. I must come with you. You saved me. Let me follow you.” But it is Jesus’ response to this request that I want you to notice:
No. Go home. Tell your people this unique story about how much God has done for you.
Luke 8:39
Jesus tells the man his new mission is to go and tell his story. A story that was full of brokenness, wandering and desperation. But also one filled with hope, redemption, and freedom. I believe Jesus did so because he understood the power that sharing our stories has on us and the listeners’ lives.
Telling Your Unique Story
So, what is your unique story?
Whatever your experience, wherever you find yourself, whatever has led you to this place, one thing is true – you have a story to tell. A story with different chapters – some being mundane and ordinary, others tragic and broken, some full of joy and happiness. Each chapter fits together into an unfolding narrative of who you are! A story that is still being written.
I believe we must create an environment in our small group ministries where each person can authentically share their story. As you build your groups, do so with storytelling in mind. Knowing that by the telling of our stories we experience collectively how God is present. And also how simply through the act of sharing we can draw closer to each other and to him.
Three Tools to Encourage Storytelling in Your Small Groups
#1 – Story Cards. This resource has been an incredible blessing across every area of our ministry. This resource from North Point Community Church, consisting of several cards with photos, is quite simple; but has produced excellent results. You ask a question, and then the people in your group choose a picture that best illustrates their answer. You then take time for them to share their response and why they chose that photo.
#2 – Questions in a Box. This free app (iOS & Android), built by spreadtruth.com, has also been a unique tool for initiating conversation. The landing screen provides four simple options: We Just Met, Acquaintances, Good Friends, and Big Picture. Picking an option will generate a random question that you can use to help spark meaningful conversations.
#3 – Go first. Admittedly this is not a physical tool, but by going first, you exemplify what it means to be a storyteller. Sharing the story of how God has and is working in your life can be a powerful tool to encourage other point people to begin sharing their own stories. So take some time to think about your story and how you would tell it to others.
