FERGUSON – “Tell me a story” is a request that will be granted more often now that Nancy Wilson, Cru Global Ambassador, is equipping Christians to tell stories.
Recently, Wilson taught several pastors and Christian leaders in Storywave, a seminar, here at First Baptist Church.
“The post-modern generation learns by story,” Wilson said, “but, they don’t know Bible stories. Our goal is to walk away from this seminar knowing stories and being equipped with tools to tell your own story with God’s story.”
Wilson pointed out that storytelling was important in Jesus’ ministry.
“Jesus was the master storyteller,” she said. “Believers need to tell God’s love story.”
During the seminar, Wilson helps participants adapt the Bible stories to various situations.
“We need to be ready with God’s stories and to live life with the Holy Spirit,” she said.
Wilson used an acronym with STORY to describe the effectiveness of stories. According to Wilson, story sparks conversation; serves as a testimony bridge; opens hearts and minds, especially those with different worldviews; relates to felt needs; and you have a story to share.
“Jesus meets people right where they are,” she said. “His power is unleashed in the stories with His timing. His Spirit through the word of God causes the stories to take root.”
Wilson led the group to consider the variety of human needs. The group listed broken relationships, lack of identity, finances, emotional and physical among others.
“We must be willing to engage others and to reach out to love people.” She said. “Jesus has the power to free from bondage. His stories connect with people.”
Storywave helps develop planning to craft stories to use with seekers.
“Knowing the target audience is important to know which story would be the most powerful,” she said. “Understanding the different cultures is also important, to know what they believe. Even church members are lost in the wonder of stories. Stories open hearts without convincing them by points. Jesus asked questions to build bridges.”
Wilson also described the impact the story preparation had on her life.
“I read the story in Scripture over and over, then, I read it out loud,” she said. “After that, I try it without reading it to see what I left out. The more I put the story in my heart, I begin thinking of Jesus and thinking of His great compassion. I fall in love with Him all over again. I put myself in the story and experience it. A good storyteller tells from experience.”
According to Wilson, storytelling is becoming more important for ministry and this seminar teaches participants the best way to craft a story and give many tips for presentation.
“Storytelling is a wonderful way to cultivate hearts for story groups to learn about Jesus and to draw people out for discipleship,” she said.