Christian Storytelling.com

Questions & Answers

We invite you to send us your storytelling questions. Tell us if we have your permission to use your name in connection with your question.

Our congregation is a storytelling group – – and so we read over your story with interest. Both Evangelicals and Jews attend our congregation. Some of the Jews are not believers (tho perhaps they married someone who, later, professed faith). Also, some of the Evangelicals have adopted a Jewish lifestyle, because of the richness of the heritage – – and also to raise the children Messianic Jewish. These children learn to read the Torah in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek. We asked the members to interact with your story about Matthew 15:21–28. One couple asked us to send you the following quiz question:

When you're through with this story:
you have learned to dislike the Pharisees

you visualize the disciples as obtuse

You realize that Gentiles are harshly caricatured as "dirty dogs."

you understand why Jews are anti-Jesus

all of the above.

I can understand why the average gentile would feel like he's a second-class citizen when reading the New Testament. Your story certainly speaks to that issue, but at what cost? — Sincerely, Dr. Jeffrey Feinberg – Etz Chaim Congregation

Dr. Feinberg, I really appreciate receiving your letter. You have helped me look at my story in a new way.

I have always told the story with the thought of how we (Gentiles) in the church treat those (Gentiles) outside the church – how God's people can become very closed–minded towards those who are not "with us."

I have also looked at the story as the first in a three–step process to open the minds of the disciples so they will accept Gentiles into the church. The Son uses this time to start the process. The Father lowers a sheet of unclean animals and instructs Peter on the rooftop. The Holy Spirit teaches us on this issue through Paul's writings.

Still, I see your point. In the story, no Jewish person is talked about in a good light. Even Jesus comes across very harsh, at least at first.

I would like to issue you a challenge, since you are a storytelling congregation. I would be interested in seeing how the people of Etz Chaim Congregation would rewrite the story, making it more in line with the areas in which they have a higher level of sensitivity.

Thank you again and I will look forward to your response.

—John

I am pleased that Dr. Feinberg and the Etz Chaim Congregation accepted my challenge and rewrote the story. I believe you will enjoy it.

Dr. Feinberg,

Thank you for accepting my challenge. I enjoyed reading "Us & Them" from a different viewpoint. I believe you added a lot of insight I had not thought of before.

I still have difficulty thinking the disciples wanted the Lord to send the woman away healed. It challenges my thinking, but I have yet to see that interpretation. I'll "chew on it" some more.

I also think you give the woman more understanding about Jewish thought then she probably had. I personally think she was responding to faith given to her there on the spot as it related to her immediate need. Still, I know that it is possible for her to have a background in Jewish culture and religion.

I need one more thing if you don't mind. Would you give me the central truth of your story? In other words, why would you tell it, who would you tell it to, and what results would you hope to get from those who hear it? It would be good to balance the reasons I gave you for why I crafted the story in the first place.

Thank you again for your work on this story.

—John

John, I appreciate your willingness to publish the story in the Q & A section and also under Stories from our Readers. I am honored.

Thanks for considering an alternate point of view. It would be unusual for us to agree on all matters, since our worldviews are so different. I do not wish to change your worldview.

When you say, "I have yet to see that interpretation," I guess I don't know what you're reading. I'd like to direct your attention to Word Biblical Commentary [Word Books], the Expositor's Bible Commentary [Zondervan], or Thornapple Commentary [Baker]. Maybe you're just saying that you have yet to make sense out of the possibility that the disciples would want to send the woman away healed so that she would stop bothering them. But Jesus himself also stonewalled her at first–it was her persistence that finally netted a response from him, and a healing, too!

As for the central truth of the story, Matthew is the most Jewish of the Gospel accounts. Thus, the central aim of the story is to open Jewish minds to the idea that saving faith could be possible for people who remain Gentiles, even though they enter the covenant as spiritual equals in the eyes of God.

I think it's ironic that you are trying to use the same story to open the church to Gentiles whom you would consider outsiders to the faith. In your own words, you say, "God's people can become very closed-minded towards those who are not 'with us.'" Indeed I believe that fits Matthew's original purpose for writing the story to his Jewish audience, too.

May God bless your ministry,

Dr. Jeffrey Feinberg

John, My reason for writing is this. I attend a charismatic church where worship music is, to say the least, lively. I have tried to offer my storytelling talents but have not really known how to mesh the worship and sermons and "operating in the gifts" they have with storytelling. Of course, the children would love it and I have told many times to them. I am speaking of the adult church. Do you have experience in this area? Do you have advice? —Sheila

Sheila, I can appreciate your concern about fitting storytelling in the regular church service. In this day and age, people are not used to storytelling directed to adults in a church service. Still, I have found it to be a great blessing if you can be flexible.

Here is what I have done. Ask the pastor if you can tell a Bible story just before the message that would match the text of the sermon. It is likely there is a sermon coming up soon that is based on a Scriptural story since 70% of the Bible is written in story form. If the pastor gives you a little bit of time, you could embellish the story a little, although I would suggest not making your embellishment too extreme. If your time is limited, simply put the written story in a telling format and don't embellish much at all. This last format is what we call BibleTelling. We have examples of both formats each month on our website under Story of the Month.

—John

John, I'm glad to find you guys as a resource. I'm in ministry (middle school, plus the 20–something crowd) in Southern California (where people are consumed by story!). I'm encouraged to try to take a step in that direction.

My main question is though, are the rights to the stories of the month on your site restricted in any way, or would I be able to use them freely in sermons/lessons/etc?

I wasn't sure if you intend for them to be examples or actually for use.

Thanks, —John

John, Yes, you may tell my stories as freely as you like. I would be honored. They are protected from being published, but you can tell them as much as you like. Keep me informed with your progress in the world or storytelling ministry.

—John

I am wondering if there are any storytelling groups in North or South Dakota and how to contact them. I would like to attend a training event but even MN is a 7–10 hour drive for me. —Karen

Karen, I don't know of any storytelling groups in North or South Dakota. I explain how to form your a Christian storytelling group in my book, The Art of Storytelling. I would be glad to guide you through that if you are interested.

For a secular storytelling groups, go to your library and ask about it. They usually keep up on things like that. If the first one you talk to knows nothing about it, ask others.

I may be speaking at a home school convention in South Dakota this summer.

—John

John, I just wanted to follow up and say, if your story telling group can come up with lot's of stories about the people in the Bible, I think you should publish a book with them all. I would be very interested in buying a book like that where I can read stories to my kids at bedtime. Keep up the great work! May our Lord bless you with wisdom and finances to be able to get a book published in the near future with all of your great stories!

Your sister in Christ, —Mayra.

Mayra, Thank you for your encouraging email! Yes, we have thought about putting some of these stories in print. Please pray to that end.

—John

Thank you for the story [Abraham's Trial]. It touched me. God brought to mind some things that I have had to accept, that have been difficult for me. Am I willing to trust God and not be bitter?

Thank you! I think the point of the story was to trust God enough to give Him everything, with a willingness to follow Him in trust, no matter what happens.

I wonder if this kind of story could be presented to 8 and 9 year old children without telling them the point. I'm thinking that perhaps some could handle it, while others are more concrete and do not pick out points well by themselves, but would do better if a storyteller told them what were the main points. I'm not sure. —Barb

Barb, You make a good point. I have personally thought that the story is a little heavy for 8–9 year olds. Still, it may be all right. Especially when you consider what they get on TV and computer games.

Giving them the point would be all right. Still, it you don't, it may lay there and grow and someday bear fruit on its own.

Thank you for you thoughts, and for telling me how the story was used in your own personal life. If you decide to use it for that age group, let me know how it goes.

—John

John, I had the opportunity to do my first story for both chapels at our school. I was sooooo nervous, however, the Lord blessed the event. I was amazed that the Lord enabled me to captivate the attention of the 6th–11th grade students. They can be a difficult group to talk to. I was glad it was finally over but am excited for the next chance to tell another story.

Thank you for the classes I attended at the convention in Sacramento. I spoke briefly with you at lunch and expressed that I wouldn't be able to attend all your seminars. Needless to say, it was so good that I had to attend all of them. Thank you again, —Robin Gateway Christian School, Antioch, California.

Robin, Thank you for contacting me about your story. Praise the Lord! Hearing how the Lord used you and your storytelling has lifted my spirits.

I hope you enjoy this month's Story of the Month. If you recall, it is the one I worked on at Sacramento.

Keep me informed on your storytelling opportunities.

—John

I was in the six sessions you gave at the PA Christian School Teachers' Convention last fall. This month's story was the one you were developing during that time. I just wanted you to know that it turned out to be a very powerful story! Thanks. —Frances

Frances, Thank you for contacting me. I'm glad you like how the story developed. I trust the Lord will use it for His glory. —John

HI friends! I was just looking up info on the annual St. Louis, MO story telling festival. I am often disappointed in the content of the stories told, so I wondered if there were any Christian story tellers, so I typed that in to Goggle, and found you!!!!

Wow!!!!! I am so glad I found you! I work in children's ministry and I love telling the Bible stories, but would love to learn more!

Do you ever come to St. Louis for workshops?

I just read the article about how to use a Bible story for a sermon. That is so excellent! I have often wanted to take a course on how to do a sermon, because I feel that I am doing that on a children's level. Stories are perfect because Jesus often taught that way.

Also, I would like to order the Journey CD, but don't use credit card too often. If I sent a check, would that shipping cost be?(Our 10 year old son LOVES stories. He is an auditory learner! He will listen to books on tape for hours!)

I read the story of the month. I liked it, but how do you deal with or reconcile, "adding" to the Scriptures? I guess in any art form, that happens, but I am just curious your thoughts on that. Thank you so much! Lucy

Lucy, Thank you for contacting us. I'm glad you found our website.

If you want to order our CD or book, just call (800) 420–0022 and ask for Jan.

I divide Bible storytelling into two parts. Stories about the Bible and BibleTelling.

Stories about the Bible is similar to what a pastor does in a sermon. I research and study a passage, then I determine what it is teaching. I put all that in the story. In other words, it is a form of preaching.

BibleTelling is telling the story close to how it is written, similar to an "oral Bible." I am teaching a six–hour class on this May 8th in Bloomington, IL ($25). This is a great tool for outreach.

Did you know our Story of the Month goes back five months? Keep in touch.

—John

Here is an email about Michael Forestieri's workshop in Media PA:

I am a doctoral ministry student … and I would like to make this a component of my formal study. Where should I start? I notice you have an upcoming seminar in March at the Abounding Grace Worship Center in Media, PA [conducted by Michael Forestieri]. Would attending this be a good start? —Jan

Jan, Yes, it would be good if you can make the Media, PA seminar. Michael Forestieri is the teacher and he is good. You will enjoy the seminar, but you will also enjoy talking to Michael and getting ideas from him.

—John

Jan, Were you able to attend the training in Media, PA? If so, was it what you wanted?

—John

John, Yes, I did go to the conference, and it was fantastically practical. I enjoyed every moment of it. The church was also very hospitable. Michael is truly a gifted teacher.

On Sunday I did a prelude to communion. … I was emphasizing Peter's denial and God's incredible forgiveness. I decided to go "no notes" and consciously implemented a few gems from Michael's teaching, but I didn't do a story per se. However, after church several people thanked me for the "drama". I was so shocked —Jan

We received a letter from a student at New England Bible College in S. Portland Maine. This last semester, they offered a course on storytelling using The Art of Storytelling as a text. He writes:

"I am in youth ministry and have really enjoyed your book. It has helped me in my ministry and I believe it will continue to do so. I look forward to growing in my storytelling abilities. Thank you.

I have a question. I am scheduled to speak at a youth gathering and I was wondering how to find a story that presents the Gospel."

&ndash Bible Student from Maine

I am glad your school is offering a course that is so practical to ministry. I looked up the school's website and I thought I would pass it on for others. It is www.nebc.edu

There are two things that come to mind about preparing a story that presents the gospel.

1. A Bible Story – Not all Bible stories are easy to use as gospel presentations. Others stories are very pointed in that direction – The New Birth story in John 3, The Philippian jailer in Acts 16, and Zacchaeus in Luke 19. Take a story like one of these and go through my 14 steps of preparing a Bible Story. You will have a powerful presentation of the gospel.

2. A Christian Story – There are many small stories that can be expanded to get your point across. I usually take some small illustration that I hear from the pulpit and expand upon it.

3. A Biography of a Great Christian – There are many testimonies of missionaries and Christian leaders that can be used in this regard. Take just one part of their life and build a story from it. Don't try to tell everything about the person. That would be too long.

I hope this has been helpful. Write me again if you need more ideas

We receive emails requesting particular Bible stories. Here are two recent requests that I hope you can help solve:

I am searching for a written, ready to use, story on the parable of the Sower, Seed and Ground from Matthew 13. If at all possible, if you know of one, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you soon. Thank you very much, —Debra

Do you have any stories on Nehemiah? Thank you, Sarah

Email me if you think of anything. I'll give you credit in the answer.

Here is an email I wrote to a missionary about our upcoming BibleTelling training:

Jim, you should seriously think about attending the Training the Trainer. There are several advantages to attending.

You will get a total overview of our entire ministry and what we can offer missionaries.
This training is small and personal. There will only be 10 – 15 people attending. You not only get to know me, but you will also be with other storytellers who want to expand their ministry.
You will learn more than storytelling at this meeting. People tell me that the best part of the training is the activities I take them through that helps them evaluate their focus. We have been able to help pastors, missionaries, and business people truly identify their purpose, focus on their priorities, determine what opportunities to avoid, and map out their future.
You will be given the tools to train others in storytelling.