Learning the ancient art of storytelling
from each other
Storytelling has a long history. The events of Genesis, for example, were passed orally from generation to generation until they were finally written down. The story of the Passover and the Hebrews’ exodus from slavery in Egypt was retold orally many times in the bible[1] as a reminder of God’s grace. Jesus used parables to teach spiritual truths. Stories are a huge part of the bible.
“Biblical storytelling” focuses on the oral telling of scripture. At its simplest level, it is the memorization and verbal speaking of the biblical text. It goes way beyond that, however. The storyteller must study the scripture, research it, live it, and breathe it, in order to internalize it and then deliver it. This results in spiritual blessing to both the tellers and the hearers.
We are starting a storytellers group in Haliburton. While the core of this group is “biblical storytelling”, we will include other styles and formats. This group will encourage people to tell and hear stories. The meetings will include storytelling tips and techniques, opportunities for people to tell stories, and evaluations. We would eventually like to involve children and teenagers in storytelling.
[1] Exodus; Joshua 2;Joshua 24; Judges 11; Nehemiah 9; Psalms 66, 106, 136; Acts 7; Hebrews 11.
“Biblical storytelling” focuses on the oral telling of scripture. At its simplest level, it is the memorization and verbal speaking of the biblical text. It goes way beyond that, however. The storyteller must study the scripture, research it, live it, and breathe it, in order to internalize it and then deliver it. This results in spiritual blessing to both the tellers and the hearers.
We are starting a storytellers group in Haliburton. While the core of this group is “biblical storytelling”, we will include other styles and formats. This group will encourage people to tell and hear stories. The meetings will include storytelling tips and techniques, opportunities for people to tell stories, and evaluations. We would eventually like to involve children and teenagers in storytelling.
[1] Exodus; Joshua 2;Joshua 24; Judges 11; Nehemiah 9; Psalms 66, 106, 136; Acts 7; Hebrews 11.
Types and Styles of Stories
While our focus will be on biblical storytelling, we hope to develop our skills in any type of storytelling that will help us to better communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ. The following describes some of the types and styles of storytelling we can work on. This is not a comprehensive list, and probably never will be, but it will give us some specifics to start with.
Bible
Cold Reading
How hard can this be? Isn't it just picking up the bible, turning to the right page, and just--um--reading? Aloud? Isn't that the easiest thing in the world?
Well, yes. Er. No. Easy for some, not-so-easy for others. In fact, it can be downright terrifying. We would like to find ways of helping each other overcome the difficulties of cold reading, and learn to read expressively even if we haven't had a chance to prepare. Interpretive Reading
Yes, this is picking up the bible, turning to the right page, and reading it. Aloud. But it is done after close study of the text, rehearsing it, living with it, and, yes, interpreting it.
Telling by Heart
"Biblical Storytelling" is all about the memorizing and the telling. It is taking the Word, inhaling and exhaling it, writing it on our hearts, and telling it, word for word. It is a powerful expression of worship.
Retelling
Another dynamic way of telling Bible stories is retelling them in our own words. Again, it needs study, understanding, interpretation and ownership of the biblical text.
We will also learn how to take other people's "retellings", memorize them, and tell them. |
Testimonies of Grace
Personal Stories
We all have experienced God's grace in our lives. We will learn how to share those times.
Other People's Stories
We can tell other people's stories, too. It could be a family member's story, a friend's. It could be an inspiring missionary story. There is a limitless supply of stories of God's grace in people's lives that will inspire, encourage, and challenge.
Monodramas
Many stories are told in the first-person. Monodramas take that further so that storytellers "become" the characters in the story, and live it as they tell it. This method, which strays perilously close to acting, can be used for telling bible stories, biographical accounts, and fiction.
Audience Involvement
Responsive readings and litanies are dynamic ways of getting everyone in the congregation to interact with the scripture, and we will explore their possibilities.
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Specialized Stories
Parables & Allegories
Jesus used parables to explain spiritual truths. We will learn how to find these stories, and create our own.
Fables
Aesop wasn't the only one who told stories! Fables are short stories with a moral.
Folk Tales
Every culture and people group are rich with folk tales we can tell to help us understand the things of God.
Humorous Stories
Humour, if it isn't mean-spirited or crude, can tear down walls that separate us from each other. Once we get people laughing, we have them on our side, softened and ready to hear. We will learn how to use humour purposefully in communicating the gospel.
Children's Stories
Whether it's in Sunday School, or delivering a short message to the children in the middle of a worship service, learning and telling stories and object lessons is a ministry that bears much good fruit.
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