For many years I kept my mouth glued shut. I was more than happy to share my thoughts from the pulpit, but ask me to share something one on one with another person, and my palms would get all clammy and my mouth would dry up.
Winessing, Faith Sharing, whatever you want to call it, was not taught in seminary. There were probably even little comments like, "We just don't do that in the Episcopal Church."
Another line is, "Our theology is too complex and nuanced."
And finally, "I don't want to look like one of those fundamentalists!"
We hoped that the beauty of the liturgy, or the Episcopal Church's progressive reputation would bring people in. And for a few years it did, until those vehicles stopped working.
At the same time, those big, unhelpful ideas about being too complex, or looking like a fundamentalist, or being distasteful were holding me back.
After I moved to New Jersey and had some time on my hands, my heart stirred to create this storytelling program. As I started writing my stories down I realized something.
The key moments in my faith life didn't require expert level theology. These moments involved ordinary people and ordinary experiences with the Church that ignited a faith in me. That faith later sought understanding, which is the essence of theology.
Faith has to come first. Faith is the foundation. And faith is an intuitive, even emotional connection with the Gospel. It might not have words yet.
I'm not saying that theology is unimportant - far from it. But it needs to be built on a foundation of faith.
Faith can be kindled through experiences. And experiences can be shared by storytelling.
Stories are so important because they allow me to share my experiences with you, and all you to share your stories with me. Our lives are richer because we've shared these things with each other.
I hope you will share your stories with others. You never know the impact they will make.
Please be sure to like and follow my Facebook Page to keep on all the tips and techniques for good storytelling. But above all else, tell your stories.
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