Skip to main content

This One Mindset Changed The Way I Approach Storytelling

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.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Advent Challenge - Luke Chapters 8 and 9

Weekends can be a busy thing around the holidays.  Ironically Advent invites us to slow down while the world around us is speeding up with decorating, parties, shopping, etc.  That's why a challenge like reading a chapter of Luke every day is important - it refocusses you. Chapter 8 starts out with a parable about a farmer sowing seeds.  Most of the seed ends up useless, while the seed that fell on good soil yielded a massive harvest.  When the disciples asked what the parable is about, Jesus described it in terms of the Word of God, often falling on hearts that are either unwilling or unready, and it doesn't take hold.  But for some, it lands on a heart that's willing and ready, and bears much fruit. This sets the stage for two miracles that come next - the calming of the sea and the healing of a demoniac.  Jesus and the disciples went out on a boat, and a big storm came upon them.  While everyone else was panicking, Jesus was fast asleep in the stern...

Setbacks, Disappointments, and New Opportunities

Yesterday I received a phone call I had been waiting anxiously for. It was about a job I had put in for - and I didn’t get it. The person delivering the news was kind, and even encouraged me to apply for another position that, in her opinion, was a better fit for me. It is a different kind of job, would require a decent commute, and I’m not sure I have it in me to enter another process right now.  This morning I got myself showered and dressed and put on my clericals. Even though I was home all day I wanted to shoot a video and hence the outfit. Somehow just dressing up had me feeling less dejected - like I still could do something I was proud of. I remember years ago when my dad was looking for work. Each day he put on a shirt and tie before filling out job applications.  After the video I scheduled some more content, opened up my notebook, and started working on my plan. The ideas began to flow, time seemed to flow by, and before I knew it I had a pretty great outline for a ...

Advent Challenge - Luke Chapters 1 and 2

It's been a long time since I published here - about 10 months.  My life has taken some twists and turns.  As I went along I reflected on last year's journey, and my plan to launch Parish Development Ministries.  When I look back at everything I intended to do, I do think I had a decent road map.  But I didn't do a lot of it.  As it turns out, my heart really is in parish ministry, and I'm really glad to be back in that role. Last summer I accepted a call to St. Mary's Church in Wayne, PA.  So we moved again, and I'm settling into this new and wonderful place.  Since it is a year of new things, I decided to launch an Advent Challenge for the new year.  Things worked out nicely.  There are 24 days of Advent this year, and it's Year C, when we'll be reading the Gospel of Luke.  Since Luke has 24 chapters, it just makes sense to read one chapter a day this month, and be prepared for Christmas. Luke is an interesting Gospel.  He has one...