Are you a good storyteller?

Have you heard a good story lately? Stop for a moment and think about the story: wasn’t there a beginning part that introduced the characters and built the tension of the story. Then there was the big moment where everything came to a head and major decision or action had to be made…then there was the ending (sometimes happy, sometimes not).

Usually during the set up of the story you were able to identify with a the main character personally or you know someone who reminds you of the main character. By the time the story got to the climatic moment you were in deep because you identified with something in the set up and your mind was racing about how you would resolve the major issue of the story. All of this keeps you in suspense and enthralled with the story. Then the storyteller ends the story in a way that leaves you ‘changed’ or wanting a sequel (the good stories at least).

We all know a good story when we hear/see it. However, most of us tell Hellacious stories about how we came into a relationship with Christ. Some of us talk way to long (anything over 90 seconds). Some of us give too many details (no one needs to know what you were wearing or all the extraneous things that were going on). Some of us have become so Christian that we cant tell our story without religious terms (yes Amen, halleluiah, Praise GOD count as religious terms) . Some of us had a genuine encounter with GOD and think it makes a great story to people who don’t know GOD. And others just confuse people with unclear and nebulous statements (I really wanted to believe in something). And some of us have ascended to the Right hand of the Father already and talk like it.

We all tell BAD stories or have Told BAD stories…its OK…lets just learn to be better.

First though let me share this…

Paul says that the unbeliever cannot understand spiritual things and it does not make sense to them…So the use of religious words or encounters with GOD must GO.

A great story leaves you wanting more so when you tell yours BE BRIEF.

Finally…can anyone find a single parable of Jesus’ that takes longer than 2 minutes to read. Jesus was the worlds greatest storyteller…so if HE was brief…why should we be long winded and boring.

SO…what should you do…

RE-Write your story (I mean on paper)

Here is what to do:

1. Write ten adjectives that describe you before you came to Christ
2. Chose the one adjective that best describes who you were
3. In 2 sentences write the circumstances that lead you to Christ
4. Complete this statement…’Since inviting Christ into my life, I’ve become….’

Once you are complete take these 4-5 sentences and practice delivering your story because the Bible reminds us that we must always be prepared to give an answer for the joy and hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15b).

I’d love to hear some of your stories…so please post them as comments