Storying Session Elements
The following is a storying format that we’ve used with all ages. For specific ideas for each of these elements, go to the IDEAS section of this website!
Build COMMUNITY
Have a meal together, play a game, and connect relationally. Don’t underestimate the power of laughter and fun.
REVIEW Previous Stories
Review should be fast-paced and fun. The goal in reviewing past stories is to help the group make connections between the stories and see how each story fits into a larger narrative. Spending time reviewing the story from the previous session also helps get everyone up to speed.
PREPARE for Imaginative Listening
Set a reflective tone by taking a quiet moment to slow down, pray, breathe and focus on entering the story with our imaginations. This may also include lighting a candle, and giving a challenge toward setting aside distractions. This will help to set aside your storytelling as a sacred time.
NARRATE the Story
Your role is not just reading words off a page, but bringing those words to life. Storytelling is more like the work of an artist than that of a teacher. Storytelling should be practiced, and read with emotion and energy.
REFLECT on the Story
A quiet minute to stay engaged with our imaginations and look back at the story. Participants should think about: What did you see or sense as you listened to the story? What did it the story cause you to wonder? Following this minute or two of reflection, the group should share their observations and wonderings.
REPLAY the Story
Continued exploration of what we noticed in the story by choosing from a few options:
Try activities that will connect with different types of learners.
DIALOGUE About the New Story
Dialogue is where connections are made, key truths emerge, and the story becomes “our” story. Dialogue time is the key to effective storying. Group dialogue begins with sharing about our experiences in the replay activity, then moving into observation questions. In the lessons I've crafted, questions guide participants to focus on wondering (feelings), remembering (facts), integrating (meaning) and connecting (implications). These questions help the group to integrate and surface meaning from the story by exploring the character of God and humanity.
CONNECT the Story to Our Own Stories
Providing time for connection helps participants apply what they’re learning to real life. Plan time and activities that help participants process how they’re seeing God’s Story connect to their stories. You may want to break your group into groups of three for more in-depth discussion and prayer. Ask participants to process a specific connecting question, such as, “How does this story challenge or encourage you to live?” They may want to write out their thoughts before sharing them in a group.
The following is a storying format that we’ve used with all ages. For specific ideas for each of these elements, go to the IDEAS section of this website!
Build COMMUNITY
Have a meal together, play a game, and connect relationally. Don’t underestimate the power of laughter and fun.
REVIEW Previous Stories
Review should be fast-paced and fun. The goal in reviewing past stories is to help the group make connections between the stories and see how each story fits into a larger narrative. Spending time reviewing the story from the previous session also helps get everyone up to speed.
PREPARE for Imaginative Listening
Set a reflective tone by taking a quiet moment to slow down, pray, breathe and focus on entering the story with our imaginations. This may also include lighting a candle, and giving a challenge toward setting aside distractions. This will help to set aside your storytelling as a sacred time.
NARRATE the Story
Your role is not just reading words off a page, but bringing those words to life. Storytelling is more like the work of an artist than that of a teacher. Storytelling should be practiced, and read with emotion and energy.
REFLECT on the Story
A quiet minute to stay engaged with our imaginations and look back at the story. Participants should think about: What did you see or sense as you listened to the story? What did it the story cause you to wonder? Following this minute or two of reflection, the group should share their observations and wonderings.
REPLAY the Story
Continued exploration of what we noticed in the story by choosing from a few options:
- Writing, journaling, or creating a poem about what stood out to you.
- Sketching a scene or scenes that stood out to you.
- Meditating on the story through reading an excerpt from the story.
- Listening to an audio of the story and journal thoughts about it.
- Additional options could include: an "act it out" station, different art mediums – clay, pastels, etc., group storyboards and journals.
Try activities that will connect with different types of learners.
DIALOGUE About the New Story
Dialogue is where connections are made, key truths emerge, and the story becomes “our” story. Dialogue time is the key to effective storying. Group dialogue begins with sharing about our experiences in the replay activity, then moving into observation questions. In the lessons I've crafted, questions guide participants to focus on wondering (feelings), remembering (facts), integrating (meaning) and connecting (implications). These questions help the group to integrate and surface meaning from the story by exploring the character of God and humanity.
CONNECT the Story to Our Own Stories
Providing time for connection helps participants apply what they’re learning to real life. Plan time and activities that help participants process how they’re seeing God’s Story connect to their stories. You may want to break your group into groups of three for more in-depth discussion and prayer. Ask participants to process a specific connecting question, such as, “How does this story challenge or encourage you to live?” They may want to write out their thoughts before sharing them in a group.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BIBLE STORYING:
“My students were immersed in the Scriptures in a way they have never been before. They have a greater understanding of the Story of Stories. They became a part of the Story! This was an opportunity for us to engage in a life-changing experience.”
- DAVID, YOUTH WORKER
“The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.”
- MARTIN LUTHER
“The stories challenged me to look beneath the surface and search for more about Godʼs character. I learned something new from every single story.”
- JESSICA, STUDENT
