The Power of Story

Several months ago, I heard a small group of pastors talking, and one was telling how he wouldn't waste his time reading novels, even if they were Christian. According to him, stories like that was unimportant and he saw no need for them. The others seemed to agree, and I was taken aback. I had never looked at Christian fiction so judgmentally.

My church has been doing a study using the book, Patterned, which is on "sharing & imitating Christ together." Week 8 deals with ministry opportunities through storytelling. Jesus was the Master Storyteller, using parables to teach important biblical truths. And yes, the parables were stories like those pastors were disparaging. 

"Stories can reach into the minds and hearts of people, teaching beliefs, values, and attitudes where other approaches have difficulty" (p. 193). They pull us in and cause us to apply what's happening there to our own lives. Research shows that 80% of the world's population prefer to learn from stories; and while a few might choose to learn through an explanation of concepts, even these can learn through stories.*

"No matter how much education we have, no matter how old we are, stories still move us" (p. 194). In fact, the Bible is not just a book or rules, as many think. It is God's story, a true story, but a story nonetheless. "Stories bring the truth to life" (p.199). "Many misunderstand the place and power of story. Jesus didn't. We shouldn't either. Story has the power to lead us and draw us into a deeper relationship with God" (p.195).*

*Robinson, George, Tim Brannagan, and others, Patterned. Cary, NC: Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. 2016.

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