Connecting through shared narratives
Storytelling has been a fundamental aspect of human culture since ancient times, serving as a means of passing down traditions, imparting wisdom, and fostering connection within communities.
Neo Griots
Scholars name the West African griots among the first storytellers, playing a crucial role in preserving oral histories through poetry, song, and dance. Fast forward centuries later and we have become the “neo griots,” the new storytellers of our age, discovering innovative and compelling ways to carry forward the art and practice of “storying” our world.
Within religious traditions like Christianity, the art of storytelling takes on a unique significance, particularly when it comes to sharing the stories found within the Bible. However, the true power of these stories is not merely in their retelling but in the way they are told—rooted in human connection, authenticity, and a shared journey towards transformation.
Connection
At the center of authentic Bible storytelling lies the recognition of our shared humanity. These narratives, whether recounting tales of triumph, struggle, redemption, or faith, speak to universal themes and experiences that resonate across cultures and generations. God’s story becomes our story.
When approached with empathy, compassion, and understanding, these sacred texts have the potential to transcend religious boundaries and touch the hearts of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Rather than simply reciting verses or recounting historical events, effective storytellers engage with their audience on a deeply personal level, inviting them to enter into the narrative and see themselves reflected in its characters and themes. We aren’t voyeuristically observing passersby from afar, but are called to become active participants in an ever-unfolding movement of collective healing and liberation. God’s spirit is enfleshed and embodied, moving and breathing within and among us.
By fostering a sense of empathy, shared experience, and human connection, storytelling becomes a powerful tool for building bridges between people, fostering understanding, and promoting unity and solidarity in an increasingly divided world.
Authenticity
Authenticity is another essential practice in the art of Biblical storytelling. Genuine storytellers speak from the heart, sharing their own struggles, doubts, and revelations as they relate to the biblical narrative. By embracing vulnerability and authenticity, storytellers create a safe enough space for listeners to do the same, creating an atmosphere of openness and trust where genuine connections can flourish.
Authentic storytelling acknowledges the complexities of faith and invites individuals to engage with the text in a meaningful and personal way, free from judgment or pretense. It’s particularly important that we don’t always position ourselves as the hero or protagonist of every reading. An honest and holistic view of ourselves in light of scripture reveals that within us we contain a multitude, the ability to hurt and to heal, to grieve and rejoice, to rage and to love.
We experience more of the fullness of God, the Bible, and ourselves when we allow the space for nuance, tension, and texture to emerge. All stories are richer, more vivid, and vibrant when we can see the expanding spectrum of color through the kaleidoscope of authenticity.
Transformation
Furthermore, the art of storytelling serves as a catalyst for collective transformation. As listeners are drawn into the narrative and challenged to grapple with its implications for their own lives, they are invited on a journey of spiritual growth and renewal. Through shared reflection, dialogue, and communal action, storytelling becomes a force for positive change, inspiring individuals and communities to live out their values and work towards a more just, compassionate, and inclusive world. Some might even say this is the core of the Gospel and the ministry of Christ.
From the poems, parables, and prophetic proclamations—very few, if any, of the stories were written by and for individuals. With 66 books spanning thousands of miles and thousands of years, the grand tapestry of the biblical narrative encompasses a vast array of genres, themes, and perspectives written by and for a collective group of people.
We can’t have collective liberation without the collective. The connectivity and authenticity through which we tell these sacred stories become meaningless if the way we tell the stories doesn’t contribute to the healing and wholeness of our entire community.
Ultimately, the art of telling Bible stories is most powerful when it is rooted in a practice of human connection, authenticity, and collective transformation. By embracing our shared humanity through genuine connections, speaking with authenticity and vulnerability, and inviting listeners on a journey of personal and communal growth, storytellers have the opportunity to harness the transformative power of storytelling to inspire, uplift, and unite people of all backgrounds and beliefs. In a world marked by division and discord, authentic Bible storytelling offers a beacon of hope—a reminder of our shared humanity and the potential for positive change when we come together in the spirit of connection, authenticity, and collective transformation.
Continue the series with Part 2: The Art of Sermon Delivery by Joe Davis.
