What makes a good movie? Directing, yes. Actors, yes. Cinematography, yes. Those are all important pieces to the puzzle. But what is the MOST important piece? Ding ding ding . . .you get the prize. The story. You can have the best actors – director – cinematography in the world, but if the story isn't great, not worth $2.50!
Develop a Story Telling Culture: Yes, you must develop it. It take intentionality. It takes everyone collecting stories – distributing stories – sharing stories. If you aren't pushing it, who will?
Create a system to collect stories: The system does not have to be complex, but it must function so that you can easily find them. I have set up a simple folder with sub categories on my computer. When I get a story via email, i save the email as a PDF and file it away. If I hear of a story, I quickly type it up and save it. Doesn't matter how, just create a system.
Variety is better: It is easy to get in the rythym of using the same type of story – the person with an addiction – that God radically changed type of story. Nothing wrong with this type of story. These are great stories. I actually used one like this during the host time this weekend. But if this is the only type of story you use, then people will just start to tune you out.
Use Stories Strategically: I always look for stories that will bring my point (whatever that might be) to extreme clarity. This is where "collecting and organizing" your stories is critical. If you find the right story . . .with the right message . . .then bam, you hit the ball out of the park.
Central Christian Church is a story telling culture. From the main stage to a 30 minute meeting, stories are being shared. If you think about it . . .stories are not anyting new. It's not an innovative thought. Jesus spent his life . . .telling stories.
What have you found effective when it comes to sharing stories?