A lesson from my speech professor.

The role of story telling and story sharing is very important to me. I believe that this practice holds the key to uniting the community and the church as we seek to find God and live faithfully in this world. For in this practice we find space for testimony--for the honest and open sharing of how God is at work with us. 

Since I first opened Samuel Wells' A Nazareth Manifesto, I have felt God speak to my heart about the importance that the stories we share with one another are. As I have listened to the church talk about how God is at work in their lives both personally and corporately, I have felt blessed by the stories that I hear.  

But over the last couple of weeks I have wondered, how do we select the story that we share? And why aren't we sharing more stories of how God is at work? This is vital work and it seems to be falling by the wayside.  

When I was in college my speech professor told us that when he asked a question we were to follow a simple formula. It went something like this. (And yes, he made us practice in our first class). Josh, the professor, would ask a question. Then we were all to raise our hands. Next, he would call on one of us. Then we were told that after he said our name, we were to put our hands down, open our mouth, and start talking--to let whatever came out. . . well come out. 

Frankly re-writing Josh's instructions feels silly. But for 15 weeks of Speech 101 that is exactly what we did. Josh asked questions. We all raised our hands. He called on someone. They opened their mouth and said something. At times it worked and at other times, it did not work smoothly. But the practice got us all talking. Extroverts and introverts alike. Ultimately, I think that is what he was working towards. He was building a conversation with total strangers.  

I wonder, if something similar is possible as we try and find a way to share our stories in the church. Ordinarily, we try and collate the best stories--ones to impress everyone and show how deep and wide our faith is. But perhaps the most authentic story is the one where we just honestly start talking with one another and share our hearts and our Lord. We do not bemoan anyone or belittle anything. We just share things like 'where have you seen God at work?' while allowing the Holy Spirit room to move in us--and in them.  

The stories will come and they will feel out of place for there is so much negativity out there that it is chocking the life out of the church. But perhaps sharing where, and how God is at work, will help us find our footing in a world and culture that does not want to listen any more?  

What do you think? I invite you to share your thoughts below.