TALES IN CHURCH

Biblical storytelling can be a lot like opening a can of worms. The storyteller who begins to tell in their own church or congregation may be shocked that others may not view things in the same way. They learn that the teller has to tread carefully - and fully understand - the different values and beliefs of groups, if they wish to share takes more broadly.

Part of the "problem" is that storytelling is an oral communication and in many conservative groups (e.g., Holiness, Pentecostal, and Evangelical in theology) oral communication was the primary means of proclamation or preaching. It is then understood as "sacred" and prohibitions on frivolous speech, unnecessary speech, combined to make the tendency for spoken word to be used only for "preaching". Add to this that for many people "storytelling" equates to lying and should, therefore, be shunned. Some also have a very high view of scripture that excludes the ability to add details in the retelling of stories, of putting into modern settings, etc. This often limits creative re-tellings or dynamically bringing the "old, old tale" into a post-modern age.

Storytellers who tell in conservative churches, camps, etc. should be aware and take the time to learn something about the adherents before they share stories. Offended ears hear nothing.....

One group that exists to support people who want to tell stories of faith and the Bible : The Network of Biblical Storytellers. See information, resources, events, and membership at www.nobs.org
Also, read this article from Christianity Today on evangelical storytelling.