“So Jesus told them this story…” Luke 15:3
“People listen differently when stories are told. Their ears perk up. They smile. They nod. And they remember. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a well-told story can be priceless.
And therein lies the challenge for stewardship leaders. It takes a particular kind of story when the purpose in the telling is to grow generous hearts. Specifically, stories that help move folks from casual givers to joy-filled stewards are those that: Aim for the heart…Are specific rather than general…Are timely…Include a call to action…
And how do you craft stories that do all this? The following pointers can help. Start with the end in mind…Provide context…Make the changing of lives, not the sustaining of your church the focus of the story…
Stories, when told well and with conviction, really are a stewardship leader’s best friend. The folks in the pews appreciate them, too. So, stewardship leader, tell a story. Please.”
Rebekah Basinger in “Stewardship Leader: Tell A Story, Please” in Giving: Growing Joyful Stewardship in Your Congregation, volume 20 (Richmond: EMS, 2018) 30-31.
When I gave my plenary address at the conference in Brisbane this week on Abundant Life and Service from John 10:1-18 this week, I parsed biblical truths with precision, but I am convinced, it was my story about shepherd and the cows in an African village that people will remember, perhaps in part, because I used pictures when telling the story.
It’s humbling to think we might prepare detailed remarks and all people will remember is the story! For that reason, join my good friend Rebekah Basinger in not just giving financial reports at church, tell a story. The numbers do tell a story. Tell it with creativity and enthusiastically. Your effort will disciple people to join in the story.
With each meditation, people say they like the idea on top, but they love the story I tell below that fits the idea into life. So what’s my story today? It’s grace! After flying over 50,000 miles in a month (twice around the world), serving brothers and sisters in India, Egypt, and Australia, I get fly home tomorrow. His grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home!