A story I am telling

International (IMB/MNN) — More and more, the art of storytelling is becoming the primary way to transmit detailed information to a crowd.

In developing nations, it is the primary way to get key concepts memorized in a low-literate or illiterate community.

But storytelling doesn’t come naturally, unless you’re Jesus Christ.

Throughout Scripture, He told parables–stories–that were both obvious and thought-provoking. People have been copying His example since then as they share His Words and Truth.

So how do you re-tell the stories of Jesus?

You include emotion, conflict, resolutions, characters, because as the International Mission Board notes, who doesn’t love a good story? The Bible is packed with story after story that’s not only drama-filled, but also shows God’s power and love.

What follows are eight tips to remember:

• Don’t change the Bible’s meaning: Storying doesn’t mean embellishing or adding details. God’s Word is powerful and will speak for itself.
• Put the story in your heart: Ask God to help you apply every story to your life. Pray for the people who will hear your stories.
• Use common language: Sometimes words or ideas in the Bible are hard to understand, especially for cultures that prefer oral learning. Use words everyone can understand, and be sure to explain religious concepts.
• Know the characters: The Bible is full of people who saw God work in their lives in miraculous ways. Bring these people to life in your story.
• Act natural: No one wants to listen to a boring story. So don’t stare at the ceiling or speak in a monotone voice. Just be yourself. Tell the story as if you were talking with a friend.
• Be familiar with the story: Listen to the story, act it out, draw a storyboard — get creative. Do whatever you can to learn the story and be comfortable telling it.
• Tell just enough: If you give too many details, the story is cumbersome and hard to remember. But if you don’t give enough, people won’t understand. Find the right balance for each story.
•  Practice: The best way to tell a really good story is to practice–a lot!