BIBLE STORYTELLING CSI BIBLE INSTRUCTION SYMPOSIUM AT THE MUSEUM OF THE BIBLE FEBRUARY 15-16, 2018 YVONNE H. VAN EE, PH.D.

BIBLE STORYTELLING The Bible’s story is a history story but also a current story. The Bible’s story is about people of long ago but it is also a story for people today. The Bible’s story is about God and his people yesterday, today and forever. The Bible’s story is for anyone who is willing to listen and believe.

WHY DO WE TELL BIBLE STORIES So that the students: Come to know God and his relationship with his people Understand the nature of God’s kingdom Faith is nurtured Are encouraged to know him/herself as a child of God and as a member the the faith community

PREPARING THE BIBLE STORY Step One begins with you! It is important to ask : Where am I in my spiritual journey? Is my relationship with the Lord strong? Does the Lord guide my life? Does my love for the Lord show in my life? Does my life show deep joy and a confident hope in the Lord’s promises? Is my commitment evident in my words and actions?

Where am I in my journey as a teacher? Am I enthusiastic about my teaching? Am I eager to teach Bible? Does my enthusiasm show? Do I model for the students the life God that desires for them and me?

WHEN PREPARING THE BIBLE STORY Take a moment to transition from all the busyness around you. Prepare your heart to hear God’s words. Let it speak to you. Allow the “Ah ha!” moments to flood over your soul. Pray for the presence of the Holy Spirit to help you find and speak the truth. Pray for the students

PREPARING THE BIBLE STORY STEP TWO Read the Bible verses Read them from the Bible not a Bible storybook. Read the a chapter(s) prior to and after the story to help with the context. Read the story several times. Let the facts or new insights come to your mind.

Reread and reflect on the story What type of story is it? An event from Israel’s journey A parable A specific teaching of Jesus A prophet’s teaching

Then think about: What is the sequence of the story? What is the context? Historical setting, culture What is the physical setting? Day or night Public square, private home, temple courtyard Typical clothing

Consider: Who are the people in the story? Are there people from other stories that need to be mentioned? Who is the intended audience? What details should be included?

After that, it’s time for reference sources A study Bible Commentary Bible Dictionary Bible Handbooks All of these sources provide accurate information for enriching the story.

REMEMBER EVERY STORY TELLS ABOUT: God in relationship with his people. Who God is and how he acts. How God wants his people to respond to his invitation to believe in him, obey his commands, and to live grateful lives.

THE STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW All scripture points us to redemption, gives us hope, and promises us eternal life.

PREPARING THE BIBLE STORY STEP THREE- PRESENTATION DECISIONS Consider the audience: age, ability to listen Techniques: Perspective: 1st, 2nd, or 3rd person point of view Voice: Timing, pacing, volume, tone changes Vocabulary: word choices Body language: gestures, deliberate eye movement etc. Presenting different characters: gruff, gentle, impulsive Dialogue: How will you do a conversation? Repetitive phrases Props Details

PREPARING THE BIBLE STORY STEP FOUR Write your story Write the story word for word OR Write it in outline form Both should include: The beginning sentences that tell: That this is a true story because it’s from the Bible, God’s words to us. The setting Something they should listen for

List major point and event in sequence Write words you will use to create visual images Write words that stir the child’s imagination Write the words and phrases that will be repeated Think through (and write) the transition sentences Write the comparisons you will use between the story and the listener Think about how the whole story will engage the listener.

Write the ending sentences providing a meaningful conclusion. This is the place where the concept of God in his relationship with his people should be highlighted again.

There’s Something Else! Step Five Consider how you will prepare the students for the Bible Story. Develop an attitude of awe and reverence Sing a special song quiet prayer Light a candle After the Story is told- Pause for a moment to let the story settle in

HERE’S THE CHALLENGE! TWO WAYS TO TELL THE STORY Traditional detailed style We will work on this second. Casual conversational style We will practice this first.

TELLING THE BIBLE STORY CONVERSATIONAL STYLE Select a story Read and reread just the Bible verses Do this for 5-10 minutes while thinking about: Who are the characters? What is the sequence of events? Identify important details. Tell the story like you would if you were talking with a friend while walking in the mall.

Now It’s Your turn! Begin the work on your selected Bible story but here’s the challenge: Include new details Use a different perspective – 1st, 2nd, 3rd person Find a website that provides details and maybe a visual ETC.

Acknowledgements Resources: Barrett, Ethel (1965) Storytelling, It’s Easy. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing Co. Haan, Sheri (1977) The Art of Storytelling in Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: National Union of Christian Schools (now Christian Schools International) No longer in print. Walsh, John (2014) The Art of Storytelling. Chicago, IL: Moody Press.