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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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?

5. 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?

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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?

11. 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.

12. 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.

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.