Share your life stories with each other, taking as much time as you need. We recommend at least one session per person.
Stories are powerful. Jesus used stories in his ministry in life-changing ways. Telling your story is a spiritual practice that encourages and builds relationship with others, often on a deeper level. It offers an opportunity to reflect upon what God has been doing in your life and around you. This frequently brings a new realisation of how God has been transforming your life. Our individual stories are each a part of God’s larger story. By sharing your story with others, you reveal God’s character and share His story with others.
When you share how God has been active in your life, it encourages others and helps you become more aware of God’s faithfulness.
Tips for listening to someone's story
- Wait for the speaker to pause to ask questions, and only ask questions to ensure your understanding.
- Pay attention to what isn't said - nonverbal cues can reveal quite a lot!
- Give the speaker regular encouragement, saying comments like "You must have been thrilled!" or "What a tough situation you were in".
Tips for sharing your story
- There is power in telling your story. We enjoyed this TedX talk, why not give it a watch here.
- Prayerfully prepare your story - try splitting it into chunks, be it chronologically, thematically or however suits you best. You could gather photos, write notes or have prompts to help you out.
- Consider the highs and low of your life, how they effected you at the time and the impact they had on your life.
The greatest issue facing the world today, with all its heartbreaking needs, is whether those who, by profession or culture, are identified as ‘Christians’ will become disciples, students, apprentices, practitioners, of Jesus Christ, steadily learning from him how to live the life of the Kingdom of the Heavens into every corner of human existence.
Dallas Willard