Storytelling Evangelism
It was a contentious meeting, the likes of which the Palo Alto zoning board had not seen in a long time. Things were getting out of hand as opponents of the addition of a liquor store to a local strip mall near the high school shouted out their objections and proponents defended their right to open the store.
Someone spoke out, "We don't want a liquor store within easy walking distance of our children, it will be too much of a temptation." The owner of the store stood up to defend his position: "If they want alcohol, they will get it no matter where my store is located."
In the midst of the confusion, someone noticed that Ray Stedman, pastor of Peninsula Bible Church, was in the audience. He had remained quiet during the turmoil, but now the crowd wanted to know his opinion. He walked up to address the zoning board. He quietly asked for permission to read a short passage of Scripture. The board agreed, and pastor Stedman opened his Bible and turned to Luke 17:1-2. As he read the words aloud, a hush fell over the crowd:
Jesus said to His disciples, "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin."
Without comment, pastor Stedman turned and walked back to his seat. After a few moments of silence, the man who wanted to open the liquor store stood up and withdrew his application.
The events of this story took place almost 30 years ago, yet it remains a powerful reminder of the authority of God's Word. God is glorified with every telling of this story. It dramatically illustrates that the words of Hebrews 4:12 are just as true today as when they were first written.
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Every time someone hears this story, they can be encouraged to be bold, to use God's Word to address the problems in their life, and to know that God continues to exercise His authority. That is why this story and others like it continue to be told—so that the glory of God's work will never be forgotten.
Perhaps David recognized this more than anyone else when he wrote in Psalms 78:4-7 that "We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, His power, and the wonders he has done...so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands."
You may not have quieted a meeting by reading the Word of God, but God has been active in your life. Begin to share those stories with others. It not only brings glory to God; it is a simple yet effective way to reach out to both believers and nonbelievers. Ever since I started telling others about the amazing things God has done in my life, I have noticed that God gives me more stories to tell. I now pray daily that God will do something that I can turn into a story.
I have discovered what I call "storytelling evangelism," and it turns every day into an adventure. Storytelling evangelism is really nothing new. It has been used by God to spread His word for centuries. A powerful biblical basis for telling your stories is found in the story of Rahab in Joshua 2:8-11:
Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof and said to them, "I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below."
Take note how Rahab came to know the true God—"We have heard how the Lord..." Stories about the mighty acts of God had been told throughout the region. Rahab heard those stories and believed.
No one preached to her. No one presented doctrine to her. All she knew were stories about God. Those stories led her to obey God's will and help His people. She ended up in the line of Christ because she heard stories from others. So, tell your stories, because you can encourage believers and maybe even change the hearts of nonbelievers.
Your stories have power. Allow God to use them.
Richard Spillman is a pastor at the Downtown Crossing in Tacoma, Washington.
Please note: All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of original publication but may have since changed.
