DESCRIPTION: This course combines exploration of the importance of storytelling in the Biblical tradition and in postmodern culture with practical skills training in the effective use of stories in ministry and mission for the twenty-first century.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will (1) appreciate the nature of Biblical narrative as story; (2) understand the difference between orality and literacy; (3) develop relevant communication skills for today's post-literate culture; (4) acquire sophisticated tools for crafting their own stories in a spiritually formative environment.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: People today are happier with stories than with abstract propositions, and knowing how to tell a good story--whether in traditional sermons or in cutting-edge evangelism--is an essential skill for effective Christian ministry.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly for three-hour sessions for five weeks. Classes will include discussions and presentations in both formal and informal settings. Students will work with a partner to develop their own stories, and enrollment is limited to facilitate this.

REQUIRED READING:

Bausch, William J. In the Beginning, There Were Stories. Twenty-Third Publications, 2004.

__________. Storytelling: Imagination and Faith. Twenty-Third Publications, 1984.

Boomershine, Thomas E. Story Journey: An Invitation to the Gospel as Storytelling. Abingdon 1988.

Drane, Olive Fleming. Clowns, Storytellers, Disciples. Augsburg Press, 2004.

Sample, Tex. Ministry in an Oral Culture. Westminster John Knox Press, 1994.

Jensen, Richard A. Thinking in Story: Preaching in a Post-Literate Age. CSS Publishing. 1993.

Ong, Walter. Orality and Literacy. 2nd ed. Routledge, 2002.

• Attendance: Students who miss more than three class meetings will not receive a passing grade.

• Written work:
  (a) A paper of 8-10 pages on some aspect of story in relation to the Bible, culture, or ministry.
  (b) Development and presentation of each student's own stories.
  Both pieces must be completed to gain a grade, and each counts for 50% of the final grade.