Last month I was on an airplane and read the ever-present and intriguing in-flight magazine. I always read those in-flight magazines from cover to cover. Some of my most creative ministry ideas and thoughts come from those in-flight magazines Pastors and leaders: on all your future flights, stop reading that book, wake up from your nap and read that in-flight magazine! There's ministry gold in there if you look for it. (But skip the SkyMall magazine: its the best collection of the most creative – and expensive – insignificant gifts you'll ever find…as Chris Seay says, if you need a Lord of the Rings ring for $399 then you really do need to get a life).
The issue I was reading featured an interview with the very private Jewish actor Liev Schreiber. One quote jumped out at me. He said:
This raises all sorts of questions and implications about the gospel.
What sort of Story do you believe that we find ourselves in?
Am I asking people to tell me their story?
Is the gospel story a good story – truly, 'the good news'?
If not, do I undertand it well enough?
Am I seeking out opportunities for storytelling?
Am I sharing my story?
Am I sharing the Story of God with my life? Is it compelling?
Do I believe the Story of God is hope-filled, compelling enough to help us not just survive, but thrive?
DougG said...
1JR, Great Post. As a fan of Josh McDowell, he always said in this age of “tolerance” we can always share our story and NOT really be condemned. DougG
01/18/09 7:45 PM | Comment Link
bobtflyer said...
2Sharing our story is such a great way to get to know people. IT is such a shock to the other person when you ask them about their “story” or “life” they usually are stumped for a while as to where to begin or what edit.
It is a great way to get to know what is really important to them. I think as they tell there story, it is very important to give them your greatest attention and to pick up on things that you may have in common. When good interaction happens, you really feel a connection with that person that may never have happened or would have taken years to develop if you had not listened to “their” story.
I can see Jesus attentively listening to all those people that he ate with and ministered to. Just listing to another persons story may be one of the best ministries we can do.
01/18/09 11:31 PM | Comment Link