home page articles by jamie Other Free Resources articles by guests cm gear about the doyles speaking schedule other links Visual Ingredients Seminar contact info BACK to jamiedoyle.com		Illustrators, script writers and professional storytellers have long been aware of the attraction that Bible stories have. Commercial artists and publishing houses realize their sales value. The movie industry knows their dramatic possibilities. Storytellers seeking to introduce children to good literature and great heroes, find both in the Bible. All storytellers should make sure that Bible stories are a part of their repertoire. There is a danger in using Bible stories for many children's workers.  That danger is simply overconfidence! The storyteller may feel that he knows the story so well, there will be little work to present the story.  This is a misconception that must be corrected. The Bible story will usually take more work and time to prepare correctly than the non Bible story. Why? Many children in your audience may have heard these Bible stories before. If you want them to listen and to gain from it, you must tell them something new. You must present the story in a new way, or bring in some new thoughts. Children don't want reruns. By following the steps below, and putting the time and effort forth, you will find the Bible story a valuable tool. 1. Establish a need for the story. If your program has a theme, pick a story that will emphasize a point you want to make. Be ready to wind an application for today throughout the story. It is not just a story for "way back then." It has a meaning for today. Make this clear throughout the story. Make the message timely. 2. Research the story. Get as much background material aspossible. First read the story from several different Bible versions.  Next, use reference books to find out more. Commentaries and Bible dictionaries are helpful. Add some new information to your sequence of events. 3. Add imagination. Not all stories in the Bible are full of details to help a storyteller. In fact, many so-called Bible stories have no more foundation than one short verse of Scripture. To the good storyteller, this can be the biggest challenge and make the greatest story. There are certain standards we are bound to observe in using biblical material imaginatively. The most important is that our story must be true to the spirit of the text. Often this may involve telling a common Bible story from a different perspective. Some of my former students have taken this challenge and done well with it. Two examples that come to mind are: The story of Jonah and the whale, told by Becky Dick from the whale's perspective. It was a first person narrative as the whale. She also added a whale costume. It was great. Another example was the story of Peter, the Disciple and how Jesus changed his life, told as a first person narrative by Dayle Kimbler, as Peter's wife. An appropriate Bible character costume also added to the reality. Yes, even a little humor in good taste will enhance your Bible Story.  Both you and your audience can have an enjoyable experience with an exciting Bible story, told the right way. Don't forget to put the effort into it. The following is a chapter from Dan Rector's book "The Art of Storytelling." To purchase the entire book send $8.00 with your name and address to:   Dan Rector  7309 Pillsbury Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55423 ($8.00 includes postage and handling)   Credit Card orders may call (612) 861-5535 © 1987 Dan Rector This article may be copied to help others.  This article may not be used for profitable purposes or reprinted in other publications unless permission from the author is granted.
		Dan Recotr - "Big" Dan Rector  may only be just over four feet tall but he has a huge heart for children.  Dan is a pioneer in what is known in children's ministry circles as the "Modern Children's Church" model.  Dan has over 30 years of experience as a children's pastor, evangelist and training others in ministry to children.  He is curently the Children's Ministries Specialist at North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  You can contact Dan at:   dan.rector@northcentral.edu
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