Opening the Door to Story
By Robert (Bob) W. Jones
Pastor, do you have a blog?
The Internet is a wonderful place to share your writing, air your opinions or even post your sermon content.
I want to push you to take it a step further.
You are called to make a difference and you don’t have to write op eds or cover deep theological issues to succeed.
Give a voice to those who aren’t writers or who are fledgling writers and have a story – a testimony – to share. A blog post is the new form of giving a testimony.
When I first began our church’s blogsite three and a half years ago the intent was to add to our communication platforms. We offer a dynamic website, post our Sunday messages online, have an active Facebook page and even send out a daily tweet. Book reviews, devotionals and sermon summaries were the staple of my content.
Two years into posting I shared content written by a woman who attends our church, North Pointe. Rena’s Story instantly became the most popular post to date. Comments on my posts had been few and far between but Rena’s story drew a lot of attention and affirmation.
When a few more life stories garnered the likes of a growing readership it felt like a door had been cracked ajar. It was time to push it open wide. Story after story followed.
Today the most commented on and shared post is from Brock Harrison – former sports’ columnist and political speechwriter for the leader of Alberta’s Wildrose party. Brock wrote on facing mental illness as a Christian. So many people reached out to Brock that he wrote a follow-up piece about their stories.
Human interest stories can have a powerful impact on the way people think and act. Stories engage people on an emotional level. Stories persuade.
Nish Weiseth author of Speak exhorts leaders to follow Jesus’ example by using story as a vehicle for change. The book is about the power of telling our own stories to change hearts, build bridges, advocate for good, make disciples with grace, and proclaim God’s kingdom on Earth today.
As I was writing this post I received an email from an alcoholic who recently found freedom through Jesus and AA. He sent me his story and gave me permission to share it on our blogsite as a way to offer hope to others. Courageous. Vulnerable. Candid.
His story, like your story, can be the bridge that others will cross to hope.
Is your door ajar? Open it wide and let the stories out.
About this Contributor:
Robert (Bob) W. Jones is a recovering perfectionist, who collects Coca-Cola memorabilia and drinks Iced Tea. His office walls are adorned with his sons’ framed football jerseys, and his library shelves, with soul food. He has served as a pastor for 36 years and has enjoyed the past 26 years in leadership at North Pointe Community Church in Edmonton, Alberta.
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