Narrative-Driven Discipleship

My dream is to write an article(s) and/or a book on youth discipleship as a story formed journey. So I do a lot of thinking, reading, and write rough drafts about the importance of narrative in spiritual formation.

Here are some of my points, in no particular order.

CONCEPTUAL POINTS
1. People live their lives as story--
Have you ever participated in that lame game like: If you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be and why? Everyone deep down has a metaphor for their lives. In order for someone to be reached in a way that speaks to their personal metaphor, yet at the same time can take them to a new place. When a youth, you have an awesome opportunity to bring Christ into that narrative in a positive way.

2. Churches define themselves by their story--
Ever heard the phrase, we have never done it that way before? What people are really saying is, we dont know how that fits into our understanding of what our story is. It order to help churches take steps of change, you need to connect with their story, and then show them how the vision of the future relates to their story. Youth ministries have stories as well. In order for a youth ministry to have long-term success, a youth minister needs to integrate the importance of youth ministry into the story of the church as a whole.

3. People define God by the stories they live with Him--
Many people who are unchurched or are unbelievers are not as much philosophical atheists as they are practical agnostics. They understand God by their interpretation of a particular experience(s), and they have decided they do not want to be friends with a God like that. In Christian ministry, much of our ministry is helping people get a real true picture of a God that loves them and wants what is best for them.

4. Youth Groups themselves have a story--
Why do they do what they do? It is probably because it reinforces and confirms the story they have about their youth ministry.

5. Ministry contexts have a story--
Your youth ministry will not grow until you find ways to connect to the communities narrative either as a support, or as an effective alternative to that narrative.

PRACTICAL STORY MAKING

1. PERSONAL SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES--
Ways of reading the Scripture and praying that enhance a narrative-driven journey
2. RELATIONSHIPS IN MINISTRY--
All good stories have important relationships. How to form relationships that grow trust in God.
3. CREATING TRADITIONS--
Traditions create stories that tell about the joy and faithfulness of God with your youth group. They also create expectations that feed results. Youth Gatherings and Camps are large examples of these. Annually repeated social activities, weekly routines are also. Sometimes breaking of traditions can also be the best thing to do to help youth connect with Christ in new ways. The tradition of no tradition being unbreakable is essential to youth ministry as well.
4. STORY SENSITIVE TEACHING--
Teaching needs to connect to real life. That does not mean that it always has to be topical. The teaching encounter itself also needs to be an experience that becomes an important event in forming personal narratives.
5. COMMUNITY SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES--
Shared worship and involvement. Service Projects. Mission Trips. Coorperate Prayer.
6. STORY EMPOWERED EVANGELISM--
Connecting your story and God's story to their story.
7. SURPRISE ENDINGS--
How getting youth out of their comfort zones for extended periods of time can help youth reinvent healthier faith narratives
8. STORY SPECIFIC MINISTRY NICHES--
about spiritual gifts connecting with and forming ones personal faith narrative.

Please share your comments and additions as this is a very sketchy rough draft outline