Some people are surprised to think of telling stories for teenagers.
You might have a hard time thinking past those sing-song tellings of tales in order to think about the needs of teenagers.
Since the mid 1980's, I have used storytelling with young people in youth ministry.
Trapped with a group of antsy kids who really wanted nothing to do with anything sacred, I very rapidly learned just how much storytelling could light up the thoughts of teens.
You can put away piles of youth ministry stuff that clog your office.
You need only two tools: the stories and eating.
The Great Teacher spent most of his time talking and eating with his followers.
I have five tips for you to get started.
1.
Do not start with "now it's time for a story.
" Nearly anyone out of elementary-school years will close down when you try to start with the story-time activity.
Do not announce your intentions.
Just start.
All the classic story-starters should go and that includes any urge to do anything once or ever upon any type of time.
When you speak in first person, avoid the characters introducing themselves by name.
The story should tell us who the character is.
Get past the urge to tell everyone everything you are about to do.
Just do it.
Opening introductions can sabotage your storytelling.
2.
Practice and be prepared.
Be ready for telling by telling stories to yourself.
Use video to practice.
Storytelling is an oral art form.
You need to do more than just read a story to yourself repeatedly.
To be a good teller of bible stories, you must pay attention to them.
Waiting for God to fix your lax preparations is wrong.
Teenagers are used to well-prepared content.
Focus on the needs of your audience, not your own issues with how they "should" like what you are doing.
Be ready with quality storytelling.
3.
Keep It simple.
Start with one simple story or parable.
Find smaller stories rather than taking on an entire book of the bible.
Your stories will have more impact if you are comfortable with them.
So, start simply.
As they used to say in theater, "Leave your audience wanting more.
" 4.
Speak in your real voice.
The "bible-lady" inflection will kill your efforts with teenagers.
And, men, women are not the only ones who use the bible-lady inflections.
Save the affected voice for the TV-preachers while you speak like a real person to all of your audiences.
5.
See the stories anew.
In most churches, your teenagers have heard the same stories repeated in the same manner for a long time.
How can you tell these stories anew? Peel off the layers of church that have kept stories in the dark.
Sacred stories are not dead, but your new breath will surely help ears to open.
To really connect with teens in your ministry, tell them stories.
These 5 tips will help you get started.