Storying Trainings

My computer doesn't recognize "storying" as an actual word, but it is one that we use around here quite often.  We teach chronologically through the Word, using stories as we go to teach specific truths about God and how He interacts with mankind; this is called storying.  After telling the story, the group discusses together what the story means and how to apply it.  Our tribal partners have found this to be a very effective way of teaching, and they requested that we do some seminars for the churches that sent them out and train them to teach using storying.  There were two purposes for their request.  First, they think that it would be good for any future partners that are sent out to already be familiar with this method and know the Bible stories; that way, they won't have to learn the stories at the same time as they are studying the language of the place where they are sent.  Second, they felt like it would be helpful for their church leaders as they teach in church, small groups, Sunday School, etc.  They sent this request to their churches, and the churches welcomed us with open arms.  We were excited about this because it is our hearts' desire to fully equip the Bugkalot churches to train the ones that they will send out in the future, in such a way that they don't have to rely on any outsiders or outside group (us included!) to train those whom they send out.  This seminar was one of the first steps in our passing this training to the Bugkalot churches.

Steve spent most of the month of September in the Bugkalot mountains, doing this storying seminar in 8 different churches spread over a wide geographic area.  Each seminar lasted a day and a half, and they were well-attended.  Even more importantly, everyone interacted well with the training, working hard to learn the stories in their groups and to apply the principles for how to use these stories to teach the Word effectively.  It was a very encouraging time for Steve (though exhausting!), and he was blessed by the deep discussions that came out as they worked through the stories together.  Because it is our passion to fully equip the Bugkalot to train the ones they will send out, independent of outsiders, Steve worked closely with one of the Bugkalot leaders and trained him how to do this storying training.  Felipe traveled with Steve to all of the different seminars.  Initially, Steve led the seminar while Felipe observed.  But Steve gradually passed more and more responsibilities to Felipe until, by the final seminar, Felipe was leading the whole thing while Steve observed!