Christians Startin g New Con g re g ations From Community to Congregation Chronological Using Bible Storying The HOPE
Adapted and used with permission from Dr. Grant L. Lovejoy, Dr. James B. Slack, and J.O. Terry. For the course Chronological Bible Storying: A Methodology for Presenting the Gospel to Oral Communicators, 2004 Edition International Mission Board, SBC, Richmond, VA
1 From Community to Congregation Using Chronological Bible Storying The Phases and Tracks of Storying Chronological Bible storying is approached through phases and tracks. These phases and tracks are designed to get the gospel into the life and experience of unbelieving oral communicators in such a way that they can duplicate what has been done with them. Reproduction is a built-in expectation throughout the implementation of this strategy. Each recipient is encouraged to repeat the newly learned stories to others as they are learning them. There are two phases in the process: the Church Planting Phase the Church Strengthening Phase The Church Plantin g Phase Within the Church Planting Phase, there are five tracks: 1. Evangelism 2. Review/Discipleship 3. Church Planting 4. Characterization 5. End Times The Evangelism Track is designed for the unbeliever, and the primary objective is to expose the hearer, within the context of his or her culture and religion, to the entire scope of the gospel starting in Genesis and going through at least the Ascension. The stories that make up this track are chosen specifically for the selected people group in a manner in which the obstacles to hearing and receiving the gospel that exist with their worldview are addressed. At the end of this track an invitation is given to become a believer. The Review/Discipleship Track is designed to disciple those believers who responded to the gospel during the Evangelism Track. The storyer takes the believers back through the same stories that were presented in the evangelization sessions, except the stories are viewed from a discipleship perspective with much more dialogue and personal application. At the end of the discipleship experience one should be able to effectively story to unbelievers in an Evangelization Track of their own. Other stories, not presented during evangelization, can also be used. The Church Planting Track is next in the sequence of tracks. The book of Acts is the source of stories told in this track. As new believers experience the birth, development, and multiplication of the church through the stories of Acts, they are providentially led to become a multiplying New Testament church. The Characterization Track also covers the book of Acts in addition to the Epistles through a storying format. The individuals who are usually involved in this track are maturing believers within the newly planted church. Frank J. Goodwin s A Harmony of the Life of St. Paul by Baker Book House is recommended as a resource for choosing the stories for this track. The End Times Track is a presentation of the book of Revelation, again through storying. With the completion of the End Times Track, one has covered the scope of the entire Bible. Obviously, there are numerous events that were not covered. This track is also primarily for maturing believers. There are some interesting variations in the use of this track.
2 The Church Stren g thenin g Phase Within the Church Strengthening Phase there are indefinite numbers of tracks. Among them are: a thematic track teaching tracks for church leaders (lay and pastoral) a pulpit/preaching track for leaders other specialty tracks The Church Strengthening Phase, with its indefinite number of tracks, is designed to: 1. Complete the Bible 2. Continue the discipling process 3. Treat thematically the basic Bible truths and doctrinal teachings from a biblical theological perspective 4. Train lay and pastoral leaders 5. Lead believers to evangelize and plant churches by means of storying. In this phase, the approach is the same as in the Church Planting Phase. Each track has a selected beginning point and moves chronologically through the Bible, underlining and reinforcing through the stories the foundational learning that occurred during the other tracks. Through a chronological Bible storying strategy approach, recipients are evangelized, discipled, congregationalized, established in Bible knowledge, and equipped to reproduce other new believers and new churches. The unique feature of this approach is that each of these objectives is practiced and achieved concurrently from the very beginning.
3 The Bible Storying Strategy Church Planting Phase Range of Stories Genesis Gospels Acts 1 Acts 28 Epistles Revelation Evan g elization Track Discipleship Track Church Plantin g Track Characterization Track New Evan g elization Tracks End Times Track The expectation of reproduction is presented at the end of every story Who can you share this story with before we meet again?
4 Church Planting Phase Phase Objectives 1. A potential New Testament church composed of a group of interested listeners/seekers 2. An understanding of their worldview, including: > > Potential barriers to the gospel > > Possible bridges to the gospel 3. A set of appropriate Bible truths leading to salvation 4. Sets of culturally sensitive Track Lessons giving appropriate emphasis to biblical and worldview issues 5. An opportunity to respond to the gospel 6. Organization into a New Testament church 7. Begin worship 8. Begin Church Leadership Training 9. Continue discipling: > > Affirmation of decision to believe > > Review of Old Testament stories in light of New Testament teaching > > Continuation of teaching how to live a life pleasing to God 10. Closure of Bible story: Overview 11. Lead believers to begin a new Evangelism Track with others
5 Track One: Evangelism Purpose To present the Bible message of the Old Testament as a foundation and the New Testament as Good News in a worldview sensitive context that addresses both the essential biblical truths related to salvation and that addresses the worldview issues which represent barriers to the gospel so that hearers may respond by professing their faith in Jesus as Savior. For whatever was written before was written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we may have hope (Romans 15:4). Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written as a warning to us, on whom the ends of the ages have come (1 Corinthians 10:11). But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31). Range of Stories (Pre-Creation: Bible, Eternal God, Creation of Spirit World up to Christ s Ascension) Genesis 1:1 - Acts 1:11 Objectives 1. Point to the need for an authoritative and true source of information about God and man: the Bible 2. Begin with stories that develop concepts of God s sovereignty over both the spirit world and the physical world and man 3. Teach biblical truth in story form that is easy to understand, remember, recall, and retell to others 4. Provide for adequate review of previous stories as a setting for new stories, for repetition of stories to aid in memory for oral communicators, and to give opportunity for those attending irregularly to hear the stories 5. Direct attention to the fact that the individual stories are in fact only part of a larger story: that of God and man, which tells of God s sovereignty, man s sin and separation from God, God s judgment of sin and punishment of those persisting in their sin, and God s provision for restoration of man through a substitute sacrifice provided by God in the death of Jesus, the One sent from God 6. Give opportunity for immediate retelling of the stories by the hearers to reinforce the story for memory and to give feedback on the understanding of the stories and the subsequent shaping of the stories by the hearers 7. Give opportunity for dialogue about issues in the stories as they relate to the unfolding story and to the hearers lives 8. Bring the stories to a suitable point of closure at which the hearers are challenged to decide for themselves how to respond: to accept or reject the message of the stories 9. Use appropriate media support of storytelling to broaden the sensory input of the stories and subsequent understanding 10. Encourage the hearers to share the stories with others in new Evangelism Tracks 11. As far as possible, provide a group experience in which the community is exposed to the same message at the same time providing for the possibility of group acceptance of the message of the stories and reduced possibility for persecution of believers 12. Lay biblical foundations for the stories to follow in the Church Planting Track and Characterization Track
6 Track Two: Review/Discipleship Purpose To affirm new believers by reviewing Old Testament and New Testament stories leading to faith in Christ and to begin discipling new believers. Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted for them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures (Luke 24:27). Range of Stories Genesis 1:1 - Acts 1:11 Objectives 1. Review key stories from Creation to the Ascension to affirm new believers in their decision to trust God s provision for salvation 2. Allow time for new believers to rejoice in their salvation as they hear the story of redemption reviewed 3. Refresh memory of key stories by retelling them 4. Lead to greater understanding of fulfillment of Old Testament in the New Testament by showing relationship between prophecy and fulfillment, and continuation of themes from Old Testament to Christ in the New Testament 5. Give opportunity for slow responders also to make commitment to trust in Christ 6. If persecution is likely in light of belief, then introduce stories of faith and deliverance from persecution in stories of David, Esther, and Daniel 7. Teach from Psalms to introduce concepts of Scripture memory, meditation, prayer, and worship through praise and singing 8. Teach from Proverbs to introduce concepts of discipline and wisdom 9. Encourage participation and development of an assistant teacher 10. Encourage the beginning of new Evangelism Tracks by those who have already heard the stories
7 Track Three: Church Planting Purpose To plant a New Testament Church among newly evangelized believers. After they had evangelized that town and made many disciples... strengthening the hearts of the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith... they had appointed elders in every church (Acts 14:21-23). Range of Stories Acts 1:12-12:24 Objectives 1. Introduce the concept of the New Testament Church as a body of baptized believers 2. Introduce the practice and worship of the early church as a model 3. Introduce the attitude of the early believers whose lives had been changed by Christ 4. The giving of the Holy Spirit 5. Baptism of believers 6. Persecution of believers 7. Witnessing (testimonies) and evangelism (preaching) by the church 8. Stewardship of possessions among believers 9. Missions as teams sent out to new places 10. Discipline among believers and warning for those continuing to sin 11. Prayer: intercessory prayer and prayer in worship 12. Worship by gathering together as a body 13. Breaking bread together and observing the Lord s Supper 14. Discipling and strengthening new believers Church Planting Track Story Set 1. Promise of the Spirit (Acts 2:1-41) 2. Fellowship of the believers (Acts 2:42-47) 3. Power to heal (Acts 3:1-16; 5:12-16) 4. A brave testimony (Acts 4:1-22) 5. The believers prayer (Acts 4:23-31) 6. The believers share their possessions (Acts 4:32-37; 5:1-11) 7. The apostles persecuted (Acts 5:12-42) 8. Choosing seven to serve the church (Acts 6:1-7) 9. Stephen, a godly man killed (Acts 6:8-7:60) 10. Philip preaches and witnesses (Acts 8:1, 4-8, 26-40) 11. Saul meets Jesus (Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-31) 12. God answers Cornelius prayer (Acts 10:1-48; 11:1-18) 13. The church in Antioch (Acts 11:19-30) 14. God delivers Peter from prison (Acts 12:1-19) 15. Paul and Barnabas set apart and sent out (Acts 13:1-3, 13-49) 16. Elders appointed at Antioch in Syria (Acts 14:21-28) 17. God sends Paul to Macedonia (Acts 16:6-15) 18. God delivers Paul and Silas from prison (Acts 16:16-40) 19. Some received the gospel with eagerness (Acts 17:1-15) 20. Another entire household believes in Corinth (Acts 18:1-11, 23-26) 21. Paul teaches about the Holy Spirit in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-20) 22. Paul s farewell to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:13-38) 23. Paul s arrest, trials, and testimony (Acts 21:1-28:16) 24. Paul, faithful witness in chains (Acts 28:16-31)
8 Track Four: Characterization Purpose Characterize new believers in Christ Finally then, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus, that as you have received from us how you must walk and please God as you are doing do so even more (1 Thessalonians 4:1). For the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God s Son, [growing] into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ s fullness (Ephesians 4:12-13). Range of Stories Acts 9:1-31; 11:19-30; 12:25; 13:1-28:31; Pauline, Petrine, Johanine Epistles, Hebrews Objectives 1. Introduce the Epistles in the context of Paul s journeys and visits to the churches 2. Chronological narrative overview with topical teaching of selected passages according to correctional teaching needed and to balance with teaching needed for normal Christian growth in Christ 3. Inclusion of more expositional teaching in keeping with ability of listeners to understand, retain, and re-teach 4. Referral to Old Testament stories and teachings 5. Typically about 25 lessons, but adjust list as needed to cover all necessary themes and topics Some Typical Themes 1. Purpose of the law 2. Salvation is a work of grace 3. War of the carnal nature and the spiritual nature 4. Sanctity of the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit 5. Christian relationships in Christ 6. Faith at work 7. Diversity and unity of the body of Christ 8. Spiritual gifts, ministry to one another 9. Superior role of love 10. Spiritual warfare 11. Warning against continuing to sin 12. Warning against apostasy or reversion to old ways 13. Superior ministry of Christ as our High Priest 14. Having the attitude of Christ 15. Prayer Characterization Track Story Set 1. Put right with God (Romans 1:18-2:16; 3:21-31; 4:24; 5:1-11) 2. Dead to sin (Romans 6:1-14; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 4:22-32; 2 Timothy 2:19; 1 John 1:8-9; 3:5-10) 3. Life in the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-17, 26, 27; 2 Corinthians 5:5; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:18; Galatians 5:16-18; 1 John 3:24) 4. Use your body for God s glory (1 Corinthians 6:12-20: Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 4:1-18; Galatians 5:16-21; 6:8-9; Colossians 3:1-10) 5. Do not cause your brother or sister to stumble (Galatians 6:1-10; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; 10:23-33; Romans 15:1-2) 6. Worshiping in communion (1 Corinthian 11:17-34)
9 7. God s gifts to the church (1 Corinthians 12:1-11; 27-31; 13:1-13; Romans 12:3-21; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; James 1:17; 1 Peter 4:10) 8. Unity in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Ephesians 4:1-16) 9. Worshiping in truth and spirit (1 Corinthians 14:26-40; 1 Corinthians 11:2-16; Philippians 3:3; Colossians 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:1-6; Hebrews 10:25) 10. Living by faith (2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10; Romans 1:16-17; 8:22-25: 10:17; 14:23; Galatians 5:6; Philemon 5, 6; Hebrews 11:1-40; 1 John 5:4-5) 11. Beware of influence of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; Ephesians 4:17-19; Colossians 2:6-23) 12. Joyful giving (2 Corinthians 8:1-15; Philippians 4:10-19) 13. Bear one another s burdens (Galatians 6:1-10; Romans 15:1-2; Ephesians 4:20-31; Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15) 14. Richness of life in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-23; 2:7; 3:8, 14-19; Philippians 4:19; 1 Timothy 1:14; 2 Peter 1:3-4) 15. Prayer (Ephesians 3:14-19; 6:18-20; Philippians 1:3-11; Colossians 4:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; 1 Timothy 2:8; James 5:13-18) 16. Beware false teachers and doctrines (Galatians 1:6-9; 3:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 4:1-8; 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 4:2-5; 2 Peter 2:1-22; 2 John 7-11; Jude 3-4, 18-21) 17. Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-26; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-9; 2 Peter 1:5-11) 18. Church leaders and helpers (1 Timothy 3:1-15; 2 Timothy 2:1-2; Titus 1:5-16; 2:1-15) 19. When temptation comes (James 1:2-4, 12-15; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 2:18; 4:15-16; 1 Peter 5:8-10) 20. A chosen people (1 Peter 2:4-12; Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 6:17; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 2:15, 20-21; Hebrews 2:10-18)
10 Track Five: The End Times Purpose To bring closure to the Bible story and to bring the maturing believers to a time of celebration and victory in Christ. Look! I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me to repay each person according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End (Revelation 22:12-13). Range of Stories Revelation along with reference to Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah, Matthew, Luke, John; 1 Corinthians 15; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 4:13; 5:3. Objectives 1. To bring closure to the Bible narrative 2. To show ultimate fulfillment of all prophecy related to Christ s return 3. To show fulfillment of prophecy about the resurrection of the physical body from the grave and reuniting with the spirit 4. To show ultimate judgment and punishment of Satan and all the evil host 5. To show the fate of all unbelievers and those who opposed and persecuted the believers in Christ 6. To bring a last word of warning to the New Testament church about keeping true to their calling in Christ in the Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia 7. To bring focus upon the glory of God the Father and Jesus the Son, the Lamb that was slain from the beginning 8. To bring focus upon the completion of salvation for the believer and the blessed state of fellowship with the Lord 9. To remind once again that God the Father is Sovereign Ruler over all nations and peoples 10. To show the re-creation and coming blessing after the end times The End Times Story Set 1. A vision of Jesus (Revelation 1:1-20; Daniel 7:13-14) 2. Message to the church at Ephesus (Diligent yet loveless) (Revelation 2:1-7) 3. Message to the church at Smyrna (Threatened yet loyal) (Revelation 2:8-11) 4. Message to the church at Pergamum (Faithful yet compromising) (Revelation 2:12-17) 5. Message to the church at Thyatira (Growing yet incomplete) (Revelation 2:18-29) 6. Message to the church at Sardis (Professing yet inconsistent) (Revelation 3:1-6) 7. Message to the church at Philadelphia (Small yet secure) (Revelation 3:7-13) 8. Message to the church at Laodicea (Satisfied yet lacking) (Revelation 3:14-22) 9. Jesus is the Lamb (Revelation 4:1-5:14; 7:9-17; Genesis 22:13; Exodus 12:1-7; Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7) 10. Defeat of Satan (Revelation 12:7-12; 20:1-3, 7-10; Luke 10:18; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; 1 John 3:8) 11. The resurrection of the dead (Revelation 20:4-6, 13; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15; 1 Corinthians 15:12-55) 12. The judgment (Revelation 20:11-15; Matthew 25:32; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27; Jude 14, 15) 13. The new heaven and earth (Revelation 21:1-5, 22-27; 22:3-5; Isaiah 65:17-25) 14. The river of life (Revelation 22:1-2; Psalms 1:3; 46:4; Ezekiel 47:1-12; Zechariah 14:8) 15. Jesus is coming soon (Revelation 22:12, 20; Matthew 24:14-25:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:6)
11 Church Strengthening Phase Phase Objectives 1. Ongoing discipleship > > Completing Bible knowledge > > Maturing believers in faith 2. Correctional teaching: Chronological tracks with thematic emphasis 3. Development of church leadership continued 4. Strengthened preaching through preaching tracks 5. Develop and equip Bible storying teachers for church teaching 6. Develop new Bible storying teachers for new Evangelization Tracks Note: Church Strengthening Phase is open-ended in that Bible storying or chronological Bible teaching may continue with repeated tracks as needed. The tracks preserve the chronological framework and give organization to the teaching. Later tracks build upon information and relationships developed in earlier tracks.