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Lesson 2: Chronological Bible Storying (CBS)

Course/series

Orality & Movement-Based Discipleship

Audience

  • Field workers using oral methods for Gospel communication
  • Trainers teaching storying for discipleship
  • Teams learning to deliver intact narratives with clear application

Purpose

Teach learners to use Chronological Bible Storying to change worldviews without triggering cultural defenses, by telling the story as an intact narrative and using post-story discovery.

Learning objectives

  • Describe the difference between intact, interpreted, and interrupted narrative
  • Explain why post-story dialogue is essential for discovery discipleship
  • Choose a story sequence that flows from creation to church

Core principle

Storying that preserves narrative integrity and invites discovery yields deeper spiritual understanding than didactic explanation.

Field problem

Many workers stop the story to explain points, which makes listeners depend on the teacher’s interpretation instead of discovering truth themselves.

Key concepts

  • Intact narrative: the full story told without interruption
  • Interpreted narrative: teaching about the story instead of telling it
  • Interrupted narrative: breaking the story into points as it is told

Practical framework

Use a story plan with three columns: story selection, narrative cues, and discovery questions for after the story.

The 10-Step Story Crafting Process

  1. Identify: Clarify the biblical principle or truth to communicate.
  2. Consider Worldview: Evaluate the worldview of the chosen people group.
  3. Identify Bridges & Barriers: Find the cultural gaps and connections.
  4. Select: Choose the appropriate Bible story to communicate the principle.
  5. Craft: Shape the story and plan the pre-story and post-story dialogue.
  6. Tell: Communicate the story in a culturally appropriate way (narrative, song, drama).
  7. Facilitate: Lead dialogue to help the group discover the meaning without lecturing.
  8. Obey: Help the group apply and obey the biblical principle.
  9. Accountability: Establish group accountability for life application.
  10. Reproduce: Encourage the group to reproduce the story and disciple others.

Scenario or case exercise

A worker tells parts of the Rich Young Ruler story, stops for each application, and never allows the listener to experience the narrative arc.

Checklist or worksheet

  • Is the story told completely from beginning to end? yes/no
  • Are teaching points held until after the story is finished? yes/no
  • What question will invite discovery after the story?

Discussion questions

  1. How does an intact story feel different from a lesson?
  2. What local story could help people discover the Gospel?
  3. How will you avoid interrupting the narrative?

Field assignment

Prepare one chronological Bible story and tell it intact. Then ask a discovery question that leads the listener toward the Gospel.

Further reading/resources

  • Making Disciples of Oral Learners by the International Orality Network
  • Truth That Sticks by Avery Willis and Mark Snowden
  • The Art of Storytelling by John Walsh
  • Christian Storytelling by Eric B. Hare and Arthur Spalding
  • Orality and Literacy by Walter J. Ong
  • Is Hearing Enough? Literacy and the Great Commandments by Donald E. Chapman
  • Chronological Bible Storying guides
  • Oral discovery questions for story-based ministry

Reviewer notes

Validate the story plan with experienced oral communicators and avoid using foreign cultural images in the narrative.

Risk/disclaimer notes

This material is for educational purposes and is not legal, medical, tax, accounting, counseling, or security advice. Consult qualified professionals before adopting policies or making high-risk decisions.