What's Our Story?

A "transition dynamic" during the time between pastors is a simple one that we all know and practice - telling stories that celebrate our history.  I've heard many of you tell me stories of faith formed in this congregation, stories about life in Wyoming when you were young and stories about the impact of the Presbyterian Church of Wyoming on the community itself. 


I overhear stories every Sunday as you gather for worship or share in fellowship times. These stories build a sense of community in the church. The stories bond us to one another as we hear common themes, celebrations and yes, even confused grief at the departure of a pastor. 

 United Church of Christ minister and author, Lillian  Daniel, believes that the church can be renewed by sharing our faith stories, our stories of life with God, as “testimony”.  But the church must be a safe community for testimony this to emerge, she calls it a “household of the heart” (Telling it Like It Is, Alban, 2006).  Stories build community, they build trust, and they lead to self-discovery and community discovery.  Stories help us reaffirm our common mission and are the ‘best way to package meaning . . .  if the story is good enough, it can also lift individuals and organizations to take the risks that keep life an adventure” 

 In the weeks ahead, let's tell stories and catch glimpses of God's story unfolding before us! 
I'm all ears! (but that's another story and I'll save it for another day!). 

 Bob Anderson
Interim Transition Pastor
(Quoted in “Notes on the Strategic Storytelling fad” a link in the The Storytelling Game: http://cbae.nmsu.edu/~dboje/sto.html)

For more reading see my chapter in "Teaching our Story" (Alban Institute, Larry Goleman, Ed) "chapter six: "StoryLines for Redemptive Leadership" by Dr. Robert Anderson

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