TO TELL THE STORY: A NARRATIVE APPROACH TO THEOLOGY, EVANGELISM AND PREACHING A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY FULLER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY

To Tell The Story

Those of us hearing a "Well Told Story" may become more aware of the
Implications of that story than by a mere recital of facts. The use of the "Story Form" of
relating an event may be the best method of capturing the significance of the actual event.
In the understanding and presentation of the Christian faith, "Story" is considered as a "fundamental category of reality." It is the perfect vehicle for presenting the Good News of the Gospel." (John Paul Roth)
The presentation of real events in story form preserves the remembrance of reality without limiting its implications to the mere recording of historical facts.
The Gospel story carries us beyond the realm of human understanding into the higher realm of faith. The power of story assists us in bridging the gap between the inexplicable in the Gospel Story and the human experience,
This holds true with the stories which accompany and support the underlying
" Story of God in Jesus Christ."
True stories, as is the Gospel Story, will take precedence over stories told only for entertainment or to serve a specific agenda, Yet even the stories of integrity and truth need to be told well and with skill. This is discussed in detail herein.
As Theologians we must tell the Story with truth and understanding; as Evangelists with persuasiveness and tolerance, and as Preachers, or Witnesses, we must share the Story often, convincingly and with Love.
"Loving God, loving each other and the Story never ends!"