What is storying?
“Storying” means sharing a Bible account in simple, conversational language, then asking questions that help the person explore what it reveals about God and their own life.
Words such as sin, grace, and salvation may be unfamiliar—or carry a different meaning for the person reading them. A Bible account gives the seeker something concrete to consider. Hindu beliefs and experiences vary; listen to each person rather than assuming what they believe.
Five simple steps
- Listen. What brought this person into the conversation?
- Ask permission. “Would you like to hear a short Bible account that connects with what you shared?”
- Share simply. Use a few short messages, staying faithful to Scripture.
- Ask one question. Invite the person to explain what they noticed.
- Offer a small bridge. Connect the account to the gospel, with the person’s willingness to continue.
Choose an account for the conversation
Choose a Bible account that connects with what the chatter has shared. Ask permission to share it, then use one open-ended question to invite their response. Select a passage below to open its teaching example.
| Chatter’s concern | Passage | A possible question |
|---|---|---|
| “I feel ashamed or rejected.” | The lost son — Luke 15:11–24 | “What does the father’s response show you about mercy?” |
| “I must earn God’s acceptance.” | The Pharisee and tax collector — Luke 18:9–14 | “What difference do you notice between the two men’s prayers?” |
| “Does Jesus care about people like me?” | The woman at the well — John 4 | “What do you notice about how Jesus treated her?” |
| “I am exhausted and overwhelmed.” | Elijah receiving care — 1 Kings 19:1–18 | “What do you notice about how God cared for Elijah when he was worn out?” |
Teaching examples
These are summaries, not word-for-word Bible quotations. Read each passage before using it. Open an example to see the conversation steps.
Feeling ashamed or rejected — The lost son
Luke 15:11–24
1. Ask permission
Would you like to hear a short story Jesus told about someone who felt unworthy to come home?
2. Share the account
Jesus told about a young man who asked his father for his inheritance and left home. He wasted everything and eventually became hungry and desperate.
He decided to return home, admit that he had done wrong, and ask to become a servant. He felt unworthy to be called his father’s son.
But while he was still far away, his father saw him, ran to him, embraced him, and welcomed him home.
3. Ask one question
What does the father’s response show you about mercy?
4. Offer a small bridge
Jesus told this story to show God’s welcoming heart toward people who turn to Him. May I explain how Jesus made forgiveness possible through His death and resurrection?
Explain God’s mercy without implying that sin does not matter. Continue toward why we need forgiveness and what Jesus has done for us.
Trying to earn God’s acceptance — The Pharisee and tax collector
Luke 18:9–14
1. Ask permission
May I share a short story Jesus told about two people praying to God?
2. Share the account
One man spoke about his religious activities and compared himself favorably with other people.
The other man, a tax collector, stood at a distance. He admitted his sin and asked God for mercy.
Jesus said that the man who asked for mercy went home right with God, rather than the man who praised his own goodness.
3. Ask one question
What difference do you notice between the two men’s prayers?
4. Offer a small bridge
This helps us see our need for God’s mercy. May I explain why Christians place their hope in Jesus rather than in earning God’s acceptance?
Avoid criticizing the seeker’s religion. Explain positively that forgiveness is God’s gift through Jesus, received by faith rather than earned by good works.
Wondering whether Jesus cares — The woman at the well
John 4
1. Ask permission
Would you like to hear about a woman Jesus met at a well?
2. Share the account
Jesus met a Samaritan woman drawing water and asked her for a drink. She was surprised that He spoke with her because Jews and Samaritans had strained relations.
Jesus spoke with her about living water and eternal life. He knew her circumstances and spoke truthfully with her.
He revealed that He was the Messiah. She went back to her town and told others about Him.
3. Ask one question
What do you notice about how Jesus treated her?
4. Offer a small bridge
Jesus knew her life and still took time to speak with her. May I tell you more about who He is and the eternal life He offers?
Explain unfamiliar words such as “Messiah” and “living water.” Do not assume the seeker understands them because they say “yes.” Read John 4:1–30 and 39–42 for the full account.
Feeling exhausted or overwhelmed — Elijah receiving care
1 Kings 19:1–18
1. Ask permission
May I share a Bible account about someone who became deeply afraid and exhausted?
2. Share the account
Elijah was a servant of God who became afraid after receiving a threat. He fled, felt overwhelmed, and asked God to let him die.
He slept, and an angel provided food and water. After more rest and nourishment, he continued his journey.
God listened to Elijah’s concerns, spoke to him, and gave him direction. God also told him that there were others who remained faithful.
3. Ask one question
What do you notice about how God cared for Elijah when he was worn out?
4. Offer a small bridge
This account shows God caring for someone in deep distress. Jesus also invites weary and burdened people to come to Him. Would you like to explore His invitation in Matthew 11:28–30?
Do not promise that faith will immediately remove depression or other difficulties. Listen, offer practical care, and follow Groundwire’s current crisis procedures whenever a chatter mentions suicide or immediate danger. A Bible account accompanies appropriate help.
From the story to the gospel
A story can open the conversation, but the seeker still needs a clear explanation of the good news:
- God loves us and created us to know Him.
- We have sinned and need His forgiveness.
- Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again in His own body.
- Forgiveness and eternal life are God’s gift, received through faith in Jesus rather than earned through good works.
Share one idea at a time. Invite questions. To check understanding, ask:
“In your own words, what do you understand Jesus has done for you?”
Or:
“What would you be depending on for God’s forgiveness?”
Helpful reminders
Let the seeker respond. Ask one question at a time and listen to the answer.
Use Scripture faithfully. Do not invent details or promise an outcome the passage does not promise.
Respect the person’s background. Avoid insulting their family, culture, or religious beliefs.
Clarify who Jesus is. A seeker may appreciate Jesus while understanding Him as another deity to add to existing worship. Ask, “Who do you understand Jesus to be?” Then explain His identity and saving work clearly and respectfully.
Care for their concern. Their grief, fear, loneliness, or distress deserves attention.
Be sensitive about possible opposition. Listen to concerns about following Jesus. Discuss possible family or community difficulties honestly, without pressuring someone to make disclosures that could put them at risk.
Offer a small bridge to the good news of Jesus Christ.
With appreciation: This resource was inspired by one of our coaches’ feedback. Thank you!