BY CHANDLER PATTERSON
"Stories are wild creatures. When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak?" -Patrick Ness
Human life is made up of stories—some are messy nightmares and others showcase good triumphing over evil. Storytelling is often a huge part of one's personal healing process. No matter the medium for sharing, stories are God-given, human experiences that are made to be told. Everyone has a story worth telling! God uses the Old Testament to tap into some of the messiness, but to ultimately reiterate his goodness in all of the brokenness. Many heroes of the faith began with self-absorbed lives, but because they trusted God to re-write their stories, their lives became known for being gospel-centered. The same applies to anyone who believes. It’s important to remember that our stories reflect God’s goodness, and none of it happens because of anything we’ve done but because of Christ who lives within us (Galatians 2:20).
There are countless stories out there and many ways to unpack them all—even modern approaches through film and television echo truths of the gospel. Sharing various ways our lives have changed because of Jesus helps us connect with each other’s spiritual formation. The main question is… where do I begin, or how do I share my story with others so it makes sense?
Here are four questions you can answer to help shape your story so you can share it with others.
- What was your life like before a relationship with Jesus became personal?
- How did you come to faith in Jesus?
- Did a person influence your decision?
- Did it happen during a church experience?
- What has your life been like since you started following Jesus?
- What is God currently teaching you in this season of life?
We recognize sensitivity and vulnerability during this process. It takes courage to share struggles and hurtful past experiences. But ultimately, others will be encouraged in their own journeys as we aren’t made to experience life in isolation. Your story is welcome in our community of grace! Start the process now at fellowshipgreenville.org/sharemystory, and we look forward to hearing from you as you continue to pursue life and mission with Jesus.
If you haven’t made the decision to trust Jesus with your life, we’d love to hear from you and help answer any questions you might have. Without God, our stories remain void. With him, they come alive, and we are made new. Allow him to shape your story today!
*We are a church located in Greenville, South Carolina. Our vision is to see God transform us into a community of grace passionately pursuing life and mission with Jesus.*
Connect With Us
Written by Chandler Patterson
Chandler grew up in the countryside of Charlotte, North Carolina. He has a passion for creative media, visual storytelling, and how the two work in unison to put the Gospel on display. He uses these passions in his current role as Communications Director at Fellowship Greenville! He is married to Kelly, and they have three kids (Silas, Avett, & Holly). Family time, music, playing soccer, bonfires, Cheerwine, and watching/reviewing movies are some of his favorite things.