The Importance of Cultivating Christian Storytelling
Christian storytelling brings scripture and everyday life into the same conversation. Jesus’ use of parables make the perfect (literally) example of what we mean. When people share stories that reveal scripture at work in the lives of relatable characters, readers recognize themselves from a space that allows them to view their thoughts and struggles more objectively… and feel less alone in their questions and struggles. Christian story—done well—builds trust and connection between reader and characters…and between reader and Christ.
Stories can create conversation about big things: doubt, forgiveness, calling, and hope. Instead of lectures, people hear lived examples of grace at work, told in language that feels familiar and real. Christian literature is distinguished by its Christian values. And Christian values are proven classics since they are grounded in the unchanging character of Christ.
So, if a story manages to reveal scriptural principles at work in the everyday lives of characters—whether set in realistic genres or fantastic ones—the story is of enduring quality and well worth the full support of a traditional publishing process.
The Purpose of Christian Storytelling in Community Building
Christian storytelling serves a clear purpose: it gathers people around the truths of Scripture in ways that feel personal and accessible… in ways that reach the heart, not just the mind. Rather than sharing doctrine through teaching (expository writing), stories (narrative) reveals how biblical themes play out in ordinary days—and the most effective do so in ways that move the heart to action! Many classics exist that help their readers examine love, grace, and mercy in action. Who will write the stories that pull those eternal values into the modern age? Will you?!
Stories also act as a shared language for the community. Sure, when people reference the same parables, testimonies, or faith-based scenes, they draw from a common well of images and lessons.
But… what if we prioritized retelling those ideas in ways that connect meaningfully with modern audiences?!
People aren’t getting dumber. They’re growing numb. Stories reawaken that part of us that may be buried by life’s disappointments—but, when stirred—cries out for meaning, for relevancy, and for right relationship with our purpose through our creator! Christ honoring stories don’t have to evangelize to stir that longing.
Of course, they can evangelize! We’re simply pointing out that scripture itself models a vast array of different types of stories that serve different purposes. But all of them rekindle the God-given longing for life and meaning beyond the physical.
Other Powerful Effects of Christian Story
Unity: Retelling stories in groups, whether during small-group gatherings, youth nights, or church events, creates collective memory. Over time, people recall not only the stories themselves but also where they were when they heard them and who sat beside them. That sense of “we were there together” builds belonging. It reminds community members that they are part of something larger than their own timeline.
Relationship: Christian storytelling also encourages empathy. When someone shares a testimony of grief, doubt, or recovery, listeners learn to see beyond surface impressions. They begin to understand the weight others carry and the faith that sustains them. This deepened empathy often leads to more practical care: prayer, visits, and quiet acts of service that might not have happened without hearing the story first.
Understanding: In this way, storytelling becomes a kind of shared classroom. Every narrative can hold a lesson about kindness, courage, forgiveness, or perseverance. When communities take time to reflect together—asking what they notice, what they relate to, and how they feel called to respond—they move beyond passive listening. Learning becomes collective, and spiritual growth becomes a shared project instead of a solitary effort.
By using Christian storytelling regularly, communities form stronger bonds and clearer purpose. People begin to recognize how their individual journeys fit into a broader story of God’s work among them. That awareness makes it easier to support one another, carry burdens together, and face challenges with a unified sense of hope.
Honoring God Through Narrative Craft
Faith-based storytelling also has a creative side: the craft of writing and shaping narratives that honor God by faithfulness to his revealed word to believers is an immensely inspiring and rewarding pursuit. When writers approach their work as an act of worship, they think carefully about how characters, plots, and settings reflect the heart of the gospel. The goal is not to force a message but to let spiritual truth run naturally through the story’s choices and outcomes. The oft-cited adage is true: Story doesn’t tell. It shows.
To deepen that focus, consider these techniques:
Boldly Infuse Characters with Christian Values/Desires/Motivations: Create characters whose actions and development reflect Christian virtues such as humility, generosity, and hope. These traits should guide their decisions and growth throughout the story. Sure, there are stories of broken believers (read Samson’s, Mary Magdelene’s & Jonah’s true stories). Yes, there are complete failures (read Saul’s, Jezebel, & Judas’ true stories). But not every believer fails! It’s realistic to make room for the classic heroes, too (read Joseph’s, Joshua’s, Esther’s, Ruth’s, & John the Baptist’s true stories). And of course, no flawed human character is above experiencing failure (read the true stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Miriam, and more!).
Devote Care to Realistic Setting: Fiction must still be believable. The Bible compares believers to strangers and aliens for a reason. Even when they fail, characters who are infused with Christian values, desires, and/or motivations—when dropped into a realistic setting—can’t help but lead to intense conflict! Even in their simplest acts (read Stephen’s true story—as what it is, a story…not moralistic preaching—and you cannot help but be moved). Christ-following characters, no matter how simple or how weak they may be, cannot help but stir readers to Christ when the events of story reveal the unjust persecution of them by a world who is made uncomfortable by who they stand for.
Avoid Preaching: Structure your narrative to embody a lesson drawn from Scripture; this could be a retelling of biblical parables or crafting new tales with underlying Christian principles like redemption or faith. But show—don’t tell. Let events and character actions speak silently…actively. Avoid explaining their decisions, narrating their emotions, etc. And don’t give a moral lesson. Show consequences in a realistic and relatable way. Use story to peel back the temporal blinders non-believers wear—to reveal what is eternal and lasting (Paul himself reminds us that appearances are deceiving in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
Be Aware of Symbolic Imagery and Metaphors: Be wise about how imagery and symbols that hold biblical significance influence your message—and use them in keeping with scripture. For example, light can symbolize Christ, and the prodigal path can represent the journey toward redemption. But they don’t have to be cliché, either! Fantasy readers: Sign up for her newsletter to stay tuned for availability of A.D. Merci’s upcoming fantasy novel for an innovative Christian take on classic literary dragon tropes! It provides a great example of how modern authors can spark creative conversation by giving new perspective to traditional literary symbols and tropes while remaining faithful to doctrine. For a more classic fantasy example, we'd cite Lewis's nuanced "Myth Became Fact"; he offers new perspective on the word myth while keeping his message faithful to Paul's use of the word in scripture. Modern authors delight in bending rules and challenging stereotypes, Christian writers can do so with extra power because—when rooted in scriptural principles—their fresh perspectives also remain eternally true!
Craft Dialogues that Reflect Faith: Write dialogues that not only further the plot but also delve into spiritual discussions, allowing characters to debate, question, and affirm their beliefs in a way that echoes the teachings of Christ. But please… not like those cliché Christian movies that we all love despite knowing nobody casually talks like that preacher/father character! Real conversations are fragmented, uncertain, probing… we process verbally and imperfectly, usually blundering our way to the point where we eventually see what we were trying to avoid or hide from ourselves! It’s rare that we respond honestly to a friend’s simple, “How you doing?” Dialogue isn’t a license to tell! It is an opportunity to show—realistically—how the human struggle gropes to overcome self-deception, naivety, and other honest human limitations.
Give God Credence: The world often shames plots that rely on the miraculous because they do not acknowledge its source. We encourage Christian writers to lean into—rest into—the deeper reality of Christ! He defeated death! (1 Corinthians 15:55) What can hold him? (Acts 2:24) What power can possibly do anything to one of his children without God’s use of events for good in the lives of those who love him? (Romans 8:28 & 38-39). For the Christian character, even death represents a victory over the flesh. Christian fiction is characterized by its sudden and unexpected turn for good.
Purposeful Christian narrative is anything but boring—it is a space of infinite possibilities because it is grounded in the miraculous, supernatural, incomparable character of the Creator of all things!
Still, experienced story crafters know the value of keeping stories grounded and approachable. Instead of relying on long explanations, writers can “show” faith through believable character arcs and real-life tensions. A flawed character learning to forgive, a community rallying around someone in crisis, or a quiet answer to prayer can all point to God without turning the story into a sermon. In these ways, Christian authors reveal eternal wonder in the everyday!
This kind of storytelling invites readers to think deeply, to question honestly, not just agree so that we’ll stop arguing and leave them alone! When spiritual questions unfold through dialogue and events, readers can wrestle alongside the characters. They recognize doubts, fears, and longings that feel familiar. Over time, this shared wrestling can open the door to meaningful conversations in families, churches, and communities.
Ultimately, storytelling must become a ministry, as well as worship. Each story offers a setting where readers can explore what they believe, see God’s character from another angle, and consider how the gospel might shape their own decisions. In that way, written narratives join spoken testimonies as powerful tools for community-building and spiritual reflection. If it doesn’t serve the reads of real readers—it won’t get read. Christian authors cannot delude themselves into believing that people just want to read along as you explore your creative fantasies. That’s a worldly way of thinking that leads to many mainstream books that do little more than satiate human appetites for sin.
Enhancing Spiritual and Creative Growth in Youth
Christian storytelling can be especially impactful for middle grade and YA readers. Statistically (often because of school), these ages read the most books—and these years happen to be particularly full of questions about identity, purpose, and belief. What a perfect opportunity this represents for modern Christian authors! Giving young people the chance to access Christ-centered stories helps them process those questions in a safe and imaginative way. They begin to see how Scripture intersects with friendships, school, family, and future plans. If only Christian literature approached modern issues with the same blatant honesty that the world does: for we know Christ: the only cure for such confusion!
We need young Christian writers willing new stories that set timeless truths into the settings of modernity and all its issues. When young people craft their own stories, they practice putting their inner world into words. And they don’t have to be fantastic! Writing about a character facing peer pressure, moving to a new school, or feeling distant from God takes on power when infused with authentic voice and relatable honesty. As Christ-followers craft such narratives, they invite readers to explore their own feelings and choices without having to name everything directly. The story becomes a mirror and a workshop for their faith.
Writing realistic stories is hard! Being genuine while sensitive to the fullness of scripture adds complexity to the task—which is where editing and the right community come into play. When grounded in truth and grace, group storytelling activities also create room for honest conversation. Writing circles, drama teams, youth devotionals, or digital story projects invite teens to share what they have created and explain why it matters to them. Listening to each other builds empathy and reminds them that doubts and struggles are not unique to one person. This shared vulnerability can lead to stronger friendships and deeper trust.
Grace helps us let go of the arguments that aren’t essential to salvation—and truth prevents us from believing there is some grey area we can play in. Scripture leaves no room for grey areas:
"This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." 1 John 1:5-10.
Creative storytelling supports spiritual growth by requiring authors to look closely at Scripture as the source of true, worthy story. When we adapt a parable to a modern setting or write from the perspective of a biblical character, we must slow down and think about motivation, conflict, and resolution. This careful attention often reveals new details in familiar passages and makes the text feel more alive.
A structured program or community space devoted to this work can help young creatives grow even further. Workshops, writing prompts, and gentle feedback give them tools to improve their craft. Opportunities to share work with a wider audience—through readings, digital publications, or collaborative projects—affirm their gifts and show them that their voices matter in the wider body of Christ.
As youth learn to tell stories shaped by Christian themes, they become contributors to the community’s shared narrative, not just receivers. Their perspectives, questions, and creativity enrich everyone. Over time, their stories help bridge gaps between generations, model honest faith for younger children, and bring fresh energy into the life of the church or ministry.
Strengthening Your Community Through Stories
Christian storytelling has the power to draw people closer to God and to one another. When you use stories with intention—whether in small groups, youth ministries, or personal writing—you create spaces where faith feels lived-in, honest, and shared. Those shared narratives can steady hearts, spark conversation, and deepen unity.
If you are ready to grow in this kind of storytelling, it helps to have guidance, community, and practical tools. A well-supported space for writers and readers can offer workshops, challenges, and connections that help you sharpen your craft while staying rooted in Scripture. As you learn, you are better equipped to serve your church, family, and neighborhood through the stories you tell. Anistemi Author’s Academy is the place for serious writers ready to pursue a professional calling.
Our Anistemi Membership serves as a simple means to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about Christ-honoring narratives. With this membership, you gain access to a variety of workshops, community events, and writing challenges that are designed to not only sharpen your storytelling skills but also deepen your ability to creatively apply Christian values to literary fiction—and even commercial fiction! At Anistemi Publishing, we are dedicated to helping Christians use all kinds of story to strengthen communities and honor God!
For more personalized guidance, feel free to contact us at [email protected] or call (509) 560-8360.
