Traditional sermons have long been the foundation of preaching, offering deep reflection and theological insight. Yet they can also be challenging for listeners who learn best through dialogue, storytelling, and interaction. What if sermons could invite participation rather than passive listening?

The Living Stories Model

Living Stories Sermons is a method of preaching that replaces the monologue with interactive, participatory storytelling and wonder. Rooted in Montessori-inspired pedagogy, Living Stories invites participants into the work of meaning-making through tactile storytelling and open-ended wondering questions. Rather than analyzing scripture from a distance, Living Stories encourages direct engagement: seeing, hearing, and experiencing the sacred narrative together.

Living Stories Sermons emerged as a model of preaching at the weekly eucharistic service at St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco, California as we were regathering from the pandemic. We are now delighted to share it widely with other congregations that wish to explore this co-creative preaching model with us.

While Living Stories draws inspiration from Godly Play, there are key differences. Godly Play is primarily designed for children in formation settings, whereas Living Stories is integrated into the Sunday liturgy and invites people of all ages to co-interpret scripture and create a sermon together.

The preacher tells the gospel story using simple wooden figures and felt underlays to make the narrative visually and tactilely engaging. Rather than delivering a pre-written homily, the preacher serves as a facilitator who guides a communal exploration of the story through wondering questions. The sermon emerges in the moment from the reflections and insights of the congregation.

Living Stories honors the communal nature of interpreting scripture and follows the rubrics for worship in eucharistic liturgies according to “The Book of Common Prayer.” The gospel is spoken in its typical place in the liturgy, and simultaneously, scripture is enacted with Montessori-inspired figurines. When it comes time for the sermon, instead of a single voice speaking on their own, Living Stories sermons embody radical hospitality by valuing every voice, regardless of age or background. While reimagining the sermon, Living Stories maintains liturgical integrity and remains faithful to the rhythms and structure of traditional worship.

What Preaching with Living Stories Looks Like

1. Preparing

Preparation, of course, is key. Preachers need to conduct biblical exegesis as they would for any sermon, so that they are fully prepared to support their congregation in doing the work of scriptural interpretation. But rather than writing out a thesis-paper-length sermon, the preacher uses a script (like those we are producing at St. Gregory’s, which we share freely with interested preachers), gathers their story materials, and prepares to facilitate the congregation in creating a sermonic response to the story in the moment of worship.

2. Sharing the Story

Using simple, tactile materials such as wooden figures, fabric underlays, and printed images, the preacher enacts the scripture reading. As the preacher tells the story, they move the figures and props to represent key characters, actions, and settings, bringing the narrative to life. This multisensory storytelling invites participants to experience scripture in a holistic way, engaging not just their ears, but also their eyes, their hearts, and their imaginations. This physical representation of the story helps the congregation immerse themselves more fully in the biblical narrative, fostering deeper emotional and spiritual connections. The storyteller’s goal here is clarity and simplicity, allowing the story to speak for itself.

3. Wondering and Facilitating with the Community

Sharing the work of scriptural interpretation is essential. Using wondering questions to guide discussion rather than forcing conclusions allows for genuine engagement and authentic construction of spiritual formation. When participants feel that their voices matter, they are more likely to connect with the story and discover meaning that resonates with their own lives.

Mirroring back participants’ insights ensures that all voices are heard and valued and reinforces the communal aspect of interpretation. This practice also deepens theological engagement by allowing participants to build on each other’s reflections, creating a richer and more dynamic exploration of scripture.

Creating a culture of participation is fundamental. Encouraging open-ended reflection rather than seeking “right” answers allows individuals to engage more freely, offering their thoughts without fear of judgment. This fosters a space where people can express curiosity, develop theological imaginations, and make connections between the biblical story and their lived experiences. Over time, this practice cultivates a congregation that is more comfortable exploring the mysteries of faith together.

How to Begin with Living Stories

For those interested in trying Living Stories Sermons out, I invite you to begin by exploring the Living Stories website, which provides training documents on facilitation and storytelling, and to reach out by email with any questions. I also invite you to sign up for one of St. Gregory’s free monthly workshops on Zoom. Workshop attendees will gain access to all Living Stories scripts and resources, which include digital materials as well as pointers for sourcing physical materials.

When you are ready to share Living Stories on a Sunday with your congregation, you may find it beneficial to begin on a special occasion, such as a family service or a designated intergenerational Sunday. Such occasions often give the preacher the excuse to try something new. Because Living Stories follows the Revised Common Lectionary completely, however, you can use it in any Sunday’s worship.

Go and Do Likewise

Living Stories is simple to start but deeply transformative. The transition from traditional preaching to a co-creative storytelling model requires a shift in mindset to preaching with your entire congregation. This shift acknowledges that there is already more than enough wisdom in the room; theological meaning can emerge not solely through the preacher, but through the shared wisdom of the gathered community. When embraced fully, Living Stories nurtures a more engaged and spiritually connected congregation, where each individual is empowered to explore and interpret scripture in a way that is personally and communally meaningful.

Preaching doesn’t have to be a one-way street. Living Stories invites the whole congregation into the sacred work of preaching, affirming that every voice has a role in interpreting scripture. By fostering an environment where people can explore faith together, churches cultivate deeper relationships with the gospel and with each other. This model revitalizes worship, turning sermons into interactive experiences where faith is both shared and shaped in community. By experimenting with this model, churches can discover a more dynamic, participatory approach to engaging with the living Word of God.

Try it, explore its potential, and see how it transforms your church’s engagement with scripture.

For more resources and guidance on Living Stories Sermons, visit
www.livingstoriessermons.org.

Featured image is provided by St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco, California.