How to Be a Compassionate Storyteller, Memories of the Power Team, a Helpful Metaphor, and Thinking Addition vs. Multiplication

Episode Summary

In this episode, Derek and Danielle reminisce about the *Power Team* and over-the-top evangelistic events, discuss bringing structure to outside-the-walls deployment, dive into what it means to be a **Compassionate Storyteller**, and explore the difference between **addition and multiplication** in disciple-making.

SHOW NOTES

MEGACHURCH MEMORIES

  • The Power Team: Muscle-bound evangelists tearing phone books, bending metal bars, and sharing the gospel.
  • Attractional-based evangelism—what did it get right, and what missed the mark?
  • Memories of “Heaven’s Gates & Hell’s Flames” and Christian concerts.
  • Future topics: **The Church Van, Christian T-Shirts, Youth Group Games, Movie Clips.**

TRAINING NOTES

How Do We Bring Structure to Outside-the-Walls Deployment?

  • The **Aircraft Carrier Analogy**:
    • The church is not a cruise ship but a battleship.
    • Battles happen **off** the ship—church is a place to rest, refuel, and receive marching orders.
  • COVID forced churches to deploy—”We’re not closed, we’re deployed!”
  • Asking better questions: **What do deployed people need? When do they need it? How do we get it to them?**
  • Handcrafted structure: **Family, Neighborhood, Marketplace, Non-Profit, Affinity Group, Church.**

REINVENTING CHURCH TOPIC

How to Be a Compassionate Storyteller

  • Introducing **Pastor Sarah Burtt** and **Tracy Dailey**.
  • Sarah’s story: From bereaved mother to co-founder of **Emma’s Footprints**, supporting families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.
  • **Dream Disciple Role: Compassionate Storyteller**—”I know God’s story, my place in it, and am motivated to tell the people in my life.”
  • **Discipleship Questions**:
    • Where is God showing up in my story this week?
    • Who needs to hear God’s story through my story?

Guest Insights: Sarah Burtt & Tracy Dailey

  • **What is the origin story of Emma’s Footprints?**
  • **How has your story drawn you deeper into God’s story?**
  • **What does it look like to tell your story with purpose?**
  • **How do you recognize and step through an open door for a faith conversation?**
  • **What encouragement do you have for those hesitant to be Compassionate Storytellers?**

Key Principles of Compassionate Storytelling

  • **God’s Story Tool**: The Metanarrative of the Bible:
    • **Creation | Fall | Redemption | Mission | Restoration.**
  • **My Story Tool**:
    • **I once was… But now I am…**
  • **3 Truths About Your Story**:
    • Every Christian has a **gospel story** to tell.
    • It’s **hard to argue** with a personal testimony.
    • People who know you will **trust your story**.
  • **The WHO, WHAT, and HOW of Sharing Your Story** (1 Peter 3:15):
    • **Who?** Everyone who asks.
    • **What?** The reason for the hope you have.
    • **How?** With gentleness and respect.

WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK?

Thinking Addition vs. Multiplication

  • Conversation with **Dave Case** about inviting more people to **Handcrafted** vs. **developing more trainers** and letting disciple-making multiply.
  • Asking better questions to **focus on multiplication** rather than simple growth.

LINKS & RESOURCES

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